Is it Christmas yet?

Greetings, fellow advocates! I guess it's about time. My name is Tom, going on 9 years here and enjoying every one. As Cris Carter said in his HoF induction speech, "Buckeye born and bred." South Columbus hillbilly, Marion-Franklin H.S. (IYKYK), alumnus of THE Ohio State University. Confessional Lutheran, certified and rostered Director of Christian Outreach (Emeritus) in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Thus my username (DCO+Tom) and avatar (OSU flag). I am a semi-retired direct support provider in a care facility for individuals with mental illness. Prior to that, I was a church outreach director and youth catechist. Prior to that, I was a student in the Christian outreach program at Concordia University, St. Paul, MN. Prior to that, I was a Banyan Vines network administrator in a chemical research facility. Prior to that, I was a microcomputer technician in a manufacturing facility. Prior to that, I was an accounting temp. Prior to that, I was a statistician in a state government agency. That was my first gig out of college (math major, tOSU). I've been in my current job for almost 17 years, longest of any job I've had. I "retired" in February 2022 and switched to part-time. Same pay, less stress, no on-call weekends.

I guess I had my first "craft beer" back in the late 90's, when I managed to score a few bottles of Alaskan Smoked Porter through a missionary I worked with in Ekuk and Aniak. I didn't really appreciate it at the time since I was more of a wine drinker. The real beer journey started in Waverly, IA, at a Hy-Vee Wine Club meeting. The W&S manager was planning his holiday shows and offered some samples of Deschutes' Fresh Squeezed and Black Butte Porter. Thus began my slide into hophead depravity. I've since branched out into single-malt Scotch, bourbon, classic and spirit-forward cocktails, you name it. The irony is that I don't drink much alcohol at all. I guess I just enjoy exploring the culinary aspects of it. I appreciate most beer styles (AAL's not so much) and I have completed a couple of "style quests" here. After the last style reclassifications, I find myself short by two: Czech Pale Lager and Grodziskie. I'm looking to track these down this summer.

I have a 9-year-old Australian Shepherd named Kaito. "Aussie by bloodline, Hawkeye by birth, Buckeye by choice." Occasional squirrel chaser and beer drinker, inveterate road tripper (33 states and counting), and full-time pain in the ass. If you're a follower of WBAYDN?, you probably know that the Advent/Christmas season is my favorite time of the year. That's when I temporarily lower the OSU flag and fly the seasonal avatars in its place. I look forward every year to coming up with a different 12 Days of Christmas (plus Christmas Eve and Epiphany) beer lineup, with carols, hymns, and sacred art. (I'd better get busy. It's only seven months away!)

There's so much more I could say, but I'll close with this: If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. Cheers, all!

 

And also to you, my friend!

That'll always be the dream!

 

Three that I highly recommend:

• SingleSpeed (Waterloo/Cedar Falls)
• Lion Bridge (Cedar Rapids)
• PIVO (Calmar)

I always referred to SingleSpeed as the Sixpoint of the Cedar Valley. They do lots of different styles very well, and they'll throw in a twist on a traditional style now and then. Lion Bridge is located in the Czech Village area of CR. They also do lots of different styles, including Czech lagers. To appreciate PIVO, you really have to visit their beautiful and tastefully-appointed tap room in Calmar. The beer is first-rate, the food is great, and they have an art studio on site. They offer several Czech lagers, an homage to the Czech heritage of the owners. As a bonus, PIVO is only ten miles down the road from TG.

I - O!!!