STAR**** **OOP**S – A Hiatus

Starship Trooper Bard, Dean Stahl, 2019

I started this project seven years ago, all the way back in 2012. Since then, I’ve managed to do 53 pages of the book. About one-fifth.

Needless to say a lot has changed in seven years. My life is completely different. I think the only constant from then to now is this blog? Though, it’s gone through at least three iterations since then.

The point I’m avoiding making is that I don’t feel the same energy and excitement about this program as I did when I started it. If I am being honest with myself – it feels a lot like work. I don’t want my creative projects to feel like work. I don’t want to invest my free time into something that only makes me feel bad. Bad about not doing it and bad when I am doing it.

That isn’t an outlet for creativity but a crucible for generating resentment and disappointment. For now, I think it is best that I put this book back on the shelf until I feel like coming back to it with new eyes and new vigor.

I’ve got one more of these that is already done, I’ve been sitting on it since July, that will go up next week. Then it’s time for a rest and to pursue some things that I am looking forward to.

Thank you.

Seasons – Best Cocktail in Yolo County

Whiskey Sour Seasons
Whiskey Sour, Seasons, Davis, 2019

Seasons – The Review

Taste (5/10) – Real sour. There is some sweet in here but it is overshadowed by the sour. Everything is. Tart and fresh.

Presentation (4/5) – Looks lovely. Light straw color. Bright pop of the maraschino cherry. Not much foam.

Balance (3/5) – Sour is the dominant note on this one. Lots of ice also subdues everything.

Correctness (4/5) – Almost there! Only thing missing is the orange peel. Lemon slice is close but not quite there.

Delivery (2/x) – Simple and friendly. Asked if I wanted the egg white.

Total (18/25) – This was a good Whiskey Sour, and I’m not going to disparage that. It wasn’t a great or amazing one. But, it was an ACTUAL Whiskey Sour and that appears to be something of a rarity here in Yolo County so I’m going to recognize it. Not the best I’ve had so, far from the worst though.

Whiskey Sour Seasons
Mystery cocktail, Seasons, Davis, 2019

Links

Seasons
The Project
The Criteria
The Bars

Japanese Sea Lion – It Was Very Good

Japanese Sea Lion – Taxidermied specimen, Tennōji Zoo, Osaka, Japan

Japanese Sea Lion (Zalophus japonicus)

The Japanese Sea Lion was an aquatic mammal endemic to the Sea of Japan, along the coasts of Japan, Korea and even to the Kamchatka Peninsula. Originally believed to have been a subspecies of the California Sea Lion the animal was reclassified as its own species in 2007.

The Japanese Sea Lion was mostly grey furred with males weighing between 900 and 1,200 pounds and having a length of 7 1/2 to 8 feet, larger than male California Sea Lions. Cows were considerably smaller and lighter colored.

Japanese Sea Lion, Kawahara Keiga – Naturalis Biodiversity Center 1823

The animal was driven to extinction in the 20th century, with the last credible sighting being the 1950s. The animal was harvested prior to the 20th century mostly for oil. The sea lions organs were sought after for use in traditional medicine and its whiskers and leather were used as pipe cleaners and leather goods.

There have been talks between the governments of Japan, Korea, and Russia of introducing California Sea Lions into this species’ former habitats but nothing yet has come of these actions.

More Info

Broderick Roadhouse – Best Cocktail in Yolo County

Whiskey Sour, Broderick Roadhouse, West Sacramento, 2019

Broderick Roadhouse – The Review

Taste (6/10) – Good. Sweet, nice sour component. A subtle smokiness. Jim Bean is always nice.

Presentation (3/5) – Correct glassware. Nice cloudy lemonade color, garnished.

Balance (4/5) – Nice tasting cocktail. Sweet with a smoky, sour finish.

Correctness (3/5) – No egg white. Good house made sour mix. Two garnishes. Lemon peel instead of orange. Splash of smoked bitters instead of normal. Bartender asked if I wanted to try that.

Delivery (3/x) – Very friendly. Talked with me about the drink and the bar.

Total (19/25) – This wasn’t an absolutely correct Whiskey Sour, but unlike many of the other incorrect sours I’ve had since starting this project this one tasted good. And, that’s always the most important part of your cocktail, Does it taste good? If it doesn’t you need to go back and start over. This was a nice stop and a nice drink.

Whiskey in a Jar, Broderick Roadhouse, West Sacramento, 2019
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