I like this time at night on HBT

[LabRatBrewer]

Spent hours preparing to defend my client on a civil contempt. Had everything in order, my opening statement polished, questions ready, etc. Judge calls our case and says, "This contempt is so poor plead I am going to dismiss the case" (meaning I win). Judge looks at me and says, "Counsel do you want to say anything?" Me, "Nope". Grab my files and leave. Almost disappointed that I didn't get to put the case on, almost. Never talk yourself out of a win.

 

[CreamyGoodness]

Spent hours preparing to defend my client on a civil contempt. Had everything in order, my opening statement polished, questions ready, etc. Judge calls our case and says, "This contempt is so poor plead I am going to dismiss the case" (meaning I win). Judge looks at me and says, "Counsel do you want to say anything?" Me, "Nope". Grab my files and leave. Almost disappointed that I didn't get to put the case on, almost. Never talk yourself out of a win.

"No, your honor, but I would like to sing an a capella rendition of "somewhere over the rainbow" if it pleases the court.

 

[mcbaumannerb]

Spent hours preparing to defend my client on a civil contempt. Had everything in order, my opening statement polished, questions ready, etc. Judge calls our case and says, "This contempt is so poor plead I am going to dismiss the case" (meaning I win). Judge looks at me and says, "Counsel do you want to say anything?" Me, "Nope". Grab my files and leave. Almost disappointed that I didn't get to put the case on, almost. Never talk yourself out of a win.

A good man knows when to keep his mouth shut! Congrats on the "win"!

 

[mcbaumannerb]

So, ever since vacation ( a month past now) I've been trying to get "caught up" on this thread. Today I've realized it just ain't gonna happen. So...just time to get back into it.

BB - congrats on the new job. I can totally feel the pain of not being valued for what you due for the sake of family, but that doesn't make it easy to bolt from a job whee you've been for so long. Good luck on the new job and a for taking the one with less stress!

Dan,that's awesome you're on the path to reuniting with your wife in Hawaii! I would agree with finding a local handyman to take care of repairs and do semi-annual inspections. If you had issues it would be a major PIA to arrange from long distance if you didn't have this arrangement (and the inspections would ensure the renters weren't trashing your house.). Best of luck at any rate!

BobbiLynn - I have to say Jerry Garcia had you in mind when he wrote "A long strange trip!"

Some music to ponder ... A it haunting and definitely staying stuck in my mind lately...

 

[Leadgolem]

 

[Leadgolem]

I'm thinking I'd like to start something for Christmas this next week. Suggestions? I'm getting a little bored making cider.

 

[bottlebomber]

I'm thinking I'd like to start something for Christmas this next week. Suggestions? I'm getting a little bored making cider.

Nectarine mead

 

[T_Baggins]

What;s the new job bottlebomber?

 

[TNGabe]

Some music to ponder ... A it haunting and definitely staying stuck in my mind lately...

Really? I guess no one is perfect.

 

[Leadgolem]

Nectarine mead

Hmm, not a bad idea. Not sure if it would be ready for Christmas, but it has been a while since I've done a mead. Have you ever made any? If so, how'd it turn out?

 

[bottlebomber]

What;s the new job bottlebomber?

CNC machinist, it's all I know how to do. Or at least all I can make any money doing..

Hmm, not a bad idea. Not sure if it would be ready for Christmas, but it has been a while since I've done a mead. Have you ever made any? If so, how'd it turn out?

I haven't, but I have a cherry melomel going right now that has got me very interested in mead making and nectarines are delicious and only about $1-2 a pound right now. You could make more of a hydromel at about 5-7% and it could be ready by then I bet. It would be worth a shot. Shoot, I may make one myself now. That sounds damn good.

 

[Leadgolem]

....I haven't, but I have a cherry melomel going right now that has got me very interested in mead making and nectarines are delicious and only about $1-2 a pound right now. You could make more of a hydromel at about 5-7% and it could be ready by then I bet. It would be worth a shot. Shoot, I may make one myself now. That sounds damn good.

Hmmmm. I think I'll do a batch of nectarine wine instead, though that might change depending on what looks good in the produce section.

I think I will do a mead too, but probably something vaguely similar to JAOM.

 

[Leadgolem]

Ah, I can't decide. Nectarines won't be in season here for a few weeks. I'll just look around at the grocery store. I've been kicking around with making a strawberry cherry melomel, sort of a summer wine, too...

 

[Stauffbier]

When I think of cherries I think about cherry wine. When I think about cherry wine I think about Hank Jr.. When I think about Hank Jr. I think about my dad. When I think about my dad I feel happy. So, long story short.... I like cherry wine!

 

[BobbiLynn]

Yeast Welfare Technician- hello Daksin

Great job title. I tried to ferment some Fanta soda mixed half and half with sugar water. The yeast fell out after a few days in little balls. Probably 3-4% ABV. The soda has preservatives. Only made half a gallon, drank the whole half gallon and barely felt a buzz, more of a sugar rush than anything.

