TiogaCruiser

Good Morning All, We’re halfway through September. Hard to believe. Today is Clean the House Day. @smitty34877 Happy to hear about the improvements. Praying for you all. @kazu Your news warms my heart. @dfish Congratulations! Today’s Wine: **************** Ryder Estate 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé (Central Coast) At last, a red. 😊 This is being classified as a rose from California’s Central Coast. Winemaker Notes #79 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 of 2021 The Ryder Estate Pinot Noir Rosé is crisp, fragrant and refreshing. Strawberry, raspberry and cherry aromas lead into a compelling palate of luscious fruit flavors framed by crisp, refreshing acidity. Critical Acclaim WE90Wine Enthusiast Ground up gravel and soil aromas meet with berry fruits on the earthy nose of this bottling. It's somewhat smoky on the palate, where strawberry, sea salt and light oak flavors make for a savory style Ground up gravel and soil aromas meet with berry fruits on the earthy nose of this bottling. It's somewhat smoky on the palate, where strawberry, sea salt and light oak flavors make for a savory style. MATT KETTMANN Have a great day everyone!

I’m just not getting this. I’ve never been to a bar, nor do I have plans for going to one. Why would one double tip? And the line hints an additional tip is expected. I can understand if a person wants to raise a tip for their own reasons, but frankly, I see how tips are dispersed to be the business of the staff. If a restaurant is a “pool house” or if each waiter/waitress is allowed to keep what they receive from their tables. Pooling encourages team work and waters down lesser tippers. Not pooling allows a staff member who provides excellent service to receive the entire reward for their good service.

Good Morning All, More low clouds and humidity here. It’s amazing how much later the sun comes up. I have one hat that’s under construction, sitting in my UFO bin. It’s a copy of a wireframed model covered with black lace and roses from around the early aughts. @smitty34877 praying for things to improve in your stressful situation. Today’s wine: **********+++ Three Brooms Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand And yet another Sauvignon Blanc. Who wants to taste this for us? From the winery’s website: Three Brooms is a single wine vineyard from Blind River, Marlborough, New Zealand. Their wine is a classic Sauvignon Blanc in the style of the region. However the unique micro climate of Blind River allows them to harvest the fruit two weeks later than other wines . The longer hang times and cooler fall evening result in slow ripening and enhanced aromatics New Zealand- Juicy and vibrant with fresh ripe kiwifruit and mineral citrus flavors that turn creamy and complex on the incredibly long, full finish. Balanced and elegant, pair this wine with white fish, poultry, seafood and vegetables. Have a great day everyone!

I’ve often wondered how that worked. Thankfully, we have not been in such a situation. My folks agent was trying to start a bidding war some 10 years ago, by telling everyone they would accept and review all offers on a given date. My understanding here now is that some agents “save” listings in their pocket (don’t publish) so they can do a private showing. Many houses sell without even “entering” the market here. Lots of purchases for rental (including short term rental).

Is that allowed?

Good Morning All, Lots of errands on the agenda today and tomorrow. @smitty34877 Praying for you and your family. I can only imagine the stress. Today’s Wine. ************* Caliterra Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Chile And we have another Sauvignon Blanc. TASTING NOTES: Pale greenish-yellow in color and very bright. Of beautiful aromatic intensity, its great freshness and aromas of tropical fruits such as mango and passion fruit stand out with a slightly herbal background. The nose is complex and citric and mineral notes also appear, accompanied by notes of green chili and tomato leaves aromatically complexing this rich bouquet. In the mouth, can be appreciate a nice acidity and a citrus sensation that make it a very culinary wine. Have a great day everyone!

Okay, I think I understand. In 2018 I canceled 4 days prior to leaving and used my CPP to receive 90% back. It came back as credit in my credit card account. I had booked with the Big Box store that is known for bargain rotisserie chickens and $1.50 hotdogs and soda combos and hails from the PNW. Likewise, I eventually got credit back (90%) in my credit card account after using my CPP when Covid hit. The FCC that mysteriously appeared in my account I believe may have been the cost of the CPP. Or it might have been the remaining 10%. (Either way, I did not expect to receive it.) That trip was also booked with the same BigBox.

