tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501361286897702641.post-87587549417770488392008-03-19T23:57:00.000-05:002008-03-19T23:57:00.000-05:00Hey man, I hear ya. Juggling a needy child, and other homely responsibilities while brewing is so very stressful. I'm glad you brought this up. Eventually I will be opening up to the true experiences while brewing...from the past, and in the present. I think brewing isn't just about the process, the beer, or the moment, but there is another dimension that is about personal growth and the passing of time. If you are interested in hearing about that I'll get to writing a post.<BR/><BR/>In general though, clearing up as much time for unobtrusive brewing is very important for everyone involved (directly or indirectly). I've been finding that starting at about 5AM or earlier is great because more than half the brewday is over before the others are awake. Also, I plan some brewdays for while my ladies head to church on late Sunday mornings. I can be near completion by the time they come home.<BR/><BR/>I also wanted to relate to what you said about finding 5 core recipes and settling on them. I think about that often enough, and then I start thinking of all the beers I haven't tried yet or new ideas. But aren't we in our hay-day of brewing obsession? Lets keep in mind, that there will be a time for settling down in the future, when we're older and grayer, and set on our most favorite styles of home brewed beer.<BR/><BR/>Your Irie Stout does sound darn good. I was wondering what spices you are throwing in there. We all want to hear how it turns out, cause I think we all want to do it ourselves.<BR/><BR/>Brew-on!Ted Danylukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08416906043519452478noreply@blogger.com