Back with hubby right now because he burnt his eyes in the sun and can't really see right now. Side effect from chemo. They told him stay out of the sun. Not sure how it feels to have burnt eyes, but I imagine pretty bad. Normally he complains about everything, but now he's only complaining about his eyes. Got him some eye drops. Helping somewhat.

Cheers to my apple cider, in secondary now and tasting great.

 

[Dan]

When I think of cherries I think about cherry wine. When I think about cherry wine I think about Hank Jr.. When I think about Hank Jr. I think about my dad. When I think about my dad I feel happy. So, long story short.... I like cherry wine!

Three AM here. I double like your post. Tripel it even. Wish I could be more articulate but I'm not right now. Just want to say, Stauff. I understand what you are talking about, very well.

Was just coming on here to post a video to my wife, not sure she checks in here anymore. Was fun when she did.

 

[Varmintman]

Man I feel pretty bad. Last weekend I was so excited to climb and cut that tree down I did not notice my wife getting sick. Turns out she has pneumonia and did not want to hinder us cutting the tree down. It is complicated by a couple of things like asthma and the fact she has lived at sea level her whole life and now lives up much higher.

Man I hope she gets better soon

 

[SharonaZamboni]

Best wishes for your wife, Varmintman.

 

[CreamyGoodness]

Seriously best wishes Varmint! Don't tell me she is refusing to see the doctor as well...

 

[Varmintman]

She refused to go in for a few days until she was pretty much knocking at deaths door but is doing a little better now that she has a breathing thing that puts the medicine right in her lungs.

Idiot me was going to mill some grain and brew the other night not knowing the grain dust in the air would have set her back. The Dr wanted to put her in the hospital the day he saw her but she refused that and I am sure had I brewed she would have ended up in the hospital.

Thank goodness we caught it in time.

 

[CreamyGoodness]

Yes thank goodness.

Personally, if my wife pulled that I would threaten her with something ridiculous but she would know I was serious. For example "if you dont go to the doctor and get better I will eat cabbage and drink milk and fart until you say uncle"... by which she'd know I mean "if you dont go to the doctor I will mention it again and again and again until you are too weak to do anything but"

Keep on her Varmint...

 

[Subsailor]

Keep with her Varmint! Prayers and Best Wishes to your Wife and You, Mate!

 

[Subsailor]

On another note; my third Grandchild was born this morning at 2:35am (Alaska Time). 6lbs 2oz and 19inches, saddled with the monicker Landen Maverick Poole. Now I have a granddaughter and 2 grandsons!

 

[CreamyGoodness]

Well played!

 

[BobbiLynn]

I hope your wife recovers soon, v-man. Don't blame yourself. It's so ****ing hot here, went scouting for berries in 96 degree weather. Got a little lost in the woods, again, but told my dog, "4-wheeler, let's go", then he ran right to it and I chased him. Escaped the woods and it was right there. I'd have found it without him, but made it much easier. He's layed out trying to cool off too.

My black friends commented that I'm not so white anymore. The sun is hot. I have a major farmer's tan. Need to stay closer to home and lay off the clothes for a while.

 

[BBL_Brewer]

Give a get well soon to the wife there V-man. My Mom's got bronchitis and it's been in the 80's here for the most part lately.

So I've got a couple gallon containers of sweet cherries from my old man's tree I picked today. That was just what I could get to from the roof. Pretty good. Very sweet. I got home and started thinking......should I

A. Eat the cherries
B. Eat some of the cherries and make a batch of chocolate cherry stout
C. Climb the tree tomorrow and get a bunch more. Make two batches of stout and a batch of wine for my old man.

How much would I need to make wine? I've never made wine before and I won't have much time before the cherries start to turn. Should I even bother? I do have 4 packets of wine yeast. EC-118. Not sure if that would be good to use. It expired Feb. 2013, but with 4 packs I'm sure I can get a starter kickin. I also have acid blend, K-meta and plenty of corn and cane sugar. I wish I had some agar plates. I saw some cherries that were starting to rot. It would be fun to isolate some yeast strains to make a sour with. My buddy wants to make a sour and I'd like to try out Malfet's magic beans in the process. So much to brew, so little time.

Thoughts, recipes, recipe ideas?

 

[Leadgolem]

Yeast Welfare Technician- hello Daksin

Great job title. I tried to ferment some Fanta soda mixed half and half with sugar water. The yeast fell out after a few days in little balls. Probably 3-4% ABV. The soda has preservatives. Only made half a gallon, drank the whole half gallon and barely felt a buzz, more of a sugar rush than anything.

Back with hubby right now because he burnt his eyes in the sun and can't really see right now. Side effect from chemo. They told him stay out of the sun. Not sure how it feels to have burnt eyes, but I imagine pretty bad. Normally he complains about everything, but now he's only complaining about his eyes. Got him some eye drops. Helping somewhat.

Cheers to my apple cider, in secondary now and tasting great.

