Archives for the ‘Blog Entries.Local’ Category

Weekend Update 32

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Dec 1st, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

How the hell is it already December?

It was Thanksgiving weekend here in the US. So a lot of us had 4 days off. All my other long weekends this year have involved travel, so although they were often fun, I typically came back tired. This 4-day weekend was 4-days of staying close to home. I got so relaxed that I spent most of Saturday thinking it was Sunday. There is probably a lesson here but I'm sure it's going over my head.

Thanksgiving was chill for us. Just us and a roast turkey breast with mashed potatoes, balsamic and honey glazed roasted carrots,dinner rolls, and a fruit salad. On Black-Friday we went out to 2 local vendor fairs and an art gallery. We spent $9. Take that capitalism! On Saturday we did more local vendor fairs, and Sunday I went out birding in the AM. I got 46 species and one lifer on Sunday, putting me at 213 species for the year.

We also put up the Christmas tree and I put up the exterior lights. I feel a little like Charlie Brown. I'm not going to let the state of the world ruin my mood any longer. I'm going to enjoy life in spite of the bastards in charge.

On Thanksgiving Eve I wanted to watch the WKRP Thanksgiving episode, which I own in the I paid Amazon money for it sense of ownership. Amazon lost the rights to it (Apple has it now) so it's gone from my Amazon account. And that dear readers, is how I came to acquire all 4 seasons of WKRP, now safely stored on my computer.

Links

"...I remain unconvinced that I am any better off having posted all of the stuff in all of those places over the last thirty years than had I just written it down on paper."

An animated meditation (is that a thing?) reminding us that it's the journey, not the destination, that counts.

Overthinking A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Watching

We binged season 2 of A Man Inside, the Ted Danson cozy mystery on Netflix. If you enjoyed season 1 you'll enjoy season 2. We also watched Carry-On, a Netflix only movie (I think) starring Jason Bateman has a terrorist hell-bent on destruction on Christmas Eve at LAX. The movie is trying a little too hard to be Diehard, but I was entertained, which is all I ask of a movie. So two thumbs up from me. I also discovered Tasting History, a YouTube channel where the host cooks 50-500+ year old recipes and weaves in a history lesson in 20-30 minutes. They are very entertaining, and educational.

Reading

I finished up A Shattered Piece by John Scalzi last night. It's the first book in the Old Man's War universe in 10 years. If easy to read space opera with a side of snark is your thing, you'll enjoy this. But it is book 7 in this universe. It's a stand alone story, but I think you'll enjoy it more if you go back and start at the beginning.

listening

Tesla - Mechanical Resonance Live is currently "spinning" in the MP3 player on my computer. I also listened to quite a bit of Jukebox the Ghost this week. And Christmas music, because it is that time of year.

And that is it for this week. Remember, in a world where you can choose to be anything, you can choose to be kind.


Weekend Update 32

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Dec 1st, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

How the hell is it already December?

It was Thanksgiving weekend here in the US. So a lot of us had 4 days off. All my other long weekends this year have involved travel, so although they were often fun, I typically came back tired. This 4-day weekend was 4-days of staying close to home. I got so relaxed that I spent most of Saturday thinking it was Sunday. There is probably a lesson here but I'm sure it's going over my head.

Thanksgiving was chill for us. Just us and a roast turkey breast with mashed potatoes, balsamic and honey glazed roasted carrots,dinner rolls, and a fruit salad. On Black-Friday we went out to 2 local vendor fairs and an art gallery. We spent $9. Take that capitalism! On Saturday we did more local vendor fairs, and Sunday I went out birding in the AM. I got 46 species and one lifer on Sunday, putting me at 213 species for the year.

We also put up the Christmas tree and I put up the exterior lights. I feel a little like Charlie Brown. I'm not going to let the state of the world ruin my mood any longer. I'm going to enjoy life in spite of the bastards in charge.

On Thanksgiving Eve I wanted to watch the WKRP Thanksgiving episode, which I own in the I paid Amazon money for it sense of ownership. Amazon lost the rights to it (Apple has it now) so it's gone from my Amazon account. And that dear readers, is how I came to acquire all 4 seasons of WKRP, now safely stored on my computer.

Links

"...I remain unconvinced that I am any better off having posted all of the stuff in all of those places over the last thirty years than had I just written it down on paper."

An animated meditation (is that a thing?) reminding us that it's the journey, not the destination, that counts.

Overthinking A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Watching

We binged season 2 of A Man Inside, the Ted Danson cozy mystery on Netflix. If you enjoyed season 1 you'll enjoy season 2. We also watched Carry-On, a Netflix only movie (I think) starring Jason Bateman has a terrorist hell-bent on destruction on Christmas Eve at LAX. The movie is trying a little too hard to be Diehard, but I was entertained, which is all I ask of a movie. So two thumbs up from me. I also discovered Tasting History, a YouTube channel where the host cooks 50-500+ year old recipes and weaves in a history lesson in 20-30 minutes. They are very entertaining, and educational.

