Return of Winter

Mother Nature dumped another four or five inches of snow on the Lodi Scenic Valley during the last 24 hours.  Some days I hike or snowshoe in the snow; this wasn’t one of those days.  I was up early plowing the driveway and off to an early orthodontist appointment for Justin, who ended a five year relationship with his braces.  Then I needed to plow again to get back up the driveway with the wheelchair van. It was a very pretty day; it’s just more difficult to see the beauty on a winter day in the middle of March when one has hopes of spring and warmer temperatures.

Justin and I are bachelors this week with my wife out in Arizona visiting her mother.  Julia’s mother had successful heart surgery this morning.  There was lots of texting back and forth to keep family apprised.  Tonight, dinner was baked salmon, carrots pan-fried in a bit of butter, and garlic toast.  Afterwards, I retired to the family room, leaving Justin to text with friends.

Dessert was a cool beer in front of a warm fire.

Ordinarily, I am not a fan of beer in cans. However, the local store was out of bottles.  With a nice glass, I can’t say that it tastes any different than the bottle.  The 60 minute IPA hits all of my check boxes:  good body, citrus notes without being too bitter, and a nice finish.