Hmm, my brother described it like having sand rubbed into a sunburn. Only on your eyes. He said the worst part was the interference in the seeing, that kinda freaked him out.

Man I feel pretty bad. Last weekend I was so excited to climb and cut that tree down I did not notice my wife getting sick. Turns out she has pneumonia and did not want to hinder us cutting the tree down. It is complicated by a couple of things like asthma and the fact she has lived at sea level her whole life and now lives up much higher.

Man I hope she gets better soon

I hope she is well soon.

I hope your wife recovers soon, v-man. Don't blame yourself. It's so ****ing hot here, went scouting for berries in 96 degree weather. Got a little lost in the woods, again, but told my dog, "4-wheeler, let's go", then he ran right to it and I chased him. Escaped the woods and it was right there. I'd have found it without him, but made it much easier. He's layed out trying to cool off too.

My black friends commented that I'm not so white anymore. The sun is hot. I have a major farmer's tan. Need to stay closer to home and lay off the clothes for a while.

Oh? I didn't know you partied like that. :fro:

Give a get well soon to the wife there V-man. My Mom's got bronchitis and it's been in the 80's here for the most part lately.

So I've got a couple gallon containers of sweet cherries from my old man's tree I picked today. That was just what I could get to from the roof. Pretty good. Very sweet. I got home and started thinking......should I

A. Eat the cherries
B. Eat some of the cherries and make a batch of chocolate cherry stout
C. Climb the tree tomorrow and get a bunch more. Make two batches of stout and a batch of wine for my old man.

How much would I need to make wine? I've never made wine before and I won't have much time before the cherries start to turn. Should I even bother? I do have 4 packets of wine yeast. EC-118. Not sure if that would be good to use. It expired Feb. 2013, but with 4 packs I'm sure I can get a starter kickin. I also have acid blend, K-meta and plenty of corn and cane sugar. I wish I had some agar plates. I saw some cherries that were starting to rot. It would be fun to isolate some yeast strains to make a sour with. My buddy wants to make a sour and I'd like to try out Malfet's magic beans in the process. So much to brew, so little time.

Thoughts, recipes, recipe ideas?

YouTube

It depends on if you want to juice them or not. I wouldn't bother if they are fresh. For a fruit wine with a sugar solution or honey base you'd want 2-3 lbs/gallon of liquid. If possible, you'd want to wash stem and pit the cherries first. Then freeze the whole mess overnight or longer. Then add half of them to the sugar+nutrient solution when you start your primary. When you hit FG add the second half. After a couple weeks in secondary, with all the fruit, fish the fruit out and squeeze all the liquid you can get out of it. Return the liquid to the fermentor. That's also when you would want to add pectin enzyme if you want a clear brew. I know the directions say to use it before pitching yeast, but it will still work at this point. Plus the liquid you squeeze out of the cherries is going to have pectin in it, so if your pectin enzyme has already gone inactive you will still have cloudy brew.

One thing though. If these are tart cherries, they are fire engine red when ripe, don't make wine with them at all. It almost invariably tastes like cough syrup....

That's pretty much what I was thinking for the summer wine. Though there would be a couple differences. I'm tentatively planning on using a honey base, so technically a melomel, and I'm thinking 1/2 strawberries 1/2 sweet cherries.

 

[BBL_Brewer]

Thanks for the advice LG. I'll have to pop over to wine forum for a quick 101 before I decide to give this a go. Is the EC-118 ok to use for this? I don't think I have any pectin enzyme. Is that a problem? And they're definitely sweet cherries. My Grandmother planted both a sweet and a sour cherry tree when my Dad first bought the house. The sour one died from too much shade. Both were supposed to be dwarf, but the sweet had a mind of it's own. It's twice as high as the house now.

 

[Leadgolem]

Thanks for the advice LG. I'll have to pop over to wine forum for a quick 101 before I decide to give this a go. Is the EC-118 ok to use for this? I don't think I have any pectin enzyme. Is that a problem? And they're definitely sweet cherries. My Grandmother planted both a sweet and a sour cherry tree when my Dad first bought the house. The sour one died from too much shade. Both were supposed to be dwarf, but the sweet had a mind of it's own. It's twice as high as the house now.

I think you'll find I'm not exactly a conventional wine maker.

Your yeast should be fine, but I'd make a starter with it instead of pitching directly. You probably don't have as many viable yeast cells as you normally would is all. Maybe give the starter an extra day to get the cell counts up.

Pectin is an indigestible water soluble carbohydrate, it's used in jam making all the time. It won't hurt you, but it will provide something for particulate matter to hang onto in the wine. So, it will be hazy. That doesn't effect the flavor at all, just the appearance.

I like sweet cherries. I remember picking and eating them fresh off the tree as a kid. Good times. You have to be careful doing that though, they can give you the green apple two step if you eat to many.

 

[Leadgolem]

I have updated my fast banana wine thread, for those of you who are interest.