Archives for the ‘Blog Entries.Local’ Category

What I’m listening to Fall 24

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Dec 2nd, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

The election and my job loss made for a pretty shitty November. In lieu of anything particularly insightful to say, let's catch up on what is in my personal playlist. And by playlist, I mean discreet MP3 albums. Algorithms don't pick my music, I do. However, sharing my MP3 albums won't go over well, so I'll share via YouTube Music links.

Susanna Hoffs - The Lost Record

In 1999, Susanna recorded an album in her garage, then got back together with The Bangles and forgot about the album. I'm glad she finally released it, because it's fabulous. It's sounds a lot like what a 1999 Bangles record might have sounded like, with the 80s turned way down and the Byrds influences turned up. Lush harmonies, jangly guitars, and her voice are a can't miss combination.

I will Take Care of You
I'll Always Love You

Juliet Lloyd - Carnival

I discovered Juliet on a date night out in RVA about a year ago. She was playing a listening room that I had wanted to check out. She has played Richmond 3 more times since then. We've been at all the shows. Her new album is a fabulous showcase of her songwriting chops. Her music is hard to pigeonhole into a genre, it's mostly indie-pop, but with soul and folk influences, and even some crunchy guitars on one tune.

Pretty
Wallflower

Jukebox the Ghost

I haven't actually bought any of their albums yet. The new record budget was cut to zero with my job loss. But I will buy their stuff, soon. We saw them open for Lawrence back in September, and I was blown away. They are an uptempo three piece indie-pop band with deep Queen influences.

Everybody's Lonely
Girl

Abby Bryant - Glowing

A few years ago we did a weekend road trip to Roanoke. Abby happened to playing the bar next to the hotel in support of her first record. Glowing is her second record. Abby's music dances along the lines between country, soul, and folk, never saying in a lane but instead veering across all three lanes for a sound that is uniquely hers.

Damn, that last sentence sounds like something Pitchfork would write. Sorry about that.

One Year
Just Friends

The New Roses - Attracted to Danger

From Germany. Released in 2024, but straight out of 1986. Long live 80s metal!

When You Fall in Love
Attracted to Danger


Thanksgiving Traditions: A Smoke, a Sip, and a Sweet Dilemma

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 29th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
It’s a tradition: after enjoying the Thanksgiving feast, I step outside for a cigar while the family gathers around the TV for football. This year was no different. I had initially set aside a robust smoke for the occasion, but when I noticed an unfinished bottle of Prosecco on the table, I decided it shouldn’t go to waste. To complement the fruity, sweet libation, I opted for a milder cigar. Enter the Rocky Patel Number 6.


The Rocky Patel Number 6 is a 6 x 52 Toro, featuring an oily Honduran Corojo wrapper over a Honduran binder and a filler blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos. It’s an unusually mild offering from Rocky Patel and a departure from my typical preference for bolder cigars. I had these in my humidor mainly for friends who favor milder smokes. The flavor profile showcases a gentle sweetness, creamy coffee, and classic tobacco notes, accented by a hint of citrus and a touch of white pepper. As the cigar progresses, the mild pepper becomes slightly more prominent, leaving a subtle spice on the palate. Beyond that, the flavor remains consistent throughout. After three months of resting in my humidor, the cigar burned evenly and performed admirably, even in the cold evening air.

Paired with the Prosecco, the experience was a mixed bag. The sparkling wine’s sweetness and effervescence tended to overpower the cigar’s delicate flavors. I found myself abstaining from sips for long stretches to allow the Number 6’s subtle notes to shine through and linger. While both the cigar and the Prosecco were enjoyable in their own right, they didn’t shine as a pairing.

The evening was crisp and chilly, with gusty winds that added an extra bite to the air. I resorted to running the patio heaters and bundling up under my hooded sweatshirt to keep the experience comfortable. After a pleasant 90-minute smoke, I headed back inside, faced with one last decision for the night: pumpkin or apple pie? Or maybe both?
 
Cheers!



[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Thanksgiving Blessings

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 28th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Have A Happy Thanksgiving! I wish you a day filled with family, friends, and fond memories. May God bless your life with His gifts today and everyday.


Lá Altaithe Sona Daoibh!




[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

A Thanksgiving Tradition

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 28th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
I repost this just about every year. And it's still funny. 

They just don't do TV like that any more.

"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."



Happy Thanksgiving!


Cheers!



[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

An Autumn Afternoon: Oliva Serie V, Coffee, and an Unexpected Guest

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 27th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
The mid-week crisp fall weather was too good to pass up—60 degrees and sunny. I brewed a large mug of hot, black coffee, grabbed an Oliva Serie V Lancero from the humidor, and headed to the deck with a good book. 



