cat shepard

Excuse me. Just making sure my decoder ring works on missing pictures. 😎 Does Kimmie fall asleep within 7 seconds?

Praise be!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Sandi! Roy, thank you for our maps! Another lovely morning & it is already 67. Yesterday’s 85 felt so good without any humidity. Hoping for more of the same today. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Sorry to read that BFF had to have a second pass on his MOHS surgery. Praying that Monday eliminates the pain - permanently. Gym, Bindi walks, more prep for my niece & great nieces visit. Maybe a plunge in the pool. 😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Hugs Bruno. Terry, praying for Tana, you and your families. I was happy to read that you were taking it easy. You sure deserve to! Cheers to everyone celebrating. Jacqui - safe travels. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************** Keswick Vineyards 2021 Chardonnay (Monticello) This is our first Virginian wine! But “Juicy Fruit bubble gum”???? That just turns me off. This wine from Charlottesville- near Monticello, is a bit elusive. I did find a few distributors. Online prices start at $37.95. If anyone tries this, please share your thoughts about the “Juicy Fruit” factor. 91 Wine Enthusiast Great memories of Juicy Fruit bubble gum lead to ripe pear and yellow apples. Chamomile tea with hints of cinnamon and vanilla lead the way to a surprisingly robust acid. This is a very versatile wine; the acid can hold up to hearty dishes as well as something delicate like seafood.

Thank you Sandi, for taking over for Jacqui, who was posting the FR & D for Rich! Thank you for today’s maps, Roy! It was cloudy this morning, when Bindi and I went out, but the sun is breaking through now. And it is already 65. Vanessa, bless you for going with your BFF for his MOHS surgery, in spite of what you are dealing with. May Monday bring you long-deserved, permanent relief from your pain. Gym, Bindi walks, another cleaning of the cushions Bindi lies on outside and various chores. I should make up the beds in the spare bedrooms today. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma, depression. The caregivers. Bruno, hugs to you. Jacqui, praying that your doctor gives you wonderful news & there will be a cruise in your future. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you and your families. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ D'Arenberg Grenache Custodian 2011 This Australian Grenache sounds lovely. And there has even been some foot treading in its development! Another one for my list. And it is still fairly easy to find. Online prices start at $17.98. Winemaker’s notes The Name During the vine pull scheme of the early 1980’s d’Arry Osborn refused to touch his old Grenache vineyards. When his son Chester started in the business as Chief Winemaker in 1984 he set about acquiring more old vine Grenache grapes and vineyards at a time when it was considered un-fashionable. Today d’Arenberg is the keeper of nearly one third of McLaren Vale’s old bush vine Grenache and has earned the title of ‘Custodian’ of the variety. The Vintage There was ample winter and spring rain which provided good sub soil moisture and resulted in healthy canopies and good vigour. Summer conditions were very mild. Grapes ripened gracefully with only a few small rain episodes, enough to keep the vines fresh and vibrant. Rainfall was only a little over average for the first months of the year. The Winemaking Small batches of grapes are crushed gently and then transferred to five tonne headed down open fermenters. These batches remain separate until final blending. Foot treading is undertaken two thirds of the way through fermentation. The wine is then basket pressed and transferred to a mixture of new and used French and old American oak barriques to complete fermentation. The barrel ferments are aged on lees, and there is no racking until final blending. The Characteristics The 2011 Custodian is a jewel of a wine that is perfectly balanced and harmonious. The first look suggests an enticing simplicity displaying primary fruit characters of mulberry, blueberry and plum. Deeper inspection however starts to reveal more complex layers, conjuring images of aniseed, fennel and coriander seed. The palate is warm and juicy. The sweet and savoury fruits are laced by fine silken tannins which lead to a super persistent finish, again displaying a delightful fruitiness, accompanied by more savoury, cedary, baking spice like notes. Simply put, this wine is liquid velvet.

