1. On January 18th we commemorate A.A. Milne’s birthday. Milne is the author of the beloved classic Winnie the Pooh. In many ways Pooh represents innocence and simplicity. His optimism reminds us to appreciate the little things. What are three little things you’re appreciating in mid-January? 

I suppose we’ll start with the day off we had Monday. I needed to catch up and I did. I am enjoying watching a lot of the Oscar-worthy movies. I am also appreciative that my children are old enough now to make meals so I don’t feel so bad while I work long hours.

2. Piglet teaches us even the smallest of individuals can achieve big things with the proper amount of determination. How do your current responsibilities make you feel? 

That’s kind of an awkward way to ask the question. How do I feel about my current responsibilities? I guess, pretty motivated but also, lacking. I mean, I have a lot going on at work and I have to make sure I back off and let the family at home handle everything. I tend to butt in and it just complicates things.

3. Tigger is known for his enthusiasm and energy, his boundless joy and love of life. What’s something you’re interested in learning more about in this new year? 

Making pilsners. Really, lagering any beer. It’s a lot different from how we normally ferment but I think with a little effort, we could be really good at it!

4. Eeyore, while a melancholy character, teaches us the importance of resilience and perseverance. How do you stay motivated and persevere in difficult circumstances. 

While that is definitely difficult, I have this mentality that I must get work done before I let myself relax and/or enjoy anything so that is how I get through it. I have that goal.

5. Last thing you ate that was made with honey? 

Hmm, good question. I could say the last time I made cornbread (Christmas) or this beer:

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

WELL, definitely not how I wanted to start my day! OK so it’s 25 here with a feels like of 16. Tallahassee has seen these temps before but I always hate it to much. I got up and was thankful that the pipes didn’t freeze. We remembered to drip the hot last night. You may recall last year our pipes on the hot water heater froze on Christmas eve. (we have a tankless; it runs on gas but needs electricity to begin). Well, I sat and had my cup of coffee while Ash got ready about about 5 minutes before he had to leave, the power went out. It is a bit odd for it to be out simply in cold. There’s no storm and barely any wind. The outage affected about 1500 people in our area though.

My neighbor just texted me to say that she got a city notification about a broken pole in our area so I guess that makes sense. But good lord, can we not? This week has felt like one speed bump after another; these hurdles just keep coming up. But let’s end this post on a happy note: yesterday was agriculture day down in the courtyard and I got so many goodies! I took home an entire carton of eggs, one of strawberries, a package of caramel corn, cotton candy, and some other pens and little tools. Florida Brewer’s Guild was there too but I was still on the clock and couldn’t drink all the good beer!