The whole Oliva Serie V lineup never disappoints and the cigars consistently pair well with black coffee. Sporting a Habano Sun Grown wrapper, the 7 x38 stick makes a nice presentation. The Nicaraguan binder and filler tobacco blend includes Jalapa Valley Ligero for some extra robustness. A full flavor palate of cocoa, coffee, roasted nuts, and cedar complete the profile

This stick had been hiding in the humidor nearly 18 months. It retained a slightly oily shine, and burned wonderfully. It had been a while since I had smoked any cigar in a Lancero format, and I initially started off drawing on it a bit too hard, which created some bitterness. Adjusting my draw, but maintaining enough frequency to keep a good burn going corrected that issue. The Serie V Lancero gave a 65 minute smoke, enough time to pour a second cup of coffee.

Midway through the smoke a beautiful doe came out of the woods to dine on the many acorns fallen in the grass. She had been feasting for 30 minutes and was still there when I headed inside. She paid me little mind but did look up and stare at me occasionally. The deer are abundant here but it's unusual to see them stay in the open so long. She was welcome to dine as long as she desired, that's a few less acorns I need to rake.

A slight chill came upon the porch as the sun started dipping below the trees, timed perfectly with the end of the smoke. 

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

A Sunday Smoke and Sip: Bishops Blend Cigar and a Classic Negroni

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 26th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
This past Sunday brought an unexpected treat: 60-degree weather and calm skies—perfect for a little deck time. As the afternoon sun began its descent, I prepared two Negronis, grabbed a favorite cigar, and joined my wife for a pleasant hour of conversation and indulgence.



Frequently mentioned here, the Black Label Trading Company Bishops Blend is a regular resident in my humidor, offering a robust smoking experience. I still have some from past years' releases carefully aging in my humidor, This particular cigar, from the 2024 release, had been resting since July. While I’ve tried every the cigar in all its vitolas, the 5 x 48 Robusto remains my favorite.

Crafted with an oily Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper, Ecuadorian Habano binder, and a mix of Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania Broadleaf fillers, the Bishops Blend is both visually appealing and a flavorful. The well-crafted cigar features a pigtail cap and closed foot. 

If you choose to draw on the cigar as you first put the flame to the closed foot of the Bishops Blend you can get a burst of the rich tobacco and earthiness flavor of the Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper before the rest of the leaves begin to burn. After years of enjoying this cigar, I now usually just toast it traditionally to dive straight into its rich, complex flavors.

Lighting this cigar reveals a symphony of flavors. The initial draw highlights rich tobacco and earthy tones from the wrapper, followed by a complex blend of dark coffee, cocoa, and dark fruit. Subtle sweetness, reminiscent of molasses, weaves through the profile, complemented by a moderate peppery spice.

As the smoke progresses, notes of espresso and meaty char emerge, rounding out the bold flavor pallet. 

Though bourbon is my usual go-to with cigars, the classic Negroni—a mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth—pairs exceptionally well with the Bishops Blend. The drink’s sweet, bitter, and herbal notes highlight the cigar’s dark fruit flavors while standing up to its bold profile.

The Bishops Blend provided just under an hour of enjoyment, perfectly complemented by the Negroni. As the sun dipped below the trees and the temperature dropped, we headed inside, wrapping up a pleasant afternoon of flavors and good company.

I cherish the unexpected moments like these—when a fine cigar, a flavorful cocktail, and the right weather come together. Such times will be less frequent in the coming winter months. making the afternoon all the more special.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Between the Heaters: A Liga Privada T52 and Pikesville Rye Pairing

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 24th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
Even in retirement, Friday evenings hold a special excitement—they mark the perfect time to unwind. This week, I started the weekend as I often do: savoring a good cigar, a delicious whiskey, and blues music on the screened porch. The cool evening air carried a hint of the strong afternoon winds, but my two propane heaters kept the chill at bay.

Earlier in the day, I browsed my humidor in anticipation, selecting the Liga Privada T52 for the evening’s smoke. For the pairing, I chose the nearly empty bottle of Pikesville Rye—a whiskey I had been reluctant to finish, knowing how rare it is to find in Virginia. I shared one of the last pours with my wife, who reminded me we’d soon be traveling to other states where I might find another bottle to replenish my stock.



Pikesville Rye is a throwback to the Maryland Rye of pre-prohibition days. Pikesville Rye was produced in Maryland as far back as the 1890's. Though surviving that dark time of oppressive alcohol regulation, it is no longer produced in Maryland. The historical recipe is now made in Kentucky by Heaven Hill. The whiskey is aged for six years and bottled at 110 proof. The straight rye shines a brilliant copper color in the glass. Notes of caramel, honey, and vanilla waft from the glencairn glass, backed by rye spice and a hint of dark cherry.

Sipping brings a pleasant warmth to the mouth. Sweet from caramel and butterscotch start things off. Soon black pepper and cinnamon join in. The rye spiciness lingers, with black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg contributing to a warm finish.

After a few sips of the Pikesville Rye, I turned my attention to the Liga Privada T52 from Drew Estate. The 6 x 52 Toro is cloaked in a beautifully mottled stalk-cut Habano Oscuro wrapper. This wrapper is produced by cutting the entire plant and hanging it intact to cure. This method allows the leaves to absorb more nutrients and oils, resulting in a rich flavor profile. A Brazilian Mata Fina binder and Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos complete the blend.




