Part Two: Well Earned Trip to Brewery after Manual Labor; and a Beautiful Tribute to Chris Cornell

If you missed my post from this morning, the start of this day was of a great deal of work to get my parents driveway back in order after a flash flood washed away layers of stone and gravel.

To view pictures of the ordeal and see everyone hard at work- click on this

It was an absolutely gorgeous day, and once the shovels and rakes were put away the eldest and younger among us were famished, while my brother, his wife, myself and my hubby had worked up a great thirst.

In order to bring satisfaction to the entire group we settled on ordering Wood-fired pizza from the Scalehouse Brewery, a place mom and I have frequented on a few occasions now. But before the call was made the four of us who were thirsty decided to first check out a new brewery just down the road from our destination called:

A barn and two-story house recently converted into a brewery, bar and restaurant.

My bro and his lovely wife are first time parents with a seven month old baby girl, so having Grandma watch the bundle of joy while they grabbed a couple of hours of freedom and beer seemed a fair trade for their morning efforts with shovels and rakes.

We really had no idea what to expect from this place,

which made the reality of it all the more charming.

Yup, those are dogs...

...and that is a cat.

The coal black beer in front of Mary is their Milk Stout, while my brother and husband decided to go hoppy with the Falcon Punch IPA.

I, however, could not make up my mind. Which is what flights are so excellent for.

From left to right we have The Falcon Punch IPA, the Blonde Moment, The Millenial Falcon (Double IPA), and the Milk Stout.

We decided to take our selections to the backyard,

which was a bit crowded so we picked a spot in the grass.

It turns out a house converted into a bar is a lot like what you'd think.

With picnic tables and plenty of lawn, dogs and children, it was a bit like crashing someone's family gathering.

About twenty minutes later a group of people took their leave and we were able to snag a table.

As for my flight- the blonde moment was my favorite, it was the first time I'd tasted hints of coffee in a light ale and for me it was delightful. I also enjoyed the milk stout, though I tend to prefer dark beers in colder weather. As for the IPA's...I went through a period where I was drinking quite a lot of them and I overdid it. Now I'm a little tired of the hoppy, flowery, and often bitter taste, so I handed them off to those who would appreciate it, and went to get myself a full glass of the blonde.

I love my bro :)

A phone call from my daughter pulled us out of our lovely picnic like moment.

"Pizza!" I believe she shouted in my ear, followed by "Hungry!"

We took this sign to heart and did not leave the fantastic little homey brewery empty handed. A crowler for each of us...

...and one for Mama Dreemit :)

The London Gentleman is an ESB, which stands for Extra Special Bitter. I remember the first time I'd heard of this, my nose had automatically wrinkled. But as it turns out it is an English style beer that is much like the American pale ale, and often not bitter at all.

Such was the case with this one, was quite a tasty beer that I would definitely have again.

After pizza was eaten and while beer was still being consumed, we did what we always do toward the end of a family gathering...we clamored for my brother to get out his guitar.

Now, a few of you have seen this video and I know I said I wasn't going to post it. But honestly I feel this particular blog would not be complete without it.

My brother is a beautiful vocalist and a gifted guitarist, but what really makes him shine is his lyrical brilliance. In this case his words were meant as a tribute to the late Chris Cornell, and I know if Chris could hear it he would be humbled.

I should also mention that because we were all buzzing pretty good, not least of all my brother, he wasn't entirely keen on being videoed. He does not feel this is anything close to his best performance...

Okay it's been mentioned, now I'll say that for me it only adds to his magnificence, that even in what he considers his worst form he kicks utter arse. Also, the family all around, the giggly wife and happy baby in the forefront, this all adds something quite special.

I hope you enjoyed 'spending the day with me and mine'!

Generously created for me by @son-of-satire