Never as easy as it looks...

I am in the process of putting together a system to brew with grain (instead of extract), which is how the big boys do it. The homebrew community is an entrepreneurial lot and there are literally hundreds of resources on the interwebs about how to build your own system on the cheap. Basically this involves buying a big picnic cooler, replacing the drain spout with a ball valve, placing some type of straining device in the cooler, attach that to the ball valve, and away you go. If you are really interested in the process in detail, here is the basic idea that I'm using.

Oh, were it that easy. Let's just say that my very good, patient friend Colin and I spent an hour at Home Depot trying to find washers that fit. I'll leave it at that. I also spent way too much time driving around trying to find the cooler I wanted before giving up, coming home, and finding EXACTLY what I wanted on Amazon in 30 seconds. Seriously. So I ordered the cooler and a propane burner (also necessary for the setup) on Saturday. I was given the option of paying $33 for 3-5 day shipping or FREE for 5-9 day shipping. I'm trying to keep costs down, gimme the FREE! Both arrived today. You do the math...

But wait, there's more. Now I have cooler and piping sprawled all over the kitchen floor because, wait for it, the parts don't fit together. I think with some shaving here and there it will all work out, but it wasn't happening before dinner. What's the lesson here kids? Its never as easy as it looks. And go for the free shipping.