NoJoMo #18

I mentioned in an earlier post that while I was in Vermont, we visited Harpoon Brewery in Windsor.  The weather was miserable on Saturday, so we thought a good way to spend it would be tasting beers!  It was about a 2 hour drive down to the brewery.  When we got there, we all ordered a pint and sat by the fireplace, looking out the window and talking.  The tour was great, and afterwards we sampled a bunch of beers.  My favorite was the Winter Warmer, which had nutmeg and cinnamon.  It was so good, it was like sucking on an atomic fireball and then drinking a beer.  They also had a Chocolate Stout, which tasted like it had Hershey's Dark Chocolate mixed in it.  It was also amazing, however it was pretty heavy and I probably couldn't have finished a whole pint.  There was also a raspberry beer that I really enjoyed.

(Photos: Front of the Brewery, Colin and Rachel during the tour, and Rachel in the store room standing next to TONS of her fav. beer!)

In other news, it's snowing here.  Just flurries, but everything looks "blue" outside... I'm not sure how to describe it.  It just looks like snow.  

I know that most of you probably won't do this, but I'll throw it out there just incase.  I do a good amount of Christmas shopping online, and I'm sure you guys have heard about those websites where you can choose a charity, and then when you shop through their site, a portion of your spending gets donated to your chosen charity.  

iGive.com is a great one - they have over 700 participating online stores, including Amazon.com, Apple, Apple iTunes, Best Buy, Brooks Brothers, Ebay, Gap, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Kohl's, L.L. Bean, Old Navy, Patagonia, Pottery Barn, REI, Ritz Camera, Sears.com, and Travelocity.  I couldn't believe it when I was looking at the list of stores, I have definitely shopped at some of these online stores for gifts, and I know that people I know shopped at some of these stores last year for Christmas.

Signing up is very easy and free.  If you go to iGive.com, there is a place to search for causes.  If you'd like to support Neuroblastoma research, search for "Band of Parents Foundation".  When you click it, it gives a description of the organization.  They fund some amazing trials around the US and are involved in funding some very cutting edge research.  I cannot think of a better place to donate money (And, you technically aren't even giving any money!)  After you choose your organization, you just sign up and then shop.  It's very easy.

I know that no one needs me to harp about Neuroblastoma and how desperate these families are for new and better treatments.  Listen to this alarming statistic.  EVERY YEAR, MORE MEN DIE FROM BREAST CANCER THAN CHILDREN DIE FROM NEUROBLASTOMA.  That is how rare this cancer is.  It needs more recognition, and more funding.  The children who have lost their lives to this cancer are constantly running through my mind, and the ones who are still fighting are my heroes. 

Go read Prince Liam's last few updates on his website.  I can guarantee that you will be blown away by his strength and resilience.  I wish with my whole heart that I could just give every cent to my name to this cause, but even that money wouldn't make a dent in the amount needed.