I’m confused. Are you talking about canceling a cruise before final payment and penalties kick in, or essentially using the CPP to cover the cancellation inside the penalty period? Or canceling under the Covid policy? I canceled a few hours before the Pause was announced and got 90% back eventually ( several months later). Quite a long time later a FCC showed up on my account that was roughly the cost of the CPP. This of course was prior to the Covid policy.

Good Morning All, It’s already Tuesday. Hard to believe how fast time is flying. We still have heat and lots of humidity ( which is probably why we haven’t had local fires), and the sun is definitely going down sooner. @Seasick Sailor Boiled peanuts? Do they become a paste? Today’s Wine: **************** Four Vines 2019 Naked Chardonnay (Central Coast) From California’s Central Coast, today’s wine is a Chardonnay. I’m finding it for around $11. If anyone has had this, can we get an opinion? I would love to have a go-to Chardonnay for when guests come that only drink white wines. This unoaked bottling carries all the tropical hallmarks of the style, starting with jasmine and guava flesh on the nose. The palate is generous in both acidity and flavor, showing pineapple, lychee, guava and stone fruit that linger into the grippy finish. MATT KETTMANN Critic tasting note: "This unoaked bottling Four Vines 2019 Naked Chardonnay (Central Coast) C Critic tasting note: "This unoaked bottling carries all the tropical hallmarks of the style, starting with jasmine and guava flesh on the nose. The palate is generous in both acidity and flavor, showing pineapple, lychee, guava and stone fruit that linger into the grippy finish. Matt Kettmann" - 91/100, Wine Enthusiast Have a great day everyone!

@JeannineWW Several years ago, ( IIRC, a couple even before Covid), HAL changed it’s policy on bikes, and they were added to the Forbidden List. At that time, there was a lengthy thread about it here. Prior to that, there had been the occasional person who would bring their bike and keep it in their cabin, and tour the ports with it.

Addenda to today’s Wine report

Good Morning All, We continue with cloud cover and humidity, and even got some rain last evening as the edges of Kay came through. our local OLLI program begins its fall semester this week. @kazu It looks like you had a very lovely remembrance for Jose. Praying for comfort and peace for you. Today’s Wine: **************** Cantina di Venosa 2018 Balì (Aglianico del Vultur Today it’s an aglianico, Italian Red, from southern Italy. It was rated #86 in the top 100 Best Buy’s for 2021 for Wine Enthusiast. I’m finding it for $14. There's good concentration to the aromas of bramble berry, wild cherry, violet and hibiscus, offering an enticing mix of fruit and earth elements. The medium-bodied palate is juicy in tart cherry and blackberry flavors, with pretty floral accents on the sides. The tannins are resolved yet supportive while bright acidity and a tangy mineral note push everything along. ALEXANDER PEARTREE Have a great day everyone!

I just rechecked HAL’s website, and the copy at the top of the page says “ Mariner Society When you cruise with Holland America Line, you’re automatically enrolled in our Mariner Society®. As a member, you’ll earn Cruise Day credits for every day you cruise and for each purchase you make onboard. Earn bonus credits when you pay a published fare for a suite or penthouse and for each $300 in eligible onboard purchases. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/mariner-society.html The snippet I posted earlier was from the FAQs. I think they could have written that FAQ a bit more clearly.

@crystalspin I agree with you. That’s what we experienced. However, IIRC, HAL said that more clearly previously. The snip is from HAL’s website, and the 2 types of Bonus credits are in bullet points below it. It’s sounding to me like there is a ceiling for all Bonus points = to the length of the cruise. (Which doesn’t sound too smart if one has a suite, (which accrues one bonus per day), and then NOT also reward spending). How do others read this snippet? (Status quo, or a change?)

