Reason to Gather
I’m ashamed to note that it has been over a month since I’ve posted! In my defense, it has been a busy month. We really missed seeing people since COVID. As our local numbers have gone down, and safety measures have gone, we’ve made points to gather. Still outside so we can enjoy the great weather and colors before winter sets in. To be frank, I’m not looking forward to winter. I hate being cold and I really miss the local flowers and the green in our forests.
A lot has happened to help put the importance of reaching out to others at the top of my self care list. Over the past two couple of years I’ve had a chance to reflect on the people in my life. Some really stand out as those who bring out the best in me (I hope I did the same). Also, there are people who stand out in my mind as easy to talk to, fun to be with, effortless to connect to. You know, those true friends that you can just pick up where you left off. Or those special people that were your friend for life in the first five minutes of meeting. I love them all even if we have lost touch. As the dust settled and I came to grips with the seriality of the lock down, I started reaching out to those people. Friends from childhood, friends from college, friends from summers in the woods. I must tell you it felt really good! I need to make a point to stay in touch. Is it selfish to say I wanted more? I wanted to talk to more of those friends and I’d love to see them. I wanted to grab a beer with them, go for a hike, or get lost in a corn maze together. So, that’s where I’ve been this last month.
I don’t think finding a specific reason to gather really matters, but if you need one, it’s because we missed each other. And frankly, because it’s fun!
BrewFlowers Sit and Sip
Let’s start with sipping with friends! Long time friend and BrewFlower, Dr. Hazy Daisy, came by with her partner, beautiful beers, and FLOWERS! We called up another old friend, Rose Hips, and sat on the patio trying all the brews, enjoying the blooms, and catching up. It had been way too long. The friends that gathered here were all able to pick up where they were left off. Of course we needed to fill each other in on all the latest life news, but that became icing on the cake. If you would like to repeat this recipe yourself you will need:
The last ingredient is the most important. You MUST make time to gather. We will always find excuses. “My house isn’t clean enough” or “I don’t want to get a sitter” or “I’m tired.” But make it happen! It will feed your soul and your heart!
Our Line Up…
420 Extra Pale Ale
from SweetWater Brewing Company
To start our evening (and while we set up) we choose one of my all time favorites. I’ve always loved the hoppy, but not too hoppy flavors in SweetWater’s 420 EPA I highly recommend this beer! Especially with pizza!
5.7% ABV
Sunglasses at Night
from Urban Orchard Cider Co
A semi-sweet fruity cider. Made with fresh summer strawberries and basil. We all loved how easy this cider was to drink and really enjoyed the basil finish.
6.0% ABV
Basic Beach Blueberry Sour
from Freehouse Brewery
A berlinerwiesse style sour wheat rested on organic blueberries. This sour ale may have been my favorite beer this weekend. Very light and crisp! Perfect for the end of summer.
Bonus! Beautiful can art!
4.5% ABV
By Any Other Name
from the Artifact Cider Project
This is a lovely cider in a delicious can! Crafted with blueberries, which gave this brew a pretty pink color! I really couldn't get over this can. We HAD to pair it with all the flowers we had on hand for a photo. Hope you enjoy this eye candy as much as we did!
6.0% ABV
Wesser Evil
from Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
To end the evening we paired my fresh baked, double-chocolate, walnut brownies with Lazy Hiker's classic porter! I'm crazy for porters paired with desserts! Especially with chocolate! It was a rich and comforting ending to the evening.
5.75% ABV
I didn’t know it at the time, but I really had needed this get-together. I want to thank Mac for helping me make it happen. Thank you to long time brew drinking buddy, Rose Hips, for always being such great company. I want to thank Dr. Hazy Daisy and Josh “Barley” for making the trip, bringing such gorgeous brews, and gifting us with such spectacular flowers! Special thanks to my mother for her help too!
Just thinking about it and I’m feeling the love all over again!
I wish and hope, all of you can have your own BrewFlowers Sit and Sip soon!
