Rainy Sunday Morning Leisure - Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge, Southern Tier Brewery

Renee, Barkeep At Brazil's, With Doug Young, Southern Tier's Lead Brewer

6:59

7:19

I was up just before 7:00, gray sky and lake, a warm southerly wind, on an almost empty, wrinkled lake.  Since then, it's rained briefly, the sky a mellow yellow, and now the rain has stopped, and some brightness has developed to the south.  For the day, it looks like more rain, a high of 70º.

Yesterday must have been the last warm day of summer, the high perhaps 75º.  We did not have much to do until later in the afternoon, so we quickly got our chores done, and I took lots of junk to the Transfer Station, having cleaned out the garage attic somewhat with the theory that if you have not used it in five years, throw it out.  I am sure I will regret having thrown out something...it never fails the minute you throw something out, you need it, like Murphy's law.  It was, however, a perfect day to be on the dock, or to cruise the lake, as it seemed as if everyone who owned a boat was out taking their last cruise of the year, as most boats will be going in this next week or two before it gets cold.

Wendy and Charlie Heinz, Cruising The Lake

Pogo, The Water Dog

Evie enjoyed the dock for a couple of hours, and the Heinz's stopped by on their cruise from Chautauqua Shores, with their dog Pogo, in the front seat.  Before I, too, came out to sun, I rode my bike at Bemus, for about 50 minutes, at times difficult when riding into the wind but still a fun ride, little if any traffic on Lakeside Drive and some dirt biking in the trails of Long Point State Park. When I rode by the Casino, a group of kayakers had just pulled in, having paddled the first half of Chautauqua Lake, taking a time out for lunch before finishing their five hour paddle from Jamestown to Mayville.  Later, they paddled by while Evie was on our dock, and she took a few pictures of their regatta.

Paddling The Length of Chautauqua Lake

At 4:00, we drove to a surprise birthday party for Sam Nelson, an old friend who were knew from our days at Bud's Carriage House.  Like Evie, he had just turned seventy and the surprise party was at the lakefront YWCA building.  It was a nice place for a party, lots of older citizens like us, and appetizers, sandwiches, and homemade pie for the guests.  We stayed about forty five minutes though we did not know anyone other than the family.

Donna and Sam Nelson

Around 5:15, we hightailed it to Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge, on 4th Street in Jamestown. Only two or three people at the bar but we struck up a conversation with Doug Young , the lead brewer at Southern Tier Brewery.  And we found out that the barkeep, Renee, also works during the day at Southern Tier.  Both were fun to talk to, as we learned a lot about the brewing process, the various beer offerings, and our common interest in Blue Grass Music, and the great performer Sierra Hull, a singer and mandolin player we both enjoy.  Doug also plays the mandolin in a Blue Grass Band called South 79.  In fact, they are playing at Pine Junction in October.

Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge

It was a fun afternoon at Brazil's and we left too early because our next venue, the bar at the Rod and Gun, was not nearly as enjoyable or interesting, in fact, it was a very slow Saturday night.  We had one beer and left, not staying for a prime rib dinner.  Instead, I guiltily admit, we went to Mc Donald's and ordered two big burgers to go, with fries, took them home, and greedily enjoyed them in our own TV room.  We settled into our TV room for a couple of hours, watched Bill Maher's Real Time and a tribute to Joan Rivers, both fun to watch.  I went upstairs to read my new book, The Boys In The Boat around 10:30.  It was an interesting night out, the highlight, making new friends at Brazil's.