SWEATER material

No, I'm not trying to pull the wool over your eyes.  You've seen my goofy Alpaca for www.illustrationfriday.com before.  I'm recycling an old sweater theme.  I'm such an eco artist.  

I'm surprised that wool isn't at the same price point as gold.  It is a precious commodity here in Minnesota.  It gets me through the Winter. If it wasn't for the fact that I want to move some place where I can wear flip flops all year, I'd start an Alpaca farm.  They are just so darn goofy looking! 

Socks.  A practical gift from my husband.
















Did I call it or what?  Goofy!

Sand Creek Brewing Company

We finally toured the Sand Creek Brewery in Black River Falls, WI. We'd been meaning to take a tour here since we tasted our first Oscar's. And because the brewery is so close to my hometown. Sand creek has been brewing beer since the 1990's. But brewing actually started in this old building around 153 years ago. Ulrich Oderbolz (pictured) and his family opened the brewery in 1856. We learned that after Ulrich and all but one male heir died tragically, the women took over running the brewery. And they were very successful. But for unknown reasons they decided to sell the brewery in the early 1900's.

When prohibition shut down the renamed Badgerland brewery in 1920, the building was used to bottle Coca-Cola, build land mines and raise turkeys.

New labels mingle with a collection of old bottles in the back.

Mash...blah....ferment...blah, blah. The tour was very interesting. But some brewing facts went in one ear and out the other. One thing that did not go unnoticed was that the tour guide was drinking a beer as he gave this very thorough tour. That's cool!

I think we got a little excited to finally sample some beer. I forgot to take a pre-drink photo op. Needless to say we didn't go home empty handed. We bought a case filled with their special reserve Doppelbock, Hard Lemonade and Wild Ride.

So what does this goofy Alpaca I illustrated years ago have to do with the brewery? I posted it in honor of Sand Creek's October fest Saturday, October 2. Along with beer there will be Alpacas of course! For more Lamas and Alpacas visit Lamas on Tuesday at....just kidding.