cat shepard

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning in the neighborhood. This early morning sun is blinding, but so beautiful. Last night at the beach was perfect! Vanessa, I was thrilled to read that you had a bit of improvement! I pray it continues. Thank you for keeping up with all of us. Pedicure, Bindi walks, HIIT and chores. Should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you & your DH. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************** 2021 José Hernández Angel’s reserve This medium bodied white from Argentina is another Naked wines club offering. But white wine lovers - if you have not tried a Torrontés wine yet, pick one up. Fruity, but dry and a lovely finish. Members can pick one up for $8.99. Distributor’s notes The local's favorite - and big-time Argentina award-winner This Torrontés is a surprise and delight, famous for its floral nose and fresh fruit finish – think honeysuckle and lemony tang. With your funding, José traveled to the northern town of Cafayate in Salta – home to Argentina's best Torrontés. High altitudes here are perfect for preserving its lively flavors. Torrontés isn't a wine many American wine drinkers know, but once you try a sip of this previous SF Chronicle award-winner, we think you'll *torrun* back for more.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning and a bit warmer than yesterday at 57! Bindi is certainly enjoying her walks these days. So am I. Vanessa, thank you for keeping our lists. Praying that your medical team can find relief for your pain. Gym, Bindi walks, chores and an evening birthday celebration dinner at the beach. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and your support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you and DH. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, thank you for that very special picture of Elliott Rose. She is adorable. May we each find a reason to smile today! ************ 2020 Block Nine Caiden’s vineyards Pinot Noir All released vintages of this California Pinot Noir share the same very good - excellent ratings from consumers and critics, so pick up the one that you find, though 2022 might need a bit more time in the bottle. My local wine bar introduced me to this wine, and though not one of my two favorites, it is a very enjoyable wine. If you can find the 2020 vintage, online prices start at $13.97. 2021 online prices start at $11.97. Winemaker Notes The 2020 Block Nine Pinot is beautifully long and rich in ripe cherry and berry flavors. The aromas exhibit generous bright fruit with a mix of strawberry, violets, plum, tea, and a hint of clove. Flavorful and silky in the mouth with good body, this wine is seductive showing wild cherries and a hint of sandalwood to complete its complex finish. Our family started Block Nine in response to changes in the Pinot Noir market. Demand for moderately priced Pinot Noir has spiked over the last few years. Large, mass marketed brands brought most of the Pinot to the market leaving consumers with few choices of smaller production Pinot Noir from California. This is our focus.

Lenda, the new motor home is gorgeous. Is that an induction cooktop?

@JazzyV Vanessa, intense pain with little to no relief and lack of sleep can wreak havoc on someone’s psyche. Once the social worker learns what a strong, amazing woman you are, she might recognize that she could learn a thing or two from you. I pray you get some pain relief, soon.