Good grief, Jacqui! Praying the doctor can help. Fast.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. Especially your alternative ones! Another lovely morning here. I hope this weather lasts for my niece’s visit, it really is perfect. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Do you have the time for your surgery yet? I pray that the last few days fly by for you. Gym, Bindi walks, manicure, indoor & outdoor chores. I am hoping this is the last layer of pollen on the outdoor furniture this year. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Bruno sending hugs. Terry, prayers for Tana, her son, you & your families. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ Powell & Son Barossa Rhone Blend This Rhône red (you were right, Sandi) blend sounds perfect for me. Hahn GSM is my current favorite, but I am always checking out the competition. It has a different “M” grape than the traditional Rhône blend, so it will be interesting. A decent number of distributors with prices starting at $24.99. Vintner’s notes The Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mataro combines all three of the great Rhone red varieties, harmonising the unique attributes of each variety into a complete wine. The blend is predominantly Grenache (approximately two thirds – vintage dependent) from mature Barossa Valley Grenache bush vines, with Shiraz and Mataro making up the balance. The parcels are matured for 15 months in 2,300 litre French oak foudres prior to blending and bottling. As the dominant component, Grenache offers powerful aromas of red fruits, kirsch and black cherries, complemented by mincemeat, leather, game and heavy spices from the Shiraz and Mataro influences. “The Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mataro is intense in its perfumed aromas of cherry liqueur and blackberry compote, with notes of spice and anise. The palate is voluptuous and supple, with the Grenache component shining through. Flavours of dark fruits predominate with velvety tannins providing a backbone to carry the flavours through to the finish.”

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. It is another spectacular morning here. 57 with the promise high 70s and no humidity. I am going to be so spoiled. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Consider the Dailyites your cheering section for next Monday. If we could just wish you better. Gym, Bindi walks, lots of chores. My niece and her daughters are coming Saturday for a few days. My pool water temp is perfect for them to enjoy. She will find her Mom so much improved over her last visit. I see a trip to the beach in my future. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Hugs Bruno. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you and your families. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Sandi, thrilled to read that all went well with Linda’s surgery. May her road to recovery not be too difficult. Lenda, wonderful news about Steve’s shunt. You two have had quite a journey. May we each find a reason to smile today! ******* La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva 2019 I see that we are still in the Rioja section of our wine “aisle”. I used the 2019 vintage info, since it should still be easy to find and 92 was the lowest of five critic's ratings. It sounds lovely. I am just starting to have some room in my “cellar”, so I need to start a new list. Online prices start at $17.99. Vintner’s notes Rated Excellent, the weather conditions during the growing cycle were optimal, producing very healthy grapes in the vineyards. The bunches, loose and well aerated, ripened exceptionally well. This allowed us to wait for the optimum time to harvest each of the plots selected for this particular wine. As a result, the wines stand out for their balance, attractive freshness and round, silky tannins, particularly suitable for ageing and with a decidedly Atlantic character, typical of this part of Rioja. 100% Tempranillo from Mayorita, El Bardal and El Rebollar in Rodezno, and Alto del Rey in Labastida. These vineyards are situated at 500-600 metres above sea level and the vines were planted on clay-limestone soils more than 40 years ago. The harvest is done by hand, selecting the bunches in the vineyard. The grapes are placed in boxes and taken to the winery in refrigerated transport to preserve their integrity. After destemming and crushing, the grapes were placed in tanks where alcoholic and malolactic fermentation took place naturally. The wine was aged for two years in American oak barrels made by our in-house coopers —new ones in the first year and four-year-old barrels for the second year. We carried out four rackings in the traditional way, from barrel to barrel, separating by candlelight the sediment that formed during the ageing process. Bottled in May 2022. Bright, deep ruby colour with intense dark cherry hues on the rim of the glass. It stands out for its intense ripe red fruit aromas like strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants complemented by pleasantly sweet spicy notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. The palate is round, with lively freshness at the start and sweet, supple tannins, leading to a long, fruity and balsamic finish, so characteristic of Viña Alberdi. Viña Alberdi is characterised by a notable food-pairing versatility. It is an ideal companion to appetizers, snacks and barbecues, perfect with rice, pastas and stews, and great with lightly-grilled meat and fish.

@Mr. Boston My sympathies on Lauren’s passing. May wonderful memories and knowing she is now pain help you. @kochleffel Paul are you trying to compete with Jacqui? Bubble wrap it is.

