Regular Dad

Monday Monday, Can't Trust That Day

My Monday started off on the wrong foot, briefly improved when I played Shinny, and then steadily went downhill.  Ending with me bleeding and wondering if I broke my f'n thumb (still inconclusive).  
But I think I know what's going on with the chimney.  I could be wrong, but my theory makes a lot of sense.  Not sure exactly how we fix it, but I'm sure a pro will know.
I'm sure you've been waiting with bated breath to hear my opinion of the SuperBowl halftime show.  Listen and learn (and probably think less of me).  
And what would a SuperBowl be without old heads like me complaining about how all the commercials suck.  Cause they do.  Kids/teens today are getting robbed of a cultural phenomenon .  
Enjoy!

My Chimney is Giving Bad Karma

It may come as a shock, but I do actually believe in a version of karma.  Kind of a...midwestern karma.  Like, be cool and happy and people will return that same energy.  
I got me some more Driftless Glen.  But is it still worth hauling it back from Chicago?  
And my chimney issues are continuing.  There's a cold backdraft coming back in the water heater flue.  Which prevents those from venting properly and sucks fireplace smoke into the basement.  Buy a house they said.  It's awesome they said.
Enjoy!

I Guess the Real Storm Fell Out of Hyperspace, too.

We have survived what became a disappointing snowstorm.  Err, I mean, 8" is a HUGE amount.  Of snow.  Delivered in one night.  Totally wasn't hoping for more.  
I've got our BWCA permit for this summer.  Did my big-boy thing and scored the exact permit I wanted.  Next up, planning details. 
Middle West Spirits Michelone Reserve Bourbon.  Over-hyped like everything else coming out of Ohio, or a solid pour?
And oh, I've got a grievance.  A stupid one, too.  And I'm starting to pile up several against a certain franchise for a variety of reasons.  
Enjoy!

Addison Isn't Just the Street Wrigley Field Is On

Sorry I missed a week, but things went pretty sideways last week and I just couldn't get it done.  
Big news, our 5yo goldendoodle was diagnosed with Addison's disease.  And it came on with really no warning.  Couple days of worrying, night at the doggie ER, but we're back to normal now.  A normal that involves a life of hormone replacements.  
Pop quiz, at my age, do you think a 2-day span that goes skiing-Bears-Hockey-skiing-hockey is a good idea?  No.  No it's not.  I felt like luke-warm ass on Tuesday.  But at least I didn't pee behind a dumpster.  
Enjoy!

Let's Keep Moving the Sticks in 2026!

Yep, that was one of my more douchey titles, but I'm really fighting to not think about the Bears game and therefore have less brainpower than normal for everything else.  
2025 will go down as a successful year.  Was it the year I hoped to have?  Not quite.  But I do feel like I moved the needle in a positive direction on almost everything. 
High Wire Distilling's Jimmy Red Double Oak.  Crappy craft whiskey, or bourbon worth starting the new year with?
Buckle up for a long, winding journey about something I'm planning for this summer.  Still don't know how things got so wordy, but it is what it is.
Enjoy!

It's 780 Miles to Chicago, We've Got a Full Tank of Gas, Half Pack of Ritz..

The holidays are upon us.  Am I ready?  From a gifting and travel standpoint, sure.  Am I mentally and emotionally ready?  We'll find out.  It won't be the relaxing, chill time with my family from the days of old.  But I'd be naive to set my sights on that. 
Once again, I've gained slightly more awareness on how the Christmas machine tends to steamroll everything else.  Which is just the way the Catholic church has always done business.  
Another blind sample is up for review.  Do I like it?  Can I successfully guess any part of what it is?  
Take time to reach out to those in your circle.  Make sure they're doing okay.  Or if you're the one who's struggling, find someone to talk to.  Anyone.  Don't do what Donnie Don't does, and bottle it all up. 
Enjoy!

Let's Kick the Tires and Light The Menorahs!

It's Hanukkah time!  At least it is now.  And I think it was a mere 6 hours (or so) away when I was recording this. 
I won't lie, I don't recall exactly what I talked about nor in what order.  So I'll just list some probables here and hope it matches.  Although again, I'm not sure anyone reads this...
Bears lost to the Packers.  But played them into the 4th quarter, so it's really a victory for us.  
The back half of the week got stupidly busy.  And that annoys me.  Nothing new here.
Cracked sample #1 from the 12 days of Christmas blind whiskey kit I put together with Bourbon of the Week.  And friggin' nailed it!  Although I had a 1/12 shot of getting it.  
And ole Grandpa Rivers is coming back to play some NFL football.  44, haven't played since COVID, has a grandchild.  Sounds like a perfect time to come back and start for the Colts.  
Enjoy!

Can They Vaccinate Against Catching Strays?

I can officially say I Thanksgivinged too hard this year.  No singular element went too far, but I turned too many dials up to 7.  I need a few at 8 and a few at 3.  And a day-ish where everything is sub-5.  
Bears-Packers is this weekend.  I haven't been this legitimately excited for a Bears game in many years.  I don't think we'll win the game, but I do think we'll get a moral victory out of this. 
And once again I inadvertently hit a friend with strays while trying to make fun of someone else.  No feelings were actually hurt (or so they say), but I gotta be more aware.  I just never thought we'd be debating some of the things were now debating.  Crazy days. 
I got a blind Advent calendar!  Usually full of very good samples.  Let's crack one on air and see what's up. 
Enjoy!

Wanna Listen to a Squirrel Fight?

I did my best to keep this episode un-chaotic, and mostly failed.  Just know that what you hear is a tip of the iceburg for the tire fire in my head.  
Another Thanksgiving is in the books.  This year it was us, my MIL, and our friends from up the street.  It's a strange roster on paper, but it was right.  And I only had to cook 2 turkeys and 3 pies!  
New Riff 8yr Bourbon.  Are they maturing nicely, or should they just stick to 4-6 year and special heritage rye? 
And yeah, I've got a grievance.  And shockingly, it's another driving-related one.  At least it aligns with the rest of my personality, so it's on brand.  
Enjoy!

But Can He Put a Turkey in Orbit?!

I've officially at the age when I just no longer can stay up super late even when I'm home semi-alone.  But I did have the best of intentions.  
Chauncey Manor has a beautiful, new HVAC system.  High-efficiency furnace and A/C.  While I probably could have just repaired the current system and gotten another 3-5 years out of it, this will put a big dent in our utility bills and give me 1 less thing to worry about for the next 10 years. 
Rare Character Rye up for review.  Over-priced hype job?  Or a well-chosen low-rye rye from MGP?
Turns out Elon Musk has really put a stranglehold on not just our ability to put things into space, but also unrestricted internet for large chunks of the world.  And as you'd expect, he can giveth and taketh away based on his shifting allegences.  Not sure if that's really a good thing...
Enjoy!