Next Friday I'll be Head Judge at the Rare Beer Challenge, to be held at 16Tun in Auckland (some beers also at Malthouse in Wellington) and benefiting Rare Disorders NZ.
I've been looking at the entry forms today and there are some wild and wacky beers. Get on down there and try them.
One of the best times of the year!
On a related note, my wife bought a birthday card for my mum which read "You're my favourite mother-in-law so far". She loved it.
Oops! Yes, what she said!
Hot cross bun #4 of the season (#3 was a rather forgettable effort from Pak & Save Albany) is from Dusty's Depot, with thanks to @twistedlogic.bsky.social. Nice texture, excellent spice, could have used a bit more fruit. Very good though.
#TheGreatHXBHunt
Up at 6am, smoker up to temp and pork shoulder on by 7.15am. Pretty efficient this morning.
The dog gave up and took over my spot on the bed.
Up with the larks to light the smoker for my mum's 80th birthday party. I love the peace and tranquility of pottering about on the deck in the pre-dawn light.
The dog is most confused, however. Why are we not going for a walk??
Up the Wahs! What a game!
We also managed to surprise my mum on her 80th birthday weekend by flying in the daughter of her best friend (who sadly passed away a year ago) to meet us at the game.
For any fellow Firefly geeks who are not on the Instagram, there has been a series of short videos with Nathan Fillion turning up at the houses/workplaces of fellow cast-members (Gina Torres, Morena Baccarin, Jewel Staite etc.) and saying something along the lines of "It's time". Hype levels peaking
Oh bollocks. I was hopeful that they would be getting on and finishing it.
Yes, I saw those. Burn them with fire!
Second hot cross bun of the year: another supermarket one, this time from New World Long Bay (who have an excellent bakery, their donuts are legendary). Tasty, but too fluffy. HXBs need to be a bit dense. Also too big to fit in the toaster without squishing.
#TheGreatHXBHunt
The only downside is that people forget how to use pubs. No need for a single queue all the way to the door, people. There's a whole bar to stand along.
A plate containing a halved scotch egg (hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat). A pint of traditional British ale stands nearby.
The best thing about gigs at the Powerstation is pre-loading in Galbraith's beforehand.
Heading into town to see Transvision Vamp at the Powerstation. I first saw the band during my first week at Uni in, er, 1988.
Like many teenage boys, I had a poster of Wendy James on my wall. She's now 60.
It would appear I am old.
Oops!
Plate containing a full English breakfast: crispy bacon, poached eggs, fried mushrooms, black pudding, hash browns and grilled tomatoes. Mug of strong tea nearby.
Hard to beat a full English for lunch.
Oh no!
I've really been looking forward to this episode. @totalcurtis.bsky.social does a great job with these podcasts and it's a fascinating topic.
Please make it stop.
Keep going. Trump next, please. Former UK ambassador to US Peter Mandelson arrested www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/5...
The Cafe Ima ones here in Tฤmaki Makaurau are fabulous - huge, fruity and spicy - but also very spendy.
I am a boring traditionalist at heart so I shy away from the chocolate ones. They're not as bad as the fruitless (pointless) ones or the (shudder) cheese ones though.
First hot cross buns of the season: Woolworths own brand traditional. Not bad for a supermarket HXB. Bit on the small side.
Any recommendations? Anyone suggesting Fruitless will be instantly blocked.
#TheGreatHXBHunt
Me too, probably in a similar time frame! I remember the beer well, but this example doesn't represent it at its best.
A rather oxidized (but cheap) bottle of Black Sheep Holy Grail pale ale from the UK.
Bowl of soup with sweetcorn kernels, spring onion and bits of crispy bacon.
Tasty bowl of corn chowder for dinner. A bit of effort but worthwhile. With bacon, of course.
Now do Trump
Orf with his head!
Ooh, the sex offender formerly known as Prince Andrew arrested on his birthday. We CAN have nice things, it seems.
