It’s Saturday, and I’m back from Iowa and David is back from a week at the beach. We’re at the bar, ready to catch up on our drinking—our regular drinking, that is. Cheryl is behind the bar, happy to have missed the patio crowd during the heat last week. While we’re here, we’ll try to wrangle Linda’s SoCS prompt to the ground.

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “chicken or egg.” Use the “which came first” conundrum in your post, whether about the chicken and the egg or about a real-life situation that fits the question. Or just talk about chickens and eggs! Enjoy!

Stream of Consciousness Saturday—Linda G. Hill

If we were having a beer, you’d have a few questions.

“Welcome back, Dan. How was Iowa?”

“David, an open-ended question to Dan? Isn’t that dangerous?”

“You’re right Cheryl. I guess I should have added the ‘No essay’ caveat to that question.”

“Well, mine’s easy, so I’m going to slip in first. Regular drinks for you two?”

“Yes. I think Dan is still drinking Modelo, and I still like the complexity of a John Howell’s Special.”

“Bourbon, a snifter of seltzer and a glass of ice. I remember.”

“So, Dan. I saw that you had good flights. How was the weather in Iowa?”

“I see you’ve decided to go the specific question route.”

“Cheryl had a good point about not giving you a blank canvas, Dan.”

“I am capable or rambling.”

“Rambling is your modus operandi, Dan.”

“Here are your drinks, guys. I gather you’re having a controlled conversation.”

“Per your advice, Cheryl—thanks.”

“I would point out that I am also capable of not rambling, David.”

“I might have to see some proof.”

“Cheers, David.”

“Cheers. Now, how was the weather?”

“Ninety-plus degrees, ninety-five percent humidity and a heat index over a hundred most days.”

“In fewer words, hot and humid.”

“No. Hot is hot, but humid is relative, David. Humid for Lois in Florida is different from humid for Teagan in New Mexico and humid in Iowa is gross. I’d put it slightly worse than Washington, D.C.”

“Did you do anything interesting?”

“I was lucky. The day I got there was the day my brother’s Beer Club met.”

“Beer Club?”

“Yeah. A group of guys get together once a month and try a new pub or brewery.”

“I remember that from your last visit. Sounds like a cool idea. Where did you go?”

“Single Speed Brewery in Des Moines.”

“Single Speed? Is that a bike reference? I think you went to a bike-themed brewery last year.”

“We did. There are a lot of breweries along the rail-trails.”

“I’m not sure about drinking and riding a bike. I mean, that doesn’t sound safe. Which comes first, riding or drinking?”

“I think the brewery is a stop along the ride, David. Moderation is the key.”

“I get it. Park near the brewer so you don’t have to bike very far.”

“Not what I meant, but I guess that works, too. You’d have to check with Mary for a better explanation.”

“What did you have in your flight?”

“The brewery didn’t have flights, but we could order eight-ounce glasses. I had a golden lager called ‘Prowl’ and another one called ‘Gable’.”

“That’s it? Two beers?”

“I also had a German pilsner called, ‘River to River’, and another glass of ‘Gable’.”

“You never go for the dark beers, do you?”

“I had a taste of ‘O Knobby One’, a Baltic Porter my brother ordered. It had blueberry and vanilla and it was eleven-point-one percent alcohol! I didn’t really like it.”

“I give you credit for tasting it. What did you eat?”

“We wanted nachos, but they were out.”

“How does a restaurant run out of nachos?”

“No clue. We swapped in a flatbread with a roasted corn bruschetta, and a baked cauliflower, veggie and bacon appetizer.”

“I’m glad you said bacon. I was getting worried. These bikers, healthy folks, are they?”

“Perhaps, but the food was very good.”

“What else did you eat while out there?”

“My brother made brats, Reuben sandwiches, eggs and hashbrowns for breakfast and we went out for Mexican and Chinese food.”

“Good vacation food. Well done!”

In addition to the normal marketing block that gets tacked onto every post, I also want to announce that the Kindle edition of When Evil Chooses You, the third book in the Dreamer’s Alliance Series, will go on sale for $0.99 early tomorrow morning. You can use the link in the block below to purchase from Amazon.

