Hello from the North - Black Sky, Blue Water

You know, I've been around a brief while, but not formally said howdy. I'm Paul, I live in the Northern part of the U.S., on (almost literally) the shores of Lake Superior. I have done many things in my life - my resume reads like a polyglottal mish mash of varied adventures. Most recently, I was chef owner of a French bistro in the middle of nowhere which failed gloriously - failed certainly, gloriously, just as certainly. We are happy we brought authentic French cooking to our area and although we now move on, we have many fond memories of the past couple of years.

I am also an Aikido instructor. I lived as uchideshi (live in apprentice) to my late teacher, Toyoda Shihan, at the advanced age of 35. A rare experience, for which I am forever grateful. I have a dojo up here, which was gifted with the Japanese name Hokuryukan, or, Training Hall of the Northern Dragon. Five of my students very recently passed their first rank testing. I train in iaido (Japanese swordsmanship) as well. Some of my darker days have been sustained aloft by this art. If any of you swing up our way, and want to train, you are always welcome.

Where we live is an area rich in pristine land and water. Cold lasts long here, which tends to make everyone's hair go awry. Sauna is pronounced sow-nah.

I also have a passion in brewing the king of beverages; at one time I worked as National Distribution Manager for a regional brewery out of Chicago, now, I am content to work my homespun brewery, Ugly Betty, to death for the simple pleasure of a pint with friends. My work concentrates on authentic English and Belgian ale production.

I have been working on websites for about, oh, 7 weeks now. What I have received here surpasses, in scope and speed, much of what I have learned in other venues. I'm grateful.

Cheers, all.

Paul

 

Welcome to DP Paul, sounds like you've had a full and eventfull life - much more to go I'm sure. If your truly dedicated to learning your way into the webmaster world. your sure to find most of what your looking for here.

 

Welcome to the community, Paul!

 

Welcome to the forums!

 

Welcome and enjoy. Happy New Year!

 

Hey, welcome to DP

 

Sorror, and all, thank you for the welcome. The breadth of knowledge here is a marvelous thing; I have learned much and looking forward to more. Best wishes to all of you for your upcoming year.

Sorror-san, is this your kanji? I appreciate it. I am looking to make a kanji-board for Hokuryukan, after the new year. Onegaishimasu.

Paul

 

Welcome to the forums Paul

 

Welcome to the community! I'll see you around!

 

Hi Paul, Welcome to DP!

 

Hey u r really from a coll place

Happy new year

Welcome to DP

 

Hello, welcome to DP!