Safe travels, Roy!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! We made it down to 50 for the first time since Spring. Bindi was so confused by it getting dark so early last night, but loved walking in daylight this morning. My hands haven’t quite warmed up. Once the sun heats things up, it will be a gorgeous day. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with our happenings. Praying that you get some relief for you pain. Gym, Bindi walks, chores and organizing a farewell “block party” for neighbors a couple houses down the street. They move the Monday of Thanksgiving week, so we need to have the party this weekend. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and your support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you & DH. Don’t forget about you. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************* 2021 Fleur de Mer Rosé What an amazing blend of grapes in this rosé. I do not normally gravitate towards them, but would definitely taste this one. Lots of consumer fans say it is very good - excellent! Widely available. Online prices start at $18.99. Winemaker Notes Crisp and inviting, Fleur de Mer Rosé captures the serene artistry of Provence’s idyllic, sun-washed coastal shores and fragrant, floral hillsides. At first swirl, the wine opens with generous aromas of white peach, citrus, wildflowers and herbs. A classic Provençal style, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry and crushed watermelon notes are complemented by layers of minerality and hints of sea spray. Delicate and softly textured on the mid-palate before a refreshingly crisp, memorable finish. Blend: 37% Cinsault, 22% Grenache, 13% Mourvedre,13% Carignan, 7% Syrah, 3% Rolle, 5% Other Select Varieties 90James Suckling Aromas of sliced strawberry, fresh herbs and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied. Bright, with a soft finish.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely nippy morning, but no breeze - yet! Yesterday’s wind made the beach clean up quite challenging, but lovely warm sun made up for it. And the Pelicans were doing some amazing maneuvers in formation. Vanessa, praying you get some relief from your pain. Thank you for everything you do for us. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks and chores. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, hope Lou’s Remembrance Day yesterday helped you find peace. Praying for you, Tana, your families and your support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you & your DH. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Especially Baby Murphy who is showing us all what a fighter she is. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************** Granite Hill Cellars Old Vine Zinfandel Consumers think this California Zinfandel is very good - excellent. Zinfandels are often a bit too much for me to handle, but since this one is medium bodied, I would like a taste. It is widely available and reasonably priced with online prices starting at $10.99. Distributor notes Granite Hill Cellars is a newly released brand by the Kautz Family of Lodi, California. The name comes from the rocky and “granite” terroir the family’s vineyards grow on. The soft rolling hills, in conjunction with the Pacific Ocean Delta breezes make these vineyards ideal for grapes of distinction. Practicing “sustainability” for over 30 years, the family is committed to the longevity of their land and the environment around them. Loaded with aromas of blackberry jam, followed by flavors of black cherries, strawberries, soft peppercorn and a sweet & smoky spice that finish long, flavorful and lingering.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another cool morning & the clouds and breeze are back. We actually had a 10 minute downpour yesterday as well as a couple of brief showers. But not enough, so I will have to add water to the pool. Vanessa, praying that you get some relief from the pain. Thank you for all you do. This morning is our monthly beach clean up, I can’t imagine what the wild surf and and strong winds brought ashore over the past month. Then Bindi walks, chores & wrapping up with dinner at a friend’s. I am bringing the salad & wine. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877Terry thinking of you all on Lou’s Remembrance Day. Praying for you, Tana, your families & your support teams. Breathe. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you & your DH. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @dfish Debbie, in honor of you joining Dixie & Sharon on that cruise to Hawaii - I give you this… May we each find a reason to smile today! ******** Marchese di Borgosole Brindisi Riserva DOC 2019 This dry, full bodied red from Southern Italy has lots of consumer fans. I used the 2019 vintage info, since that might be easiest to find. Not sure if I have ever had a “crunchy” wine before, so I just might have to try it. Widely available; reasonably priced. Online prices start at $12.99. James Suckling – Aromas of figs, chilis, mocha, cloves and incense. It’s medium-bodied with chewy tannins. Crunchy and textured in the mouth with a dusty feel. Fruity with fine tannin on the finish.

Terri, praying that Jim has no broken bones or sprains.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Though the temp is the same as yesterday morning, without the strong wind it felt much warmer. And the planets and stars are back. We might have some showers today. Vanessa, praying that today’s meeting sets you down the path to pain relief. Thank you for all you do to keep up with all of us. Gym, Bindi walks, chores, wine & snacks at a neighbor’s. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and support teams. Love that “the kids” have taken most of the burden for Lou’s Remembrance Day off your shoulders. Breathe. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you & your DH. Don’t forget you. May we each find a reason to smile today! ******** Hayes Ranch Red Wine Blend 2021 Thousands of Consumers give the 2021 vintage of this California red blend a very good - excellent rating. And it is certainly priced to try. Widely available, with online prices starting at $8.99. Winemaker’s notes All of the varietals in this Red Blend come from select vineyards in California. These vineyards are characterized by a long growing season which helps develop ripe and round fruit flavors. Each vineyard was harvested and fermented separately in upright stainless steel fermenters. The grapes were fermented in upright stainless steel tanks where they were pumped over twice daily. Our Red Blend is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Barbera with mouth-fill ing flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum.

