i really need to invest in a wort chiller. i do most of my work with the wort outside (I actually use one of those outdoor turkey fryers from walmart. hold's 6 gallons. after an hour of boiling it's perfect at 5 gallons). it's a pain, though, to bring that hotass wort indoors to the icefilled tub. I think i'll get one when I order some more yeast, which will hopefully be soon.

I just made a nice apple brew with a touch of pine needles. surprisingly good. i think the secret was I put a bit more hops than what I'd normally use in this type of sweet drink. not too sweet, not too hoppy.