Regular Dad

Let's Go Pick a Barrel of Maryland Rye!

Another weekend, another full slate of activities.  At least this round left a paper bag of soon-to-be-stale bagels behind.  But it was fun seeing some far-off in-laws for a few hours.  And now I can say a professional from the ice cream industry has tried, and liked, my blueberry pie frozen custard.
I got to run down to Baltimore to do an in-person barrel pick!  A local whiskey-tuber was doing a pick at Sagamore Spirit, and I got to tag along.  Did we pick the right barrel from the 4 offered?  Only time will tell.
Do I recommend something?  Maybe.
Did I add a new counter-segment where I bitch about things?!  Maybe.  And by maybe I mean yes.  
Enjoy!

You wanna put that camera where?!

Well, it was a busy week with just as many Ls as Ws.  Split series some would say.  A lot of good news-bad news-neutral news.  And do I spend too much time talking about one of those?  Maaaaaayyyyybe.  
Sports Report!  Kids, pros, whatever it takes.  But guess what?  The Cubs are on fire again!!  I don't remember the last almost May I was still super excited about the Cubs.  Such a great feeling.  
Did someone ask for a little twist on the whiskey reviews?  No?  Well too friggin' bad, you're getting one.  But does it work in my favor...
If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only eat 1 sandwich, would it be a hot dog?
Enjoy!

You Some Fine Looking Blankets, Won't You Back That Thang Up!

My lower back, which is made of a very stout graham cracker, has failed me yet again.  Crappy AirBnb bed + Hockey = herniated disc.  But on the spectrum of all the times I've done it, it's not that bad.  Very managable.  
Wanna hear a secret?  I LOVE me some blankets.  One of the few downsides to even the highest-class travel is that no road bed will ever match my home setup.  HOF level blanket setup I've got here and I'll die on that hill.
Jack Daniels, which identifies as a Tennessee Whiskey even though it's also a bourbon (big no-no right now...), is up for a review.  Single Barrel Barrel Proof.  Lots of words, but is it also lots of awesome?
Duncan's playing lacrosse, Myles is back in the travel soccer game, and I've got more beef with the NIL and transfer portal after the antics of a certain QB from a certain school that sings about a certain mountain with rocks on top of it.  
Then we wrap with a little Chef Recommends and some rambling.  
Enjoy!

Why is there a 20ft tall naked statue of my buddy Dave?

We hath returned safely from Italy!  And except for a few minor speed bumps (one being on Myles's face), the trip went shockingly well.  
Rome was, well Rome.  It was pretty similar to how I remember it being 20 years ago.  Very different set of activities than last time, but the kids aren't really down for just sitting in a piazza sipping wine for an hour or two.  
Pompeii is incredible.  Especially after learning more about the history, how the eruption went down, how long the city was just buried and forgotten, the excavation, all of it.  
Florence is now a very close 2nd to Rome in terms of my favorite Italian cities.  Real tough battle since I've been to Italy twice and have only seen 5 cities.  
Enjoy!

Do You Want to Hear Some Secrets?

But Only Over Signal Text.  {Title and that sung to the tune of Do You Want to Build a Snowman}We had a lovely weekend with Hayley's brother and his wife.  Talked, played games, cooked meats, the works.  
Once again, the Trump administration is caught operating outside of the rule of law.  And lying about it and making excuses for why it's not a big deal.  They just keep stacking up issue after issue.  And I don't know how people keep defending it.  But here we are.  
Squirrels!  They have once again proven to be more than just a worthy adversary.  This time by lulling me into a sense of security and then springing into action.  But fret not dear listeners, I'll up my game and win this war.  As I always do. 
Enjoy!

You're Playing Checkers, I'm Playing Tetris With Mosquitos

It was a mud bog of a week.  Just could never get any traction, never get momentum, constantly on my heels playing reactive.  
But hey, March Madness has officially started madening.  And Purdue hasn't sh@t the bed yet!  Although because of the stupid week I can't use my not-so-clever jokes about perfect brackets. 
Woodinville small batch is up for a review.  Pot still goodness?  Or hot garbage?  
Hayley checks in on me and we fight our way to the end of the episode.  Selling this well, ain't I?
Enjoy!

ToiletValves, Duncs Issues, BBC HighWheat, QAWorkBeef

It was a very enjoyable spring weekend here.  Watched some middle-school basketball in Villanova's arena followed by a grown-folks lunch at one of our favorite spots.  
The dark clouds with Duncs weren't nearly as bad as feared.  Just a minor reoccurance of some lingering things.  Now we need to teach him to play the political game so he stops being the fall guy every time.
Bardstown Bourbon Company is up again, this time their High Wheat offering from their origin series.  Does it stand up to the rest of the origins?
Who likes hearing about my vague work beef?  No one?  Well too bad!  If stubborn, unrelenting QA people are going to drag me down, I'm bringing y'all with.  But hey, I'm sure I drop a stupid hot take or 2.  
Enjoy!

Refocused, Union Suite, HighLine Bourbon

I'm getting re-focused this episode.  I feel like I've slipped from my 2025 mantra of better organization and less rambling.  
Apparently the Philly Union will let anyone into a suite, cause that's where our whole family found ourselves Saturday night.  Not surprisingly this was a Hayley connection. My degenerate friends can't pull this level of perk.  Were Duncan and I on our behavior?  Did Myles shun us like a typical middle schooler?  
High Line Straight Bourbon is up for a review.  Grabbed it while ordering something else since that 2nd bottle is essentially free shipping.  
And that's all, folks.  
Enjoy!

Kids Sports, Work Rant, Screaming Titan, Kids Boundaries

We had a very enjoyable weekend extended of skiing and sports here.  Duncan is now really good at skiing, his lack of adrenaline-seeking is the only thing holding him back.  Myles...can really ski.  I mean, he can really shred it up.  Not so much on jumps, yet, but he's got time.  And Myles's BBall team had an epic comeback victory Monday night.  Really impressive stuff.
How long has it been since I talked work?  Forever?  Probably.  I don't like doing it ever, but I've got some ranting to get out of my system and this is my vehicle for it. 
Redwood Empire is back in the review circle.  This time, Screaming Titan.  Do I love this one as well, or are we headed for a break-up? 
Am I being too hard on the kids, or am I just re-establishing healthy boundaries around their behavior?  That's a great question.  And how old is too old to spank?  
Enjoy!

Valentines, Malted Rye, Kendric, BBall Advice

Did something happen on Friday?  The 14th?  Seems like there was more pink and flowers and chocolate than normal.  Interesting.  Kidding, but it is my most ignored celebratory day of the year.  
New Riff 6-year Malted Rye.  I mean, am I really going to pass on a cool New Riff project?  But is it up to par...
How did I not discuss the SuperBowl Halftime show last episode?!  It kinda works out since now I've actually seen all of it and learned about some of the little things in it.  And I had a nice segway into my own pettiness. 
And more!
Enjoy!