A love letter to Ireland

Many writers with greater skill than I have more successfully, and succinctly written homage & ode to the Emerald Isle. But after having spent a week here for the first time, I am compelled to put my observations down in such a way that I can reflect on them in the future, and whenever possible, make a return trip.

That there are 24 shades of green on the island is no exaggeration. From the lush green fields, to the variety of leafy canopies, to the numerous shades of moss growing everywhere, there truly is natural green wherever you go. And that doesn’t include the post boxes that are holdovers from British rule, painted green to celebrate Independence.

The failte we experienced throughout our trip—certainly in Dublin City, but also as we journeyed beyond. As a product of the American Midwest, raised to make guests, visitors, and neighbors all feel welcome, I felt not just welcomed, but invited into the community as if I’d always belonged. The hospitality, generosity, and <xxx>.

The rich history—marred by oppression and tyranny—can be seen everywhere. The modern high rises and office buildings envelop old stone churches, not just in a way to preserve them, but with the intent to protect their spirit and help them persevere. The recognition that much of what Ireland is today is because of its tribulations (the name Dublin is derived from the Viking term for “dark pool” or “<xxx>”. The parliamentary government, urban planning, and many other systems are there because of British rule. And yet, Ireland is a proudly defiant place, fiercely independent and unique.

I could write about the food for many, many pages. The common staples are prevalent, yes—potatoes, cabbage, oats, beef, and lamb. But the wide variety of uses, and the numerous other ingredients, are well worth exploring. The sheer amount of fresh seafood is astounding—coming from someone who lives in northern New England, right on the coastline. The oysters are wonderfully briny, rich with salinity and minerals. There are numerous varieties of fish—all top notch. The squid, scallops, and prawns are divine. Then there is the bread. I enjoyed soda bread at home, but did not appreciate how malleable the recipe is. The simple distinction between light and dark soda bread, and the incorporation of oats, was a sheer delight to explore (I am eager to get home and try my hand at crafting a recipe that I can enjoy on a regular basis). Finally—the produce is wonderful. We ate plenty of potatoes, but had terrific carrots, crisp broccolini, incredible kale (nevermind that it was threaded through colcannon and topped with ample butter), and delightful apples, currants, and berries.

It’s not lost on me that part of my enjoyment for the past week has been the opportunity to relax (I am on vacation after all), enjoy the companionship of my partner, and reflect on the past year (since we last got a chance to downshift and unplug). In the fast-paced, ever shifting environment we call life, getting a chance to get grounded again, reset, and recharge is becoming increasingly valuable, but necessary. But I will add—the sheer enjoyment of this week has also been, in large part, due to this wonderful place, and everything it has to offer. I will be counting the days until I come back, and until then, Sláinte, you’s.

On Childhood Wonder & Curiosity

I’ve been spending lots of time home with my kids lately. Still working, still taking care of the place, but being on Daddy duty when one gets ill, or both have a day off of school, or Mom needs to do some extra work. One day I didn’t feel like doing much but just sitting with Poppy in her playroom, absentmindedly watching her play. It wasn’t until I really started watching that I observed a few things that resonated with me, and that I could apply elsewhere in life.

Here are a few tidbits:

• Rework is ok if you are still making progress—or in my line of work, iterate your way to success

• It’s easy to discard something that is not inherently useful at the moment, but don't put it too far out of reach

• One at a time is a fine way to do something

• Never be afraid to ask for help, or watch someone else and learn from them

• Eliminate distractions and create focus

• Stopping regularly for exercise is a good idea (or snack, or break)—you can always come back to the thing

• Above all, try, try, try

On brew day

Originally composed on January 17, 2017

In the middle of winter doldrums, it can be hard to be motivated to do something active, particularly when that activity forces you to face the elements (in Maine, that includes cold, but also snow, ice, salt, sand, and very unpleasant wind). However, some days you get a break in the weather, and you cannot help but seize the opportunity to do something you love to do. I remember a specific day in college, my junior year while living in a small 4BR apartment at The Settlement, the way I felt when a sudden, intense thunderstorm hit. I had a very strong urge to lace up my trainers, pull on some running shorts, and go run through the rain (despite having put in 22 miles that morning). It was dark, and unseasonably warm, and the rain washed over my bare chest. I came home revitalized, invigorated.

Today was a similar day. After numerous consecutive cold days, ice and snow crusted to the ground, we had an intense rain shower overnight, paired with 25mph winds. This morning the sun broke through the clouds, and has given way to perfectly clear skies, a gentle breeze, and unseasonable warmth. And all the ice and snow were washed away. I took the opportunity to get out my brew kettle, and make myself a repeat recipe that will serve me well when the cold weather inevitably returns. This imperial stout is very smooth and drinkable, but undeniably comes with the bitterness of roasted malt and hops, the color and character of a dark beer, and the oomph of a lot of grain. The first time I brewed it, I remember thinking that hey, maybe I could do this for a living?

Sometimes we wait for things to align just right to change course. In today’s case, the weather. In other cases, career changes, starting a family, planning a move, what have you. i’ve come to realize (slowly—what can I say, I’ve always been overly risk-averse) that it’s important not only to seize the opportunity when it so visibly presents itself, but otherwise, as well. Sometimes what feels like the wrong time to make a change is the right time. Sometimes you have to endure harder conditions to implement a change than had you waited, but perhaps you can do it 6 months sooner, and save yourself time, or pain, or money, or maybe all of it. It’s these life lessons that every once in a while become obvious that we need to remind ourselves about—especially when they are not so obvious. 

Welcome!

Originally composed on November 3, 2016

I am back at it again and I welcome you to the fold. It’s been a long time since I’ve posted to a blog, and it occurred to me that while you, the reader, may have some interest in what I will be writing about, that blogging will also benefit me by providing an outlet. After many stalled attempts, I am trying again with more resolve, interest, and thought put into what it is I will actually write about.

Becoming a father recently (ok, it’s not that recent—Eliot is almost 3 years old now…), I have wanted to share some of that whole experience more broadly. I guess this is the first time between work, Claudia’s residency (we’ll get to that later), and home life, that I have felt I had enough capacity to actually write about fatherhood. I guess that is the thesis—becoming a parent, starting a family, having a kiddo (however you get there) is a life-changing event in so many ways. Everyone tells you that your life is going to change, but until you do it, none of that tells you how *much* your life is going to change. 

I am a working professional who loves food. More than just food though, I love to cook. My parents always said that as soon as I could reach the kitchen counter, I was cooking. To this day, I love to find and share new recipes, improvise, and entertain.

This blog is also going to be dedicated to sharing the recipes I use in my own kitchen. I will provide details on my own original recipes, and will also share others that I have incorporated into my standard repertoire along the way.

In addition to recipes, I like to share the little tips that make cooking good food manageable in and around a busy schedule. Most of us have more than enough going on in our lives, and find it challenging to make time to cook and eat good food. Over the years I have found little ways to make things easier when I get busy, so I can still enjoy tasty, healthy meals without breaking the bank.

Finally, I love a few other things, including homebrewing, travel, photography, and sports. Expect to see a few topics peppered in there, as well. I hope you enjoy!