The smoke starts off with notes of black pepper, roasted nuts, and black coffee. As the cigar progresses a mild sweetness comes in, joined by hints of espresso. The robust spice of the start backs off slightly but remains to the finish along with hints of molasses and cocoa. The cigar, which had been resting in my humidor for three months, had a slightly tight draw but burned evenly, although it did require the occasional triple puff, and one relight, over the one hour and fifty minute smoking time.

The sweet rye spice of the Pikesville Rye was a fitting pairing for the robust Liga Privada T52. Even after taking a puff from the cigar, the flavorful finish of the rye remained on the palate.



My cozy spot between the heaters created the perfect setting for an evening of flavorful smoke and drink. I can’t wait to do it again.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Birding at Dutch Gap

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Nov 24th, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

Species / Count

Canada Goose - 105
Gadwall - 2
Bufflehead - 2
Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1
Great Blue Heron - 1
Black Vulture - 1
Bald Eagle - 1
Downy Woodpecker - 1
Carolina Chickadee - 1
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
Carolina Wren - 1
Chipping Sparrow - 8
White-throated Sparrow - 16
Song Sparrow - 3
Swamp Sparrow - 2
Northern Cardinal - 1

photo collage


Remembering Blessed Miguel Pro

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 23rd, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
This was originally posted November 23, 2013, and shared nearly annually on this date. This is not ancient history and must not be forgotten. 

November 23 is the Feast Day of Blessed Miguel Pro. Born on January 13, 1891, in Guadalupe, Mexico, Miguel Pro was ordained a Jesuit priest in Belgium in 1925. He returned to his home country in 1926, in the midst of that country's Cristeros War. After being falsely accused of an attempted bombing, Father Pro was executed by government forces without trial. 

Blessed Miguel Pro's final request was to be allowed to pray to his heavenly Father.


After which he refused a blindfold and faced the firing squad bravely, proclaiming ¡Viva Cristo Rey!

Father Pro's executioners initially failed at their task, and the deed was finished at point blank range.


I am saddened, but hardly surprised, at the ignorance of the American public regarding the persecution of Catholics, and of the Cristero War that took place in Mexico in 1926 through 1929. Some 250,000 people lost their lives in a persecution that was supported by the government of the United States with both funds and air support. Given the ever-growing intolerance towards Christians, especially Catholics, in the United States, we would do well to remember.

Christ the King, by the intercession of Blessed Miguel Pro, I beg you to answer my prayers. Give me the grace and the strength necessary to follow your heroic example and to live my Catholic faith in spite of all temptations and adversities. Amen.

Images from Wikipedia.



[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Midweek Musings: Flavors of the All Saints St. Francis and Old Grand-Dad

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 21st, 2024
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
The midweek “hump day” brought an unseasonably cool evening, a perfect opportunity to unwind on the back porch after dinner. For the occasion, I selected the All Saints St. Francis cigar—a 5 1/2 x 50 box-pressed stick wrapped in a luxurious Ecuadorian Oscuro leaf over a Nicaraguan binder and fillers. As this was my first time smoking this particular cigar, I was eager to try it, especially since it’s crafted at the Rocky Patel Tavicusa factory in Nicaragua, where many of my favorite cigars originate.

Right from the start, the cigar delivered rich notes of black coffee, chocolate, and black pepper. Throughout the smoke, hints of salt and subtle sweetness occasionally emerged, adding complexity. After resting in my humidor for about 10 weeks, the cigar burned evenly, though smoke output was inconsistent at times. I found myself needing to double or triple puff occasionally to maintain a fuller draw. Toward the finish, the coffee notes shifted to bitter espresso, while the spice intensified, leaving a lingering black pepper tingle on my lips.



The cigar burned relatively quickly, lasting around 50 minutes—a pace likely influenced by the extra puffing. I enjoyed it so much that I smoked it down to the nub. Surprisingly, the smoke remained cool even when the cigar was almost too small to hold.

To pair with the cigar, I poured a glass of Old Grand-Dad 114 bourbon. This 114-proof high-rye whiskey is highly aromatic, with spicy rye and brown sugar on the nose, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. On the palate, the bourbon delivers a delightful mix of brown sugar and caramel sweetness, complemented by rye and cinnamon spice that lingers beautifully.

At just $30 a bottle, Old Grand-Dad 114 offers exceptional flavor at a budget-friendly price. It paired wonderfully with the bold flavors of the All Saints St. Francis. The cigar and bourbon complemented each other without overpowering, each retaining its distinct character.

Typically, I enjoy music while smoking on the deck, but this evening, I chose to listen to the natural chorus of tree frogs in full song after the warm day. The peaceful backdrop made the experience even more enjoyable. As the warmer evenings of the season become less frequent, this one was truly memorable.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

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