Ode Brewing Company, El Paso, Texas

Can I give this place six stars? Is that a thing? Incredible beer, creative food, and superlative service.

Excellent variety of beer and the creativity shows here first. Cucumber Kolsh??? You bet. Excellent and I hate cucumbers. The pilsner was my favorite but everything on our seven beer flight was tasted and enjoyed. Wine is available too and I ended up having two very tasty mimosas while my husband went on to a full pint of blonde ale.

The food shines here too. Choosing one dish was tough. Everything on the menu showed imagination. We ended up sharing their version of poutine which features crispy fries topped with a green chili, pork gravy, manchego, and goat cheese. We shared one for lunch and it was plenty.

Let’s not forget the service. Julia was wonderful. She described dishes and beers flawlessly, answered questions about the local area and made sure we had everything we needed.

iiSport Gloves

If any of you need cycling or weight lifting gloves I have a great place to get them. iisport.net has good quality gloves for several different applications. Gloves start around $10 and go up from there. Very reasonably priced.

I got Bobby some cycling gloves. These are half finger gloves with a hook-and-loop closure on top of the wrist for a snug but comfortable fit. The closure is topped with a rubber tab for easy grip. They also have 'pulls' on several of the fingers for easy removal. Sweaty gloves are hard to get off your hands sometimes. The padding feels more than adequate and they have a suede-type fabric covering the palms to help with slipping. They don't have a whole lot of colors to choose from but the price and quality of the glove more than make up for it. Function over form!

*I received these gloves at no charge and was asked to provide and unbiased review.

http://iisport.net/

Respectful Courtesy or Outmoded Expectations?

I started to send this to my friend who posted this article originally in a PM because I know I will be fussed at by all the women who don't do this stuff but the reality is that I think you can be independent and still observe old fashioned niceties. For those of you who don’t know me well, I’m just a little strong minded. I didn’t marry until I was 35 and when I did, I didn’t change my name. All of our bank accounts and credit cards are separate but we share the bills. So, regarding the article of 8 things women should do that they don’t anymore:

This is the article:   http://www.examiner.com/list/8-things-women-just-don-t-do-anymore

COOK: It's really about the only thing I do very well and I enjoy it. There are recipes out there that everyone can manage, even culinarily challenged individuals.

CLEAN: Wish I didn’t have to but I can't stand a nasty house. I take care of the inside and he does the outside although we both help each other with chores when we can or the need arises, such as entertaining guests on short notice. If you live in filth then you are filthy. No excuses, no whining, there it is. 

FIX HIS PLATE:  To me 'plating' is part of cooking. My meals need to look nice as well as taste good. I fix his plate in the evening and even carry it downstairs to the man cave if he's not standing right there. Also, I fix his lunch box and put it by the door every day AND set his breakfast out even though I leave the house to workout before he even gets out of bed. I also get up and make his breakfast and lunch on days when he has to work and I don't.  (The ladies are starting to really get ticked at me right now.) Bonus, he doesn’t trash my kitchen.

WATCH YOUR MOUTH: I cuss too much. Not as bad as some and I’m trying to working on it. When I was 14 my best friend’s big brother, whom I had a crush on, told me not to cuss. He said guys don’t like to hear that come out of a girl’s mouth. I’ve never forgotten that. (BTW, I ended up marrying that same guy many, many, many years later.)

GIVE HIM COMPLIMENTS: I say nice things to him. Don’t you like being told you look nice or that the stew was really good? Of course, you do.  There is nothing wrong with telling anyone when they look good or have done something well. “The yard looks good.” “I like that color on you.” Or “That’s a good idea.” Goes a long way with anyone including your partner.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR APPEARANCE: You don’t have to do hair and make up to run to the store but you can at least get dressed and wear something not totally ragged out. This one isn’t just about him, it’s about you respecting yourself and not being lazy.

DRESS FOR DATES: Again, not that hard. Be glad he wants to take you out and dress accordingly. You have all those cute clothes in the closet, wear them. You show respect for both of you when you put effort into your appearance. (No, appearance isn’t everything but it doesn’t hurt to try.) Remember how you paid attention to yourself and the way you looked before you got married? Why did you stop? He’s the same person; in fact, you have even more invested in him now.