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

67 responses to “Welcome Back — SoCS”

  1. Skilfully done, Dan. What’s a Reuben sandwich? Some things don’t translate well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Jo. A Reuben is corned beef (or pastrami) on rye bread with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing. Ours were toasted. I should have added a picture, but I thought I had enough food.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Sounds fabulous. Count me in 😁❤️

        Like

  2. Hi Dan – sounds like you had lots of fun … with people, food and a drink or two … but heat – no thanks … but love the photo range – cheers Hilary

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Hilary. The heat did put a damper on things. Short walks and short amounts of time outside, but we had a very good time.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. “O Knobby One”??? That’s hilarious! I’m guessing the names of beers are part of the fun of trying them. It appears to me that beer club needs a round table! I can only imagine Iowa heat and humidity; that had to be nasty. I really like that top photo — what a summer sky there!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. With all the breweries that have popped up over the past several years, coming up with interesting names has to be a challenge. A large round table might be a good idea. I’m not sure I’ve met everyone yet 😉

      Liked by 3 people

  4. Thanks for the mention, Dan. Other than the humidity, it seems like you had a nice visit. The gallery is particularly fun today. That tractor convoy was unexpected and fun. Although getting around it would have been a surreal bad dream. The beer club looked to be in good spirits. It was good to see Sundance too. Hugs.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Teagan. I wasn’t sure at what point you consider you humidity to be high. I know you’re familiar with the steamy swamp-like humidity in Washington, D.C. – I was there in July one year and I thought I was going to die. The tractor ride was hard to get around, but the guys pulled over, or left room for us. It was fun to see them. Sundance was his usual good kitty self.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. During my decade in DC, humidity was about the same as growing up in TN and GA. (Like you described in Iowa.) Sometimes the weather man would report 100% humidity but it did not rain. I know it was miserable where you guys were. It makes the air so heavy that one can barely breathe. I don’t miss it at all.
        I guess I have not fully become a New Mexican because I need a little bit of moisture in the air. But I’ve assimilated enough that I feel discomfort when it goes up to 50%. Most people here complain that it’s unbearable at 35%.
        Keep in mind that we often have single-digit humidity though. While it doesn’t feel as sticky and oppressive, it’s physically dangerous. Usually it’s in the teens to 20, but single digit readings are common, at least in the southern part of the state. I feel like my eyeballs are going to crack open. Even so, 105° at 5% humidity is no worse than 95° at 95% humidity.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Wow. We’d be thrilled if we could keep the inside humidity at 35% in the summer. 40-45 is the best we can do.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. That’s the reaction most people have (including me before I came here). However, very low humidity is difficult too. One’s airways become irritated (which can make respiratory infections easier to get), extremely dry skin and eyes. But yeah, I’d take it over 90% humidity. 😀

            Liked by 1 person

  5. Sounds like another trip to see your brother was a success and you had quite a buffet of food to enjoy. Welcome back.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Judy. One thing about traveling that never changes, it’s good to be home.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. River to River sounds like my kind of beer. 😉
    Love the idea of a beer club, but I think the bunnies missed you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. River to River was a good beer, unless you like dark beer. The bunnies were well cared for, and it looks like one bunny is preparing to add some new ones to the yard. We’re seeing signs of nest building near the garden.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Hi Dan looks like you had a great time with your brother, lovely photo 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Willow. It was a good week.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. I remember times down here getting stuck behind tractors – but those days are long gone!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. At first, I didn’t know what was going on. Then we started seeing people out sitting in lawn chairs. I’m just glad I wasn’t driving, especially when my brother had to duck in to the parade to avoid a semi.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I hope you’re having a nice weekend.

      Like

  9. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
    Gwen M. Plano

    Welcome back, Dan. It sounds like you had a wonderful time – in spite of the humidity. Your photo journey is as delightful as always. 🌞

    Like

  10. For me the best part of any vacation is the food. Sounds like you ate and drank well. A tractor run?! We might have one or two on the road in the county north of us, but not a whole lot of them. What a great photo, though–especially with those poles lined up next to them. Fantastic.

    Isn’t it funny how the heat/humidity in one place is so different than in another? Makes you squirm just thinking about it. Good to see you all back here this morning. Have a great weekend, Dan.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. We used to see multiple tractors pulling tobacco wagons, but very few these days. It gets pretty humid here, but this was different. Have a great weekend, too, Lois.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I like flat breads with yummy toppings. Their nachos must be very good to run out. Looks like there was a tractor show on somewhere or they were heading to a blockade to highlight a plight?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was advertised as a “Tractor Ride” in the town we rode into after we passed them. The nachos looked good as described on the menu, but out two appetizers were very good.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. First, Dan, there’s nothing wrong with rambling. My dad was famous for it, to my mother’s ire, telling stories that kind of went on and on. It makes me smile now, although I may take after him at times.

    Nice vacation! I have to recap mine, but have a reading project and life getting in the way.