And San Diego is a wonderful place to explore. Hawaii is spectacular place to visit. Especially the Big Island.

Wonderful news for all concerned, Lorraine!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It is cloudy, very windy and a cool 58 this morning. Last night the winds were really strong when Bindi & I did our bedtime walk. Vanessa, praying you get some relief from your pain. Thank you for keeping our lists. If the winds die down, I need to get out and pick up all the debris that the wind has brought down from my trees. Mostly small, dead branches, but sometimes there is a surprise or two. I need to stick close to home this morning while I wait for a County inspector to check the electrical work done last week. Bindi walks, chores, dinner at a neighbor’s will wrap up my day. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry happy to read that your boiler was fixed & you were removing layers. Praying for you, Tana, your families & your support teams. @HAL Sailer, Melissa, praying for you & your DH. Don’t forget you! May we each find a reason to smile today. ******** Long Barn Pinot Noir 2021 This Napa Pinot Noir sounds lovely and it is priced to be a table wine! I used the 2021 vintage info. Easy to find & easy on the budget. More than 7,000 consumers say it is very good - excellent. Online prices start at $9.98. Distributor notes One of the holy grail's of wine is finding a killer Pinot Noir for under $10. Something that drinks like you paid twice the price, a bottle that you can brag to friends and family about. The Long Barn Pinot Noir from California’s famed wine growing region is a great example of a modern style Pinot Noir with old world influence. Sourced and crafted by the three Italians over at Napa Valley Ca’Momi, for them Long Barn is all about enjoying wine in the company of good friends & a great meal. Long Barn gives thanks to California’s agricultural legacy and the past generations who built it. A wine that connects the Long Barn passion for simplicity with a sense of place. Fans of California Pinot Noir will go nuts over this bottle. The Wine Buyer: 91 Points “Another outstanding value! This Pinot Noir never disappoints vintage after vintage! Well-structured with light cherry, raspberry, strawberry and red licorice flavors that are followed by vanilla, spice and soft tannins. A great match to your favorite pork, poultry or lamb dishes.”

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A cool and breezy 62 this morning. Today’s high will be 67 🤔 I believe @StLouisCruisers your cold front has finally hit us, Sandy. Vanessa, like @dfish I wish I could take a magic wand and make your pain go away. I am astounded at what you can accomplish in spite of the pain. Thank you for keeping up with us. Bindi walks, chores, another garage door estimate, HIIT and wine tasting with friends. That might keep me out of trouble. Closing out Halloween…. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry praying for you, Tana, your families and your support teams. Especially that very tall teenager. 😎 Breathe. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you & your DH. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** Altaland Cabernet Salta Consumers give this Argentinian Cab high marks. Easy to find and reasonably priced. Online prices start at $15.99. Distributor’s notes The Salta region in northern Argentina is home to world’s highest vineyards. Near the town of Payogasta, the Colomé Altura Máxima vineyard is planted at 10,206 feet in elevation. Salta is part of the Calchaquí Valley, which benefits from more than 300 days of sun per year, subjecting its vines to considerable ultraviolet radiation. The valley experiences strong high altitude winds, even in the “lower” vineyards, which are planted at 5,413 feet. Because of these elevations and resulting extreme conditions, vines produce lower yields and thicker-skinned grapes, resulting in concentrated, aromatic and well-structured wines. In a truly unique region, the highly aromatic variety, Torrontes, thrives; intense sun exposure allows full ripening, while cooling winds maintain the grapes’ acidity levels and phenolic balance. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, and, particularly, Tannat have the most potential among reds. Upscale hotels, beautiful colonial architecture, a majestic Andean backdrop and impressive food and wine make the area attractive among tourists as well. Salta is the fourth most important Argentine wine-producing region after Mendoza, San Juan, and La Rioja. Its oldest vineyards were planted in 1862. James Suckling’s thoughts James Suckling - "A pretty cabernet with currant, light herb and iron undertones. It's medium-bodied with medium tannins and a juicy finish. Linear and tight. Drink Now."

