With my relationship with Samantha restored and the fire rekindled, I was ready to make waves in Randolph.

I reported for my first shift at Bent Hill Brewery early at 5:45 AM that next Monday morning. I was excited to see what I could learn, as this would be a longer stint than the gig at the wine bar. Their equipment was amazing. Five tanks that held over 1,000 gallons of freshly brewed nectar from the Gods. I do believe it was Benjamin Franklin who uttered, "Beer is proof that there is a God". I would have to agree.

At Bent Hill, they used wood chip aging, but not just any wood. They used chestnut that ave each brew a unique flavor. An almost vanilla smokiness was the result. Each morning I began by sweeping the floor. At 10:00 AM, we would use a beer flute to take samples from barrels. The taste was a little different each day, as it should be. By noon, it was time for a bite of lunch, and there was more work to do each afternoon which included added yeast and sugar, and removing the old and adding new wood chips each day.

At Vermont Tech, I learned the theory behind the practice that I was using at the brewery each day. I thought of Samantha often as I did the most menial tasks. I thought about my own religion as I thought about the quote from Benjamin Franklin. "Where was I with respect to religion in my life", I pondered? This; however, was an evolving process, just as the process continued for finding myself.

The first week was successful. The teachers at Vermont Tech allowed me to monitor classes and participate in the chemistry and biology labs, despite the fact that I could not pay for the instruction. I had persuaded them due to the nature of my journey, and they kindly allowed me the ability to join the class. Bent Hill was happy to have me on board and felt that I had promise due to my experience in the wine world and also my knowledge, skills and abilities with respect to craft brewing.

Once again, all was right with the world. I phoned Samantha on Saturday to tell her about my week.