So, in case you're not keeping tabs, I no longer live in the US Capital. I've moved north to Steel City Robot City USA. It's a decent town, though like any other not without its faults. The Girlie and I have been settling in, buying property, the usual. Rains more than I'd like, the fact that power lines aren't buried makes it look like the whole town is rigged with bailing wire and duct tape, and the airport is too effing far away. But there are some great things. Two more of which I found just yesterday.

1. My favorite pub is offering cask ales (I hate the word "firkin", but what are you gonna do...). Ate dinner there last night, and tried the Big Hop. It was served a bit warmer than the US usually likes beer, but it brings out a lot of of taste (cold things deaden your tastebuds; this is one reason people like custard and soft-serve ice cream -- it's kept at a warmer temp so you taste more when you eat it).
2. There is a fantastic microbrewery --East End Brewing Company -- just stumbling distance from my new house. Literally walked there, bought two growlers (the Fat Gary and the Session Ale), and walked home in under 15 minutes last night. Yes, I anticipate there being problems. Sweet, oaty, barley-laden, hoppy problems. Turns out they sell kegs of the stuff. When we do our kitchen remodel, I've already gotten the a-OK to put in a tap to a keg in the basement. We'll rotate between this and Guinness (the missus' personal choice).