Things we've been up to...

As we're nearing the 5 year mark on our life together, it seems we have each decided to take up new hobbies. Both hobbies are very practical in nature, which I believe suits our personalities, but they also offer us a creative outlet otherwise lacking in our day jobs.

Thanks to a wonderful birthday gift in a sewing machine and the encouragement of a few friends who actually knew how to use the thing, I started with a much needed replacement curtain for our pantry and have now finished 2 baby blankets in time for September showers and some lovely (if I can so boast) coasters which came in handy for housewarming gifts on our recent travels. I have a knack for gifting my creations before I remember to document but I was so proud of my first ever sewn piece that I did manage to snag a picture of the pantry curtain. Warning - you may be likely to receive a homemade Christmas gift!

Jon on the other has the self-discipline and patience to engage in a hobby that takes weeks from start to finish. Home beer brewing has taken over our hall closet and basement and sometime the dishwasher when it is time for bottle sterilization. He's joined the American Home Brewers Association and has now bottled the Cahill Irish Stout and will start to brew an IPA, yet to be named.

Here he is with the first brew in hand (a Belgian Blonde - the Jamacia Pond Blonde) and second brew 4 weeks into fermentation getting ready for the bottles! Some how I too was called to bottling duty! Another two weeks in the bottle and we'll get to try the first Stout. It smelled wonderful here. You'll just have to trust me on that.