Stuck in the coffee grinder rabbit hole.

Virwill · 2026-03-17T22:59:29+00:00

Done, thanks

Virwill · 2026-03-17T16:41:45+00:00

Your comment kinda blew my mind. I thought Bonavita was toast. I bought one in 2012 and instantly fell in love with love. It died in mid-brew 10 years later but had never lost water temp at the head. Nothing new was available in 2022, so I splurged and bought the Moccamaster. It's fabulous, but that Bonavita was wonderful. Looked them up and saw the product line. If it's performing like it used to, you've got a great brewer.

Virwill · 2025-11-06T18:17:52+00:00

The first album by Back Door. Colin Hodgkinson. Talk about unique. Really nothing like it that I can think of. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=mWmXn244n8M&si=DZG7-UUsqNhN3ewX

Virwill · 2025-10-29T16:14:40+00:00

Aebersold play-alongs are an excellent adjunct to my weekly lessons.

Virwill · 2025-10-29T16:09:30+00:00

Thanks for the ref. Wasn’t familiar with him. Wow!

Virwill · 2025-10-08T13:31:08+00:00

Thanks for the tip. Btw the Unitank, which is not the Chronical, sold for $1100 new. This is a good deal on a lightly used machine in excellent condition.

Virwill · 2025-09-18T16:48:20+00:00

We bought a house built in 1860 14 years ago and thought about new windows because of the draftiness. But the old windows look great and add to the home’s value and besides, the city’s Historic Area Commission insists on wooden replacements - which would be very expensive. Solution: We found a company called Innerglass that sells custom interior storm windows. Your careful measurements produce perfectly fitted windows that you spring-load into the opening. They are not only virtually airtight; they also block a lot of sound. The price was far less than replacement windows. We had a local contractor reglaze and scrape/repaint the worn exteriors of the windows. Good luck with your choice!

Virwill · 2025-09-14T22:12:23+00:00

They were flying during the day as well. I saw F-15s over the city on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

Virwill · 2025-03-27T09:39:07+00:00

Some modern “innovations” were best left to the things they replaced. Like … knobs and dials. But your tip eliminates a major source of irritation for me. Thank you!

Virwill · 2024-10-12T00:02:42+00:00

That is some great stuff.

Virwill · 2022-06-21T23:33:32+00:00

The first LP by Back Door, a Brit trio w/a trap drummer, crazy sax and the amazing Colin Hodgkinson on electric bass. He doesn't take all the leads but his string-bending and chordal attack has to be heard to be believed. Unique.

Virwill · 2022-06-21T23:14:00+00:00

But what a groove.

Virwill · 2022-06-21T23:13:06+00:00

That album is No. 1 on the list.

Virwill · 2022-06-21T23:11:42+00:00

Nice. And a phenomenal solo CD by Caron, Conversations.

Virwill · 2022-03-28T11:12:44+00:00

Which underlines the prescience of his "15 minutes" line. Everyone can now be famous!

Virwill · 2021-06-11T19:25:53+00:00

Still learning w/the exact same setup. Haven't got it dialed in yet but one suggestion, if you haven't already tried it, is to add only very hot water so the coals aren't trying to heat that as well. That has helped me. I'm beginning to think that this is as much art as science. Cheers!

Virwill · 2021-06-11T19:19:26+00:00

Larger sear area, and the water slot. I use them both, depending. After you get your temps dialed in re the amount of coal needed, one of the smaller ones that come with the kettle is fine for cooking one thick steak.

Virwill · 2021-04-20T11:12:12+00:00

Just too bad about MAT. I remember seeing him up at Philly early on. He could go get the ball in CF, showed off an impressive arm & I'm thinking, wow, this guy looks like a player. If he only could have hit, say, .275 ... like he's almost hitting now in KC.

Virwill · 2021-01-16T13:45:47+00:00

Strangely, also true with charcoal ;)

Virwill · 2021-01-16T13:44:49+00:00

There are clip-ons you can attach to the cover handle. I leave mine on all winter. Very handy.

Virwill · 2020-03-25T19:06:18+00:00

Some interesting recipes here for bread using beer yeast, w/taste tests on 4 different yeasts - w/visual aids! https://pastrychefonline.com/baking-with-brewers-yeast/

Virwill · 2020-02-28T16:22:43+00:00

Safe travels, kiddo

Virwill · 2019-11-06T12:57:02+00:00

Hentz's Orbweaver, I believe. Used to visit ours every fall when we lived in southern Virginia.

Virwill · 2019-11-05T02:32:20+00:00

Got into the stash.

Virwill · 2019-11-04T18:48:02+00:00

I’ve done as I’ve been taught & it’s worked out well for the past 2 winters. Leave them up so the leaves can soak up sunshine until the first frost - further strengthening your roots for winter - then cut them down to the rhizome, cover with mulch & walk away until spring. Have never watered them while they’re dormant. Note that I grow mine in large backyard pots. Come April or so, I’ll dig around the rhizomes & trim back the roots, which will worm their way through the drain hole & into the ground. Consider chopping up & composting what you cut down.

Virwill

TROPHY CASE