    In response to the biking and brewery clarification: It’s always nice to end a long bike ride near a place of adult refreshment, but we never drink during a ride. That can be dangerous in more ways than one. We enjoy our rides, clean up afterwards, then find a place for our “recovery drink,” as my brother calls it. He waits until after as well.

    Hope to get a post or two out there in the next week because I need to ramble on about vacation. Have an awesome weekend, Dan.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I hope you find some time to write about your vacation. I was talking to a few people who did seem to still have some riding to do. I hope not much. I know I would have to have my bike on the rack before drinking.

      Making a short story long is a family trait. But we enjoy listening, too, so it’s good.

      Keep on enjoying summer.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. A beer club! I think I should start one here ;-) Glad you enjoyed your time in Iowa.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. These guys started this after their wives started a book club. I’d recommend beer.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Good for them. I’d be hard-pressed to choose between the two!

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Murphy's Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    So glad you had a great time with your brother and that you’re back home safe and sound.

    Sundance is as handsome as ever. I hope he discovered some treats meant for him in your luggage!

    Love seeing that tractor ride, but I wouldn’t want to be driving behind it.

    Vacations seems to focus on inordinate amounts of food, and apparently you and your brother did your best to eat as much as you could! 🤙🤙 I know you enjoyed the beer sampling!

    Have a relaxing weekend Dan. Good grief! Monday will be July. How did that happen?

    Ginger🦋

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m not sure how July got here ahead of schedule, Ginger.

      Eating and drinking are favorite vacation pastimes, but we try to do the drinking in moderation. Sometimes we fail, but we try.

      Sundance didn’t find any treats. He was disappointed that I know of his strict diet. He tried to convince me that he’s starving.

      I hope you’re having a good weekend. Looks like storms are on the way.

      Like

  15. Glad you enjoyed your vacation and had some fun too!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was a nice week away. Thanks Kim.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. It sounds like you had fun. A choice of brats sounds good, and I wish more pubs/bars had half pints.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I had that same thought, Deborah. Some times I’d like a little more beer but not another beer.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. That’s a lotta food😂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It looks like more than it was 😉

      Like

  18. I am hungry now. I think I need lunch. It’s nice to see the menagerie again.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Sorry, Pam. I’m hungry, too. I wrote this yesterday, never thinking that I’ll be hungry when I read it.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. That lunch looks delicious. I think my brother and sister-in-law have their own beer club in a similar fashion.

    And aways happy to see the bunnies and squirrels! (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I started checking the Beer Club schedule before booking my flights 😉. It was good to see the critters when I got home and resumed my Cabana Boy chores.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Love the photos, Dan! Sundance the cat inspecting your suitcase is a classic!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. He wants to get in there and sleep on my clothes, Dave. He is a good cat, though.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Sounds like a fun visit. Are you sure that’s your brother, lower right? Sure looks like you. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I was taking the picture, Jan – but we do look like brothers ;-)

      Like

  22. I like the idea of a beer club. Sounds like an important thing to do. Looks like the whole time was fun.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We had a great time, John. I now check the beer club schedul before booking my flights.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Good food, good brew, good times…sounds like a great trip.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was a great week/ Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I love vacation food! Somehow being away from home gives us the permission to eat a little more liberally than when we are home. Reuben sandwiches are a special favorite of mine. I’m not much of a beer drinker but in that humidity, I think I would have indulged once or twice… or three times.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Janis. I do think we loosen up a bit on diet rules while traveling. My brother makes a pretty good Reuben.

      Like

  25. Good food, good beer, good company, good vacation. Dan, I would love to see a Tractor Ride like that!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That was a fun sight, Jennie. I’ve never seen so many tractors together.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank goodness you got a photo!

        Liked by 1 person

  26. I like Stouts and Porters, and I like high alcohol content (Dragon’s Milk is 11% and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout is 12%), but I’m not entirely sold on vanilla and blueberry. Sounds like a fun time, though. You’re a brave man to bike in heat like that. It would literally, actually, genuinely, put me into heat stroke. I can’t even sit still in the shade in heat like that. I mean, I CAN, but I’d turn red and pass out.

    Like

  27. Hi Dan, your visit to the brewery sounds lovely. I don’t drink beer but I still enjoy the atmosphere of breweries especially if they show you the beer making process.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This was a very nice place. Tours are available, and it was family friendly.

      Like

  28. Louisiana humid was like suffocation while Panama mountain humidity is just humidity in the mountains. The cities, well, are another bottle of sweat.

    Liked by 1 person

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