The holidays, 'Merican style

This isn't exactly about the holidays, it's about purchases/gifts that somewhat coincide with the holidays.  This post ties in with my previous post about picking out a new bike bag, with a couple of gratuitous purchases thrown in for good measure.  And, in this case, 'Merican style refers to items made in the USA, not about how it's 'Merican style to consume to excess.  But apparently I'm guilty on that count, too, but in my defense, one of the items was a non-solicited gift.  So there.

First of all, this bag was given to me as a late birthday/early Xmas/Solstice/Festivus gift.

I loves me some wool, and I love a new bag, especially of the bike variety.  If you recall, I decided against a Timbuk2 in the previous round of bag deliberations because the bag I was interested in wasn't made in the USA.  Timbuk2's custom bags are made in San Francisco--and while this isn't a custom bag, it is made in the USA.

I've previously owned Timbuk2 bags and the one that remains in the bag fleet is similar in size to the new one.  I got a stealin' deal on it years ago from Webcyclery and it has been my favorite, go-to bag.  It's a perfect size and has accompanied me on every trip I've taken since I've had the bag.  It's not too big, not too small.  Just right.  And it fits a 6-pack of beer. 

Here they are together, for compare and contrast purposes.

Aww, aren't they cute?  There aren't many differences between the two.  The Woolrich has a padded divider and more pockets, but for the most part they are the same bag.

Inside of the Woolrich bag 

Pocket-o-rama in the Woolrich

The spartan interior of the old bag

Given how much I've loved the black and grey bag, I'm sure that the Woolrich bag will be just as loved and will provide years of faithful service.  Oh, I'm keeping the old bag.  I will never part with it.

Made in 'Merica, part 2

L.L. Bean boots!  I've been in need of new boots, as the zipper on my Keen boots curls in and rubs my shin raw, even when I'm wearing socks.  Soooo disappointing and the local shoe repair joint says there's nothing that can be done.  Unacceptable!  I limped through it last winter, which wasn't too bad due to the lack of snow.  But I've been on the hunt for a replacement, and I heard that L.L. Bean makes some of their boots here in the USA so I thought I'd take a look.

Here they are:

 

These didn't come cheap, but you do get what you pay for and I'll have these for a good long time.  Who knows when we'll get some snow so I can take 'em on a test run.

Made in 'Merica, part 3

More wool.  Not only made in the USA, but made in Michigan!  I give you the Original Stormy Kromer.

 

That nifty little band pulls down to cover your ears.  I anticipate that one of the bicycling periodicals is going to pick up on this hat as the next best great thing.  Cycle Chic, whatever.  I sure hope not, as I'd hate to have to stop wearing my cool new hat because the cyclist-come-lately types have decreed it as a must-have.  I look like Elmer Fudd when I'm wearing it, but I don't care, not that I ever do (thus my fashion sense).

 

Made in 'Merica, part 4 is up next when I get around to it.  Yes, there's more!

The best time of year for beer

Fast on the heels of pumpkin beers (which seem to sell out like lightning), the holiday beers are now arriving!  While many of them have dark, solitary names (Isolation, Avalanche, Hibernation, Snow Day) that remind us of the long, dark nights ahead, Upslope's Christmas Ale offers up a bright, cheery package.  While my taste buds are not trained in the intricacies of beer tasting, I can tell you that this one is yummy!  Not too heavy nor too spiced and beautifully red in color.  If you can find it in your local liquor store (in Colorado, that is--I don't think this one is sold anywhere else, which is too bad for you if you're outside the square state), grab it and run because it won't be there for long.  In fact, I may take a stroll over to the LQ today to stake my claim while I have the chance.