I heard somewhere it was International Be Good To Yourself Day...so I was. I visited the fine folk at Finger Lake Beverages with Gary of Ithaca, sometimes posting author around these parts, and went on a small spree. The sort of spree you go on when you realize winter is coming and a quick zip south may be out of the question at a very inopportune moment. Belgians a plenty now in the stash: a couple of Goliath, the beer so nice I forgot to take notes last time, a couple of Fantome Saison, Kwak (with the complimentary glass that is available to those who hear the siren call of International Be Good To Yourself Day) and a whack of others that I have no idea about. Plus some big US bombs including old pals Arrogant Bastard and Dragon Slayer, two highlights of the last months of 2004 and 2005 as well as newcomer Ithaca Double IPA with local New York hops and Smuttynose Farmhouse. Suffice it to say that when the provincial liquor mark-up portion of the custom's office's take is $13.82, it was a good haul.
You know - I can't think of a nicer place to buy beer given the town, the company and the amazing 700+ beer selection. It made me think of starting a "Good Beer Blog Shield of Approval" program, with a wacked sort of plaque that I can mail places I like. I know it sounds sort of insane and slightly egotistical but I have to little to give to the shopkeepers, bartenders and brewers who give so much. Just my little plaque. Off to the hardware store...or maybe the flea market.
Comments
gr - September 5, 2006 10:33 AM
Designs knocking around in my head already. As long as the Beer Blog seal of approval features a drinking pig, I can make them by the dozen.
Alan - September 5, 2006 10:44 AM
Hmmm...that is very interesting. I am of two minds. A stein with a crest or a plaque with a swilling pig emerging out from its face. Your thoughts?
gr - September 5, 2006 11:37 AM
Small plaque with scroll banner on the bottom 'Good Beer Blog' and pig sculpture with stein taking up most of the plaque. Small hole in top for hanging. I may make one today, if time permits. It has to be relatively simple, because I am a simple guy.
Alan - September 5, 2006 12:29 PM
Simple is good. Can there even be room left for particularization of the award, a little area that an engraved plate can be added rather than or in addition to the scroll? Also would a ceramic relief disk be easier than say attaching half a pig coming out of the face of the plaque? Maybe a pig in profile hoisting a pint?
gr - September 5, 2006 12:57 PM
What is easiest is a pig figurine sitting on a small disk that says 'a good beer blog'(imagine you pig figurines on that disk). Second easiest is the plaque or tile with the pig figure on it, for hanging, with scroll. Yes, extra space for engraved rectangle can be arranged. You may want to also consider the usefulness of BEER STEINS mit schwein.
This is gonna cost you mister.
gr - September 5, 2006 1:05 PM
I'm jealous. I was thinking about that hog heaven, but my fridge is already OVERFULL, mostly with porkslap, from their last sale.
Alan - September 5, 2006 1:36 PM
Maybe people will buy ads if I give them awards. Maybe that will pay your bill. I think this is starting to look like a business plan.
Have you not a rustic root celler in the purple house into which the contents of Finger Lake Beverages might shift over time?
gr - September 5, 2006 1:49 PM
I plan to be very expensive, and none of those cheapo Canadian loonies, either.
Why yes, the basement is large and cool and why did I not notice this myself?
Alan - September 5, 2006 4:11 PM
I suggest you start day dreaming about shelving and then day dreaming about staff to assist you with what is placed upon that shelving.