Dixie I must say how colorful some of your recent descriptions are. Almost poetic. Ann

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! You have done an amazing job standing in for Rich while he is on another epic journey. Roy, thank you for our maps! It was 59 here, when Bindi & I headed out the door. Looks like another beauty. Vanessa thank you for keeping up with our happenings. I appreciate how dedicated you are - in spite of your pain. I am not sure I could do that. Praying for relief. I hope the last week flies by for you. Gym, Bindi walks, chores - boy do I need to wash my car. I hope our last pollen streak has ended. At the risk of scaring off our new folk…. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, keeping you, Tana and the families at the top of my list. Boston Strong!💪🏻 Cheers to all who are celebrating. @kochleffel Paul, congratulations on the excellent feedback from your professor. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ Montebuena Rioja Another lovely Rioja. I appreciate how the vintner is using technology to help measure the health of the vines, but still harvests by hand. Widely available with online prices starting at $12.99. Distributor notes Although the winemaking traditions around the ancient Rioja Alavesa village of Labastida go back to at least the 9th century, the cooperative which produces this wine seeks to meld traditional techniques with modern technology. A pioneering system of GPS-linked weather stations monitors vineyard health, and the 4-wheeler used as a vineyard transport is even equiped with sensors to measure the vigor of the leaves on the vines. When it comes time to harvest the Tempranillo grapes for the Montebuena Cuvee KPF, however, that work is all done by hand. Once fermentation is complete the wine ages in new French oak for 3-4 months prior to release. Rich red fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry combine with notes of leather and sandalwood, supported by a smooth vanilla finish. Great with paella & grilled vegetables.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! It is another exquisite morning. I will miss this weather, when Summer arrives. We really are having an extended Spring this year! It actually got a bit cool on the lanai last evening. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. I know if I miss a post, I can find out important info - thanks to you. Praying for the 22nd to bring you relief. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, a visit with my Sister & Brayden. Maybe some chores. Praying for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, the teenager, you and your families. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Morandé 2019 Morandé Adventure Tirazis Syrah (Casablanca Valley) This red sounds interesting, once my decoder ring broke the code! A bit elusive, but I found a couple of places that sold it online. Prices start at $23.61. Wine Enthusiast- 91 This structured but elegant Syrah is grown in a maritime-influenced climate. The nose is subtle, with light notes of salt, cranberry and black olive. The flavor intensity of spices and herbs match that of the fruit on the vigorous palate. Cherries and mulberries and a whisper of dark chocolate and bay leaf are backed by fine tannins and excellent acidity.

No such thing! Welcome!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for our maps. I confess to really enjoy your alternate maps, even though they must be so much work for you. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with our happenings. I am also counting down the days until the 22nd. Praying that this surgery eliminates the pain - forever. I have friends coming for dinner this evening, so I have lots of chores and preps to add to my Bindi walks. It is going to be another spectacular day here! Hope this year’s fawns amble through for us to enjoy. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. @atexsix Bruno, I am so sorry to read that your Dad passed. Don’t ever doubt for a minute that you didn’t do everything possible for him. ❤️ @Cruzin Terri Terri, I was so sad to read about Anita’s passing. Doubly difficult for you since you learned about it by reading her obituary. Terry, praying for Tana, her son, you, and your entire families. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Dossier 2021 Flagship Index Red (Columbia Valley (WA)) This red blend is a bit elusive, but if you search you can find a much more reasonable price than the one Wine Enthusiast lists for this Bordeaux style red blend. The best online price I found was $60.00. Critic’s notes The ‘Flagship Index’ is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with smaller portions Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc that was stored in 65% new French oak for 21 months before bottle. The nose is incredibly complex with anise and black currant notes alongside milk chocolate notes. The palate is soft and ripe with silky tannins that combine with the gorgeous core of black forest cake, coffee grounds, graphite and sandalwood notes. Powerful and showing good verve, this beauty will cellar well for another twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2040- 95

Lambie We have a very strict and complicated protocol - Be Friendly! 😎 That is it. You are now considered a Pro! Ann

I grew up in Massachusetts, Dixie, and a trip up Mt. Washington was an annual trek. There were some wild days up there.