March 6th, Tuesday – Two Birds with One Stone

Remember that song the chorus of which went like this

And I think it’s gonna be all right Yeah, the worst is over now The mornin’ sun is shinin’ like a red rubber ball 

that’s exactly what the sun looked like when I threw open the solarium shades this morning – a big rubber ball.  It was magnificent,  big, bright, and such a welcoming sight first thing in the morning.  Coffee cup in hand I sat and basked in its warmth and beauty for, really I don’t know how long.  What a wonderful way to begin a new day.  I knew immediately the day was going to be a great one.

Today we were going to be running the roads.  I had an appointment at the VA hospital in Tampa. Now, the way these appointments go is something like this – you drive for say

30 to 60 minutes to the clinic or hospital, get in line for parking, go inside and wander around for 10 or 15 minutes until you find out where you are supposed to be, then your name is called and your appointment is over just like that!  This time, though, we got smart.  If we were going to be in Tampa for the VA appointment then we figured we might as well discover something else to do either before or after the appointment.  What’s the old saying  Let’s kill two birds with one stone?

So after a bit of research Barbara discovered an attraction to visit and tour before my appointment.  And the winner was………………………………………………………………

the Yuengling Brewery in Tampa that offered free tours during the day.  Below is Barbara and myself with our tour guide

and here is yours truly with Mr. Yuengling (his cardboard likeness that is!)

D. G. Yuengling & Son is the oldest operating brewing company in the United States, established in 1829. It is one of the largest breweries by volume in the country. Based on volume sold in 2016, Yuengling was the top craft beer company in the U.S .Its headquarters are in Pottisville, Pennsylvania.  Yuengling produces about 2.8 million barrels annually, operating two Pennsylvania facilities and the brewery which we toured in Tampa

During the Phrobition era Yuengling survived by producing “near-beers” (beverages with a 0.5% alcohol content) called “Yuengling Special”, “Yuengling Por-Tor”, and “Yuengling Juvo”. The company also ran a dairy which produced ice cream and opened dance halls in Philadelphia and New York City.  In 1933, when the nation’s breweries and disgruntled beer lovers finally won the fight against Prohibition, Yuengling introduced its symbolic Winner Beer, celebrating Prohibition’s repeal, and the brewery shipped a truck load of its popular brew to the White House to show their appreciation.

In February 2014, Yuengling Ice Cream returned to the market after a near 30-year absence. Although operated by the Yuengling family, it is operated by David Yuengling, a cousin of Dick Yuengling. It is legally a separate company from the brewery, as was the case since 1935.

This is the start of our tour, our fearless guide leading our group of about 20 or 30

Rail cars in the distant that bring in the barley.  Water is imported from England.

Below is the actual brewing room.  Beer is made from four basic ingredients: Barley, water, hops and yeast. The basic idea is to extract the sugars from grains (usually barley) so that the yeast can turn it into alcohol and CO2, creating beer.

After all is said and done – it takes, we were told, 23 days from start to finish – the finished product ends up here in the bottling and canning room.  The machine below is used to fill the bottles.  There is another machine to the left that then caps them and then they are sent on their way to

The pasturing machine where they are gradually heated and then cooled again

then the bottles are gathered together after which they are sent to the labeling machine.  There is a separate production line for cans but it basically follows the same steps.

This bring us to the end of the tour and the favorite stop for just about all who take it – you guessed it the tasting room!  Barbara and I both quickly determined our favorites!

It really is a great tour and lasts only about 40 minutes.  If you are ever in the Tampa area I encourage you to take the tour.  You’ll be glad you did.  Oh yea, almost forgot this

I guess whoever made this up assumed they were going, which could be a dangerous assumption!

After the brewery, I knew exactly where I wanted to go for lunch.  Wawa.  We passed the store on our way to the brewery and, of course, I got my roast beef and horseradish sandwich.  Yum!  And of course Barbara spoiled me and got me a bag of Frito’s.

So today, it was indeed Two Birds with One Stone.  Back to the appointment at the VA Hospital – another test successfully passed and I’m cleared to go run around this great country of ours by the Infectious Disease department!  Yippee! (Orthopedics is another story).

After our appointment, we headed home for an afternoon of wine and relaxation.

So our day is now over and night is nigh.  We once again enjoyed every minute of the new day that God had given us.  We hope you enjoyed yours as well and that you were likewise able to enjoy it to the fullest.  Now I want to leave you with this thought that a friend shared with me:

If you’re looking for a happy ending and can’t find it, maybe it’s time to look for a new beginning.

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.