Good Morning All, Gotta run- due at church in less than an hour. Today’s wine: ********** Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington Today we have a rather elusive Cabernet. I found it at Total Wine for $21.99 Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington Today we have a rather elusive Cabernet. I found it at Total Wine for $21.99 Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine stays true to old-world winemaking techniques with award-winning taste. Opening with vibrant aromas of black fruits, such as currant and dark plum, along with pencil lead and forest floor, this red blend is full on the palate with fine tannins that lend support. Crafted with premium wine grapes from the Washington State region, this wine is ready to drink without delay. Charles Smith uses sustainable wine practices and winemaking techniques that bring out the unique characteristics of the Washington State appellation. The star of this red wine blend is cabernet sauvignon, which gives each sip intense flavor, depth, and complexity, with petit verdot and cabernet franc playing delectable supporting roles. These focused, savory notes make this wine the perfect tableside companion for rich dishes like beef bourguignon or lamb chops with balsamic reduction, but it's equally as wonderful for enjoying a glass of wine on its own. Please enjoy our wines responsibly. © 2022 Charles Smith Wines, Prosser, WA Have a great day everyone!

I just went on the HAL website and it appears that there has been a change to a ceiling of 2 days per day. See below: (“The maximum bonus days is equal to the length of your cruise”.) The basic formula is very simple: one Cruise Day credit is given for each actual day sailed (each overnight aboard a Holland America Line vessel is considered an actual day sailed). So, for example, a 7-day cruise results in 7 Cruise Day credits. The maximum bonus days is equal to the length of your cruise. For Holland America Line Alaska Cruisetours, a Cruise Day credit is granted for total tour days, including days touring on land. Pre and Post packages are excluded. Cruise Day credits are non-transferable. These credits apply to all guests, including 3rd and 4th guests in a stateroom for suite bonus only. In addition, there are two ways to earn bonus days: Suite Bonus Earn double Cruise Day credits when you pay a published fare for a spacious suite or penthouse on your next cruise. For example, a guest who pays published fare for suite accommodations for a 10-day cruise earns 20 Cruise Day credits. Special paid or complimentary upgrades do not qualify. Onboard Spending Bonus Effective with cruises on or after September 18, 2009, one bonus Cruise Day credit will be granted for each $300 in eligible onboard purchases. This is calculated on the combined folio charges for all guests on the booking, regardless of who signs each charge and who pays the bill. Only the first two guests on the booking receive the limit of one bonus day for each day sailed; 3rd and 4th guests on the same booking do not earn the onboard spending bonus. Question

Unless something has changed, the limit is 3x.

Good Morning All, We had some rain yesterday both in San Diego and at home. It has brought the temperature down, but it is still warm and humid (for SoCal). We have a family barbecue today. I will celebrate Sewing Machine Day by working some on a cover I am making for my main machine. It has old singer floral decals embroidered on it, that I digitized. I have my gramma’s old Singer treadle machine, another treadle I bought and restored a long time ago, 2 regular sewing machines and a serger. @kazu Thinking of you today. Today’s wine: ***************** Inkarri 2019 Made with Organic Grapes Estate Bottled Today’s wine selection comes from Mendoza, Argentina. As is fitting, it is a Malbec. Wine Enthusiast ranked it as #7 in the Top 100 Best Buys 2021. I found it online for $15, and will look for it locally. Blueberry, cardamom and floral aromas are distinct on the nose and offer much more complexity than the average value-priced Argentine Malbec. A solidly built palate is balanced by juicy acidity, while this tastes of snappy currant and plum along with desert herbs. A fresh, popping finish lasts a while due to bright acidity. Drink through 2023. MICHAEL SCHACHNER Have a great day everyone!

You still can. There is a corkage charge.

Good Morning All, Looks like a much cooler day and rain is expected here in San Diego. We saw a glow on the horizon last night as we drove back to our hotel. We’re thinking it was the Fairview fire. Today’s Wine: ***************** Domaine Divio 2019 Pinot Noir (Eola-Amity Hills) Willamette Valley, Oregon Today’s wine is a red, a Pinot Noir from Oregon. I’m finding it for $48. Divio's AVA-specific Pinots provide a master class in terroir. Here, the underlying garrigue and bramble of the Eola-Amity Hills is on display, yet deftly muted and integrated into a complete wine with ample fruit, acidity and tannin. Mulberry, cranberry, pie cherry and more are in the mix, along with some lightly grainy, coffee-toned tannins. Built for aging, it should drink best from 2024 into the early 2030s. PAUL GREGUTT Have a great day everyone!