Reading

I finished up A Shattered Piece by John Scalzi last night. It's the first book in the Old Man's War universe in 10 years. If easy to read space opera with a side of snark is your thing, you'll enjoy this. But it is book 7 in this universe. It's a stand alone story, but I think you'll enjoy it more if you go back and start at the beginning.

Listening

Tesla - Mechanical Resonance Live is currently "spinning" in the MP3 player on my computer. I also listened to quite a bit of Jukebox the Ghost this week. And Christmas music, because it is that time of year.

And that is it for this week. Remember, in a world where you can choose to be anything, you can choose to be kind.

And that is it for this week. Remember, in a world where you can choose to be anything, you can choose to be kind.


Weekend Update 32

Author: From https://blog.odonnellweb.com • Dec 1st, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

How the hell is it already December?

It was Thanksgiving weekend here in the US. So a lot of us had 4 days off. All my other long weekends this year have involved travel, so although they were often fun, I typically came back tired. This 4-day weekend was 4-days of staying close to home. I got so relaxed that I spent most of Saturday thinking it was Sunday. There is probably a lesson here but I’m sure it’s going over my head.

Thanksgiving was chill for us. Just us and a roast turkey breast with mashed potatoes, balsamic and honey glazed roasted carrots,dinner rolls, and a fruit salad. On Black-Friday we went out to 2 local vendor fairs and an art gallery. We spent $9. Take that capitalism! On Saturday we did more local vendor fairs, and Sunday I went out birding in the AM. I got 46 species and one lifer on Sunday, putting me at 213 species for the year.

We also put up the Christmas tree and I put up the exterior lights. I feel a little like Charlie Brown. I’m not going to let the state of the world ruin my mood any longer. I’m going to enjoy life in spite of the bastards in charge.

On Thanksgiving Eve I wanted to watch the WKRP Thanksgiving episode, which I own in the I paid Amazon money for it sense of ownership. Amazon lost the rights to it (Apple has it now) so it’s gone from my Amazon account. And that dear readers, is how I came to acquire all 4 seasons of WKRP, now safely stored on my computer.

Links

“…I remain unconvinced that I am any better off having posted all of the stuff in all of those places over the last thirty years than had I just written it down on paper.”

An animated meditation (is that a thing?) reminding us that it’s the journey, not the destination, that counts.

Overthinking A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Watching

We binged season 2 of A Man Inside, the Ted Danson cozy mystery on Netflix. If you enjoyed season 1 you’ll enjoy season 2. We also watched Carry-On, a Netflix only movie (I think) starring Jason Bateman has a terrorist hell-bent on destruction on Christmas Eve at LAX. The movie is trying a little too hard to be Diehard, but I was entertained, which is all I ask of a movie. So two thumbs up from me. I also discovered Tasting History, a YouTube channel where the host cooks 50-500+ year old recipes and weaves in a history lesson in 20-30 minutes. They are very entertaining, and educational.

Reading

I finished up A Shattered Piece by John Scalzi last night. It’s the first book in the Old Man’s War universe in 10 years. If easy to read space opera with a side of snark is your thing, you’ll enjoy this. But it is book 7 in this universe. It’s a stand alone story, but I think you’ll enjoy it more if you go back and start at the beginning.

Listening

Tesla - Mechanical Resonance Live is currently “spinning” in the MP3 player on my computer. I also listened to quite a bit of Jukebox the Ghost this week. And Christmas music, because it is that time of year.

And that is it for this week. Remember, in a world where you can choose to be anything, you can choose to be kind.

And that is it for this week. Remember, in a world where you can choose to be anything, you can choose to be kind.


Into the Dark: Beer, Cigar, and Black Friday

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 29th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
It had been almost two weeks since I’d enjoyed a cigar. Between day trips, weekend travel, holiday prep, and time with family, I hadn’t found a moment to sit down for a proper, relaxing smoke. I’m not one to light a cigar just because — for me, a cigar is an intentional pause to sit, unwind, and appreciate the craftsmanship.

While the family binged on football, I slipped away for an afternoon smoke. It was cold and windy outside, but the enclosed screened porch offered welcome shelter. And since it was “Black Friday,” I went with the theme and grabbed two dark companions: a Micallef Black and a Winter Storm from Heavy Seas Brewing. That’s a far better way to mark the day after Thanksgiving than chasing supposed deals at the mall.



Winter Storm “Category 5 Ale” is a seasonal ESB (Extra Special Bitter) from the Baltimore brewery, a longtime favorite of mine going back to its Clipper City days. The label has changed over the years, but the beer remains the same.