ANTICIPATE HIS NEEDS: OK, this one is definitely a stretch for some modern women.  Does this really mean kowtowing and schlepping to his every need? I don’t see it that way. I think this is a matter of being courteous. How hard is it really, upon hearing his car pull up, to meet him at the door and take his lunch box. He just worked twelve hours and was on his feet the whole time. It is only thoughtfulness which drives this behavior. Wouldn’t you love it if he brought you cup of coffee in bed one weekend morning? What if he refilled your wine glass before you got up to do it?

No, I don’t think all these activities things are archaic. Should women do them? I can't answer that for everyone. The definitions and expectations for women have changed over the years but everything listed in the article is derived from consideration, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Everything listed demonstrates that you respect yourself and your loved ones. The last five should be totally reciprocal.  That means you both do these things for each other. (Yeah, I wish he’d dress up a little more for our dates.)  Consideration and good manners are something we should exhibit to everyone we encounter, even total strangers. In a close relationship courtesy, whatever its modern form, is imperative.

Resolutions??????

I never make those things. Ridiculous. People set totally unrealistic goals and then are disappointed in themselves. I find it much better to set attainable goals. No sense setting yourself up for failure I think. In fact just dump the whole 'resolution' concept. Set yourself up for some positive, rather than negative actions.

So no resolutions but here is my bucket list for 2014: (The management retains the right to add/edit the list as she desires.)

Organize twelve things in my life. Could be a drawer, closet, or the bank book.  (I already did the junk drawer in the kitchen this morning. Cleaned it out and put baskets in there to hold the necessary junque.)

Use coupons more often. I love to save a buck but rarely fuss with coupons. I'll be using at least a few over the next year.

Buy some new clothes. WHAT???? How is that good? Truth is I hate shopping. Let me clarify, I hate going into a store and trying on clothes. I am very aware I have the fashion sense of a boiled turnip but I also hate spending money on things that go out of style. That's why I own chinos. Can't screw those up and they never go out of style. Throw on a blazer and you're done. I will acquiesce to my friendly critics and admit that I also need new clothes because I've lost a little bit of weight and I'm busting a sag like a gang banger. I will to buy one new, not frumpy, outfit this year.

Use my sewing machine. I have an awesome machine but rarely use it. Got some simple projects in mind like reusable Swiffer duster refills.

Listen more. I have a tendency to be impatient and finish people's statements. I'm going to try to let them finish their own sentences.

So there it is. Nothing fancy. Nothing extravagant. Just some common sense goals to make my life better.

Valentine's Day....it's really not that hard boys.

OK Boys, it’s almost St Valentine’s Day. That’s right, time to panic, right? NO! It really isn’t that big of a deal. Wait…did a girl just say that? Yep. I know the jewelers and florists would have you believe that if you don’t go into debt you will undoubtedly fail this Thursday. What Valentine’s Day is really about is showing your lover that you care. Let’s face it; you’ve put more thought and research into the cheat codes for Call of Duty. What follows are a few ideas for the romantically challenged who would normally “panic buy” on their way home from work Thursday.

When it comes to flowers forget the roses unless they are your love’s favorites. By the way…what is her favorite flower? Buy it. Don’t know? Ask her friends. Still don’t know, get something a little unusual, gladiola (my favorite), lilies, or daisies. BTW daisies are a good choice for friends or if you haven’t been dating too long. Don’t buy dozens unless the blooms are small. Get a nice size bouquet which can be had at your local grocer.

On the subject of candy instead of just buying whatever heart shaped boxes are closest to the door at the drug store put a little thought into it. What is her favorite candy? Does she like white chocolate? Then stop by the drug store and buy one of every white chocolate candy bar on display. Buy a giant candy bar instead of the box. Another alternative is to drop by a local bakery and pick up a special desert or even a sampler platter.

And now for the big kahuna, jewelry. Should you? Shouldn’t you? Jewelry is fine but keep it simple. Buy a costume set in her favorite color. Pick up a bracelet or a pair of earrings. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy.