Good Afternoon All, Oh, my. I have been neglectful, and didn’t get wine up today. 🫣 A million apologies. ( We’re at a convention, and I sort of got distracted.) So today’s Wine Report: ********** San Pedro 2020 Gato Negro Sauvignon Blanc (Chile) For our cat lovers, we have a “Black Cat”from Chile. It’s a Sauvignon Blanc from the San Pedro Winery. (I will personally give it a pass, as this style doesn’t play nice with my taster. (And having that name….. and grape, it sounds like it might be full of Feline Factor.) Wine Enthisiast ranked it as #20 in the top 100 best buys for 2021, and I found it on their site for $5. Clean citrus and apple aromas precede a plump palate with juicy acidity. Green apple, orange and lime flavors lead to a steady, bright finish that makes this nice for everyday quaffing. MICHAEL SCHACHNER Have a great day everyone!

Good Morning All, We’re off to another hot day. Yesterday the humidity increased in the evening and we couldn’t decide whether to open up the windows or stay closed, as the air temperature inside and outside were about the same. We continue to have a stream of smoke from the fire in Hemet over us, but it’s so high that there’s no smell. Love the quote from the apostle Paul of Tarsus. Today’s wine: ************ Schlink Haus 2020 Spätlese Riesling (Nahe) German Today we have another Reisling. I’m finding it for between $9 and $14 Spätlese (late harvest) A wine of superior quality. Harmoniously balanced between natural ripe sweetness and acidity intensive in concentration with rich and ripe fruit flavors. Ranked as #94 in Top 100 Best Buys 2021 for Wine Enthusiast. Soapy floral tones perfume flavors of preserved peach and white grapefruit in this vibrantly fresh, fruity Spätlese. Medium-sweet and forward in style, it's a juicy white wine backed by squirts of tangerine acidity. Best consumed young. ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA Have a great day everyone!

Good Morning All, Where did all the days go? We’re well into September now. Today’s Wine: *********** Waterbrook 2019 Malbec (Columbia Valley (WA)) Columbia Valley, Washington This Malbec rated a total of 90 points for Wine Enthusiast and is showing up at a very affordable $15, or directly from the vineyard for $11.25. It’s one I will definitely put on my list to try. This wine announces itself as Malbec. Aromas of whole orange, plum and spice are followed by plush, elegant purple fruit flavors that show pleasing balance and finish well. It's a textbook example of the variety at a great price. SEAN P. SULLIVAN Aromatics of blackberry cobbler and graphite, which jump out of the glass. The silky-smooth tannins lift additional fruity notes of ripe boysenberry and toasty mixed nuts. 90 points & BEST BUY by Wine Enthusiast

I was supposed to board her in San Diego.

Good Morning All, As for so many others, yesterday was a scorcher. We received 3 calls from the power company about the “power outage” at our address- this while we had power all along. 😂 (not complaining, just a little amused). We have no special plans for today. I’ll probably work on a sewing project. We’ll throw a few things together for a brief trip to San Diego for a convention in a few days. Today’s Wine: ************ St. Urbans-Hof 2019 Nik Weis Urban Riesling (Mosel, Germany) I found this Riesling is available on one site only, for $13. All other sites noted it as unavailable, and were encouraging purchase of the 2020 vintage. Notes of pine frond and mint lend a cooling, vital freshness to this feather-light Riesling. Off dry in style, it's a pristine, lemony sip that finishes long on a delicately earthen tone. Best now–2023. ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA Wine Enthusiast Notes of pine frond and mint lend a cooling, vital freshness to this feather-light Riesling. Off dry in style, it’s a pristine, lemony sip that finishes long on a delicately earthen tone. Best now–2023. Best Buy. Have a great day everyone!