At 7.5% ABV, the malt-forward ale shows rich caramel-toffee and dark fruit notes, balanced by a subtle pine and herbal hop presence. It’s thoroughly enjoyable. In years past I’d buy it by the case to age into the summer — or even for far-future drinking — but this year’s stash will likely be enjoyed fresh.

The Micallef Black I chose was the 5” x 52 Robusto. A Mexican San Andrés wrapper encases an Ecuadorian Habano binder with Nicaraguan fillers. The dark, oily wrapper and gold-on-black band make for an irresistible presentation. The Black is full-bodied, opening with earth, cocoa, and pepper. As it warmed up, I picked up dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and a touch of sweetness. Construction was excellent, with a clean burn and thick, flavorful smoke.

I actually selected the Micallef Black before considering the pairing, but the combination turned out beautifully. The bold, dark-leaning profiles played off each other well. The beer’s slight sweetness and dark fruit lifted the chocolate and sweeter tones in the cigar, while the cigar’s pepper and earth kept the ale from drifting too sweet. A satisfying match all around.

Outside, the day hinted at winter — 38° with a windchill of 26°, though sunny. Inside the porch, with the portable heaters on low, it was a comfortable 64°. Add some jazz from the speaker, a good book in my lap, and a cigar in hand, and it made for a remarkably pleasant afternoon escape before heading back inside to resume the holiday feasting.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Into the Dark: Beer, Cigar, and Black Friday

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 29th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
It had been almost two weeks since I’d enjoyed a cigar. Between day trips, weekend travel, holiday prep, and time with family, I hadn’t found a moment to sit down for a proper, relaxing smoke. I’m not one to light a cigar just because — for me, a cigar is an intentional pause to sit, unwind, and appreciate the craftsmanship.

While the family binged on football, I slipped away for an afternoon smoke. It was cold and windy outside, but the enclosed screened porch offered welcome shelter. And since it was “Black Friday,” I went with the theme and grabbed two dark companions: a Micallef Black and a Winter Storm from Heavy Seas Brewing. That’s a far better way to mark the day after Thanksgiving than chasing supposed deals at the mall.



Winter Storm “Category 5 Ale” is a seasonal ESB (Extra Special Bitter) from the Baltimore brewery, a longtime favorite of mine going back to its Clipper City days. The label has changed over the years, but the beer remains the same.

At 7.5% ABV, the malt-forward ale shows rich caramel-toffee and dark fruit notes, balanced by a subtle pine and herbal hop presence. It’s thoroughly enjoyable. In years past I’d buy it by the case to age into the summer — or even for far-future drinking — but this year’s stash will likely be enjoyed fresh.

The Micallef Black I chose was the 5” x 52 Robusto. A Mexican San Andrés wrapper encases an Ecuadorian Habano binder with Nicaraguan fillers. The dark, oily wrapper and gold-on-black band make for an irresistible presentation. The Black is full-bodied, opening with earth, cocoa, and pepper. As it warmed up, I picked up dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and a touch of sweetness. Construction was excellent, with a clean burn and thick, flavorful smoke.

I actually selected the Micallef Black before considering the pairing, but the combination turned out beautifully. The bold, dark-leaning profiles played off each other well. The beer’s slight sweetness and dark fruit lifted the chocolate and sweeter tones in the cigar, while the cigar’s pepper and earth kept the ale from drifting too sweet. A satisfying match all around.

Outside, the day hinted at winter — 38° with a windchill of 26°, though sunny. Inside the porch, with the portable heaters on low, it was a comfortable 64°. Add some jazz from the speaker, a good book in my lap, and a cigar in hand, and it made for a remarkably pleasant afternoon escape before heading back inside to resume the holiday feasting.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Giving Thanks Today and Every Day

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 27th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local


Today is the day most Americans set aside to reflect on — and give thanks for — the many graces and gifts that bless our lives. For some, the day is simply a preliminary event to the day of shopping to come. That particular holiday tradition has never appealed to me, though I’ll admit I often take advantage of a good cigar sale online this time of year.

As for me, I’m thankful for my wonderful and loving family, for the freedom to worship as I choose, for true friends, for a roof over my head and food on the table, for this great country, and for so much more. These are things I’m grateful for every day, not just on the fourth Thursday of November. To be truly thankful is to stay aware of our blessings daily. I’ll also be praying for the protection of those freedoms and blessings as they continue to face persistent threats, both foreign and domestic.

Let’s also keep in mind the selfless Americans who are separated from their loved ones while serving to defend our freedoms.

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful day.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Giving Thanks Today and Every Day

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 27th, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local


Today is the day most Americans set aside to reflect on — and give thanks for — the many graces and gifts that bless our lives. For some, the day is simply a preliminary event to the day of shopping to come. That particular holiday tradition has never appealed to me, though I’ll admit I often take advantage of a good cigar sale online this time of year.