Now that wasn’t painful at all was it? The common thread here is that you have put a little thought into what you beloved thinks and likes. I know that seems to be a stretch for most guys. So go ahead and put a little thought and a little romance into this commercially contrived holiday get a big thumbs up from your girl.

NaBeel's (A Review)

This past Saturday we took all the children (they are all grown-ups) out for lunch in celebration of our youngest's graduation from nursing school. I picked a restaurant near the venue called NaBeels. NaBeel's is located in Homewood, Al on Oxmoor Rd. It had good reviews and bonus, it was Greek. One of the things I miss/crave is Greek food.

We arrived early and took a seat at the bar. It was fun to watch the prep work being done for the coming day. After about twenty minutes we asked for a glass of wine to drink while we waited for everyone to arrive.The staff were cheerful and pleasant.

Once seated service took a serious downer. Thankfully we weren't in a hurry but you know it's bad when your server deliberately avoids eye contact. Twice, I left the table to get a server for a particular item. I suppose that since an 18% tip was built in that she didn't feel that she needed to work for it. She really, really didn't deserve it.

The food was a complete opposite. WOW!!!!! From the Bifteki (Greek hamburger) and moussaka  to the pastitsio and the Camel Riders, everyone agreed the food was superb. Dessert was fantastic too. Tiramisu and canoli  topped off our meal. So go to NaBeel's but sit at the bar or get take out.


Keywords: Birmingham, Alabama, Homewood, Greek, Restaurant, Review, Camel, Rider, mousaka, Mythos beer, 

Holiday Bucket List

Usually I simply just "get through' the holiday season.  It rarely provides me with any particular joy. I'm annoyed by the crowds and the screaming, whining, demanding children. I am also bothered by the fact the people feel compelled to get me a gift. Thank you but I really don't need anything beyond day-to-day items. This year however, in honor of my fresh start,  I've decided to actually make an attempt at the holiday spirit. Below is my Holiday Bucket list:

1. Make real hot chocolate (with quality cocoa and milk on the stove top.)
     On Saturday my brother and his girlfriend were visiting and I made the hot chocolate for dessert. I used my favorite recipe for this from a drink called an Irish Goodnight created by one of their bartenders (Dar) from the McGuire's Irish Pub cookbook. Thanks Dar. The recipe calls for Irish Mist but we all exercised our own preference including no booze at all. It was dark, and devilishly delicious.) Update 12/12/2012): I've made it twice now. My Daddy got a taste of some of the leftovers and had me make him a quart to go and teach him how I do it.

2. See the Christmas lights in my new home town.
     OK, I'm marking this one off but it was kind of fudged. I had visions of spending an evening devoted to seeing the lights but we drove around a little bit after going to the theatre last Thursday. So that will have to do. Unfortunately, not as many of the beautiful houses downtown are decorated as I had expected. 

3. Decorate my house elegantly with beautiful lighting and items. (Heaven help me because Bobby is already talking about doing the outside in Redneck style.)
     Pretty satisfied with this one. My tree is beautiful with lots of lights and ornaments. I made a pretty substantial topper which includes a large bird with a long feathery tail. The shrubs out front are covered in white lights and the beautiful wreath made by my sister-in-law is one the front door.

4. Do Twelve Days of Christmas for my husband.
     Done! 1 box of candy, 2 new gel inserts for his work boots, 3 boxes of Cracker Jacks, 4 Double Moon Pies, 5 rolls of sushi, 6 pack of beer, 7 Pez dispenser and 6 rolls of Pez candy, 8 ounces deluxe mixed nuts, 9 ounces sesame candy, 10 ounces of his favorite crackers, 11 ounces chocolate pretzels, 12 ounce bottle of shower gel. Yes I know most of this is food. That's how I think, in food. OK, so I didn't do very well with this one. What have I learned from this experience???? That the women who do this sort of thing are stay at home wives and mothers who have time to think this stuff up. Admittedly though it was fun, it made him smile, and I will do it again but I'll start thinking, planning, and buying in August.

5. Do 24 RAoKs for Advent. (Random Acts of Kindness)

I will post updates as I progress.