So yesterday, I had an appointment with the good ol’ INS, or USCIS, or whatever they’re called these days, up in Santa Rosa to have my green card renewed. Given that I had to head north, I decided to take the opportunity to explore a little of Northern California, so I went for a drive up to Booneville, home of Anderson Valley Brewing Company.

Unfortunately, ’twas closed, but the helpful ladies at the office sent me on my way after a bathroom break with a sixer of assorted beers, and a media pack full of coasters, stickers, and other goodies. Nice of them!

Next stop was Mendocino Brewing Company in Hopland. Unfortunately I wasn’t paying attention and blew right past it, so ended up at Bear Republic in Healdsburg instead. There I enjoyed a tasty mahi mahi sambo with the first beer of the day – a glass of their phenominally tasty Heritage ale aged in bourbon barrels. Mmm-mmm, good! I was now in a mental position where I could deal with the INS…

…which took all of 15 minutes. So with time to kill, my next stop was Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa. I bellied up to the bar, ordered a sampler platter of brews, and fell in love – this has to be my new favourite spot. Phenominal brew! But as much as I could’ve stayed there all day, I needed to head back in time for trivia…

…after a quick stop at Lagunitas Brewing Company, of course. Thankfully for my liver, they were closed, but the lady at the office asked me to come back another day at 3:00pm and she’d give me a tour of the brewery.

Alright, not a very exciting read for you, but a great day out for me, amidst the soaring Northern California countryside. The drive up and through Anderson Valley was amazing, and I was convinced I could see Mount Shasta way to the north at one point. (Well, snow capped peaks, it was either Lassen at the northern end of the Sierras, or coulda been the ass of the Cascades…) Still though… damn, I love California!

No movement housing wise, in case you’re wanting an update of that. Yer man is still hunkered down, apparently looking, but no word yet on whether he’s found anything. Six weeks from tomorrow we get the keys for sure, but we were sorta hoping for sooner than that… ah well.

We just got the phone call – we have officially closed. We are now the proud owners of a house!

The current owner has a lease agreement in effect until May 10 (although he’s saying he plans on being out before then), and by the time we do the moving/transition dance (refinishing hardwood floors, painting, moving…) we may not be in there for another two months.

To everyone in DC or Europe (or anywhere else!), feel free to come visit this summer – you’ll have a place to stay! For everyone reading in the Bay Area, expect a housewarming party around Memorial Day weekend! (And to get an email/call before that to help us move!)

Damn, this blog is going to get boring without me moaning about househunting!

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Now playing: Madness – Our House
via FoxyTunes

In celebration of my homeland’s national holiday, a time of reflection and spirituality, here’s a wee clip forwarded to me by my homie Ben. Three of the world’s greatest singers, performing a traditional Irish air. Listening to it, I can almost see home…

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Now playing: The Frank And Walters – After All
via FoxyTunes

BEAUTIFUL weekend here in California – not a cloud in the sky, temperatures in the mid 60s, perfect time to be out and about, enjoying the amazing scenery. So we hopped in the car, and headed out to Phoenix Lake on the advice of JB and Liz, and for once I took the camera. It was pretty crowded there, and the trail was rather shaded. Plus, to be honest, I was more focused on working up a sweat as opposed to stopping to take pictures, but I did fire off a few:

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Now playing: Massive Attack – Antistar
via FoxyTunes

The two halves of Liverpool did battle this week in European competition. Everton faced Fiorentina in the UEFA Cup, while the Mighty Reds took on Inter Milan in the Champions League. How did they do? This should offer a clue.

First, Liverpool:

Oooh, looking good lads! And now, Everton:

Aww. Better luck next year, Bluenoses!!!

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Now playing: The Black Crowes – Jealous Again
via FoxyTunes

So I tap away at this bloggy thing, and I have to be honest, I assume nobody reads the bleedin’ thing, because I never get any comments. But I sent out an email last night letting folks know that I was changing my mobile number, and I got a dozen replies saying much the same thing: “How’s the house going? I was reading about it on your blog, but haven’t checked it in a week or so.”

So people actually pay attention. They just keep themselves to themselves. And surprisingly, that makes me feel better about this. (Not that I’m doing it for ye all, this is more so I can vent accordingly!)

(But feel free to comment on things! I like comments!)
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Now playing: Bruce Springsteen – Your Own Worst Enemy
via FoxyTunes

What do you get when you google “marin mountain biking”?

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Now playing: Kings of Leon – Trani
via FoxyTunes