As for me, I’m thankful for my wonderful and loving family, for the freedom to worship as I choose, for true friends, for a roof over my head and food on the table, for this great country, and for so much more. These are things I’m grateful for every day, not just on the fourth Thursday of November. To be truly thankful is to stay aware of our blessings daily. I’ll also be praying for the protection of those freedoms and blessings as they continue to face persistent threats, both foreign and domestic.

Let’s also keep in mind the selfless Americans who are separated from their loved ones while serving to defend our freedoms.

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful day.

Cheers!


[ This content originated at Musings Over a Barrel ]

Remembering Blessed Miguel Pro

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 23rd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
This was originally posted November 23, 2013, and shared nearly annually on this date. This is not ancient history and should 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 ]

Remembering Blessed Miguel Pro

Author: From http://www.musingsoverabarrel.com/ • Nov 23rd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local
This was originally posted November 23, 2013, and shared nearly annually on this date. This is not ancient history and should 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 ]

Weekend Update #31

Author: From https://odonnellweb.com/pelican/ • Nov 22nd, 2025
   Category: Blog Entries.Local

I've gone from weekly updates to bi-monthly to monthly. That is not a good trend line. I need to work on that.

My birthday was on Tuesday, celebrating my 58th trip around the sun. I always say I don't feel my age, and physically that is true. A lot of GenX friends talk of always dealing with some low level nagging pain. I don't have that issue. I feel pretty damn good most of the time. However I am looking at my life and thinking about when I get to slow down a bit. Due to two layoffs and starting my own company in a 7 month period this year, we took no vacation time in 2025. The best we did all year was a couple of 4 day weekends timed to coincide with a national holiday. I've worked harder since going freelance than I have in a long time.

My workload has caused me to start playing with numbers and thinking about how I can exit the rat race sooner rather than later. If I lived somewhere where I could live on $4500 a month I could mostly check out tomorrow. I'd need to hang on to one PT consulting client, otherwise I'd be free and clear. It's tempting. Very temping. For comparison, $4500 is the sum of my mortgage and health insurance effective January 1, 2026. There are a lot of countries where $4500 a month all-in would be a very comfortable middle-class or better life (for two people).

Anyway, I had a very nice birthday. Michelle took me to Les Crepes, a Latin inspired crepe restaurant. It was fabulous. My crepe had chicken, mango-cranberries mix, caramelized onions, caramelized apples, brie cheese, and a sour cream-mango sauce. It weighed about a pound. And because it was my birthday they gave us a Nutella dessert crepe on the house.

On Thursday my smiling face was on the front page of NPR.org for a few hours. It has been an interesting couple of weeks for me online. NPR interviewed me then featured me in both an audio segment during Morning Edition and in print on the website. Also, George Takei commented on something I posted online.

Also on Thursday we attended the annual Thanksgiving potluck with the Richmond Audubon Society, which is highlighted by a slide show of bird photos taken by members during the year, many from far flung locations on birding trips. There are many seriously talented photographers in the club. I was inspired to try to up my bird photography game.

The shit status of the country is ruining my Christmas mood, so far. I'm just not feeling it at all. We don't do a lot for Christmas anyway, it is normally just a quiet day at home with controlled gift giving. But I seriously haven't been able to even think about it for a minute without it depressing me. Maybe I need to plop a nickel on Lucy's desk and have a chat with her, or volunteer to direct the Christmas play, or something.

Last weekend we attended the annual Christmas light show at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. It was pretty, as always. We go every year as our membership gets us in free on member preview night. It was 60F and we were walking around in light jackets. Not exactly Christmas weather.

We do have a date night planned for tonight. We are going to go out for drinks then attend an Improv comedy show. And we plan to go birding in the morning and then hit a couple of fall festivals in the afternoon. With me glued to my desk 8-6 every day I need to do a better job of getting more outside time.

Watching

We binged season 2 of Nobody Wants This on Netflix this week. It was not as good as season 1, but entertaining enough. The previous week we binged season 3 of The Diplomat, which was exceptionally entertaining.

Reading

Make Me Commissioner by Jane Leavy is a humor learning look at the state of baseball today, and what needs to change to make the game more entertaining.

Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen is a deeply researched scenario of one way we might destroy the planet with nuclear weapons in the near future. The scenario is terrifyingly plausible.

More detailed reviews of both books are on the books page.

Listening

I've got Kevn Kinney's catalog on shuffle play as I'm writing this. I also just discovered Jesse Welles and I'm obsessed with his Woody Guthrie / Dylan vibe. The guy has released 4 full albums this year and a hard-left folkie getting Grammy nominations is something that gives me a little bit of hope for the future.

And that is it for this week. Remember, in a world where you can choose to be anything, you can choose to be kind.


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