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Really foggy here this morning. Bindi had no desire to walk down a street that she couldn’t recognize. She quickly took care of business & then headed us back inside. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that you find some relief to your pain. Gym, Bindi walks, chores & then trick or treat time. 🧟‍♀️ Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and support teams. Hope the antibiotics have started to help Tana. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you & your DH. Don’t forget you. May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Wild Pig Chardonnay Never in my wildest imagination would I have guessed this Chardonnay was from France! we have wild pigs in Florida and except when they are babies - they are ugly brutes that are dangerous and do NOT deserve a wine named after them. Perhaps France’s wild pigs are more genteel. 😎. Widely available snd priced to try, online prices start at $8.99. Winemaker’s notes Located in the Languedoc area, the vineyards spread from the banks of the Rhône river in the East to the city of Carcassonne in the West, from the foothills of the Massif Central mountains in the North to the Mediterranean Sea in the South. - Harvesting is done in the early morning, during the coolest period of the day. - The grapes are de-stemmed, crushed and pressed in modern pneumatic presses. - The must is refrigerated and allowed to settle for 24 to 48 hours. - The clear juice is drawn off and fermented using selected yeast. - Temperature is regularly controlled to ensure that it does not exceed 16°C (60.8°F). - The wine is cold-filtered to avoid malolactic fermentation. Pale gold colour with a bright green tint. Elegant with floral and honey flavours. A well-rounded, easy drinking wine with a touch of liveliness. Best when served cool between 10-12°C (50-52°F). Delicious by itself or with fish, white meats and salads. Enjoy now and over the next 2 to 3 years.

I totally forgot to post this yesterday. The full moon rising on Saturday.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely & cool start to the day. 62, but no breeze - yet. Yesterday was a picture perfect day. Vanessa, praying that your medical team finds an answer to your pain. Thank you for sharing our happenings. Gym, Bindi walks, chores & getting ready for Halloween. For the first time, since moving here - I will have two trick or treaters. My neighbors and I have put together a map of houses for them to visit. I think the adults may be looking forward to it more than the little ones! Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and your support teams. Breathe. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you & DH. Don’t forget you. May we each find a reason to smile today. ****** Hayes Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Consumers enjoy this California Cab. Easy to find & very easy on the budget. Online prices start at $9.99. Winemaker notes This Cabernet Sauvignon comes from select vineyards in California with warm days and cool nights. These vineyards are characterized by a long growing season which helps develop ripe and round fruit flavors. Each vineyard was harvested and fermented separately in upright stainless steel fermenters. Rack and return, which is the process of draining all of the free-run juice off the cap and then returning the free-run juice back over the top of the fermenter, was performed twice daily. This method increases color and tannin extraction and improves the mouthfeel through the integration of oxygen. This wine was aged for 12 months in neutral oak. Flavors of red cherry, anise, and a hint of vanilla, abound in this Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is well balanced with medium tannins, a smooth mid-palate and a spicy, coffee finish.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another cool, crisp, clear morning. Bindi wasn’t interested in a long walk this morning. Too dark, I think. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying you get some permanent relief from the pain. Gym, Aldi - I need to pick up more bags of the frozen Argentinian red shrimp, they were a huge hit last night. I am not sure if they were sweet, but they were so tender and delicious; then inside & outside chores. Florida potholes are very dangerous. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & support teams. Breathe. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for DH and you. Don’t forget you. May we each find a reason to smile today. ******** 2017 Robert Hall Paso Robles Paso Red This California red blend gets very good - excellent reviews from consumers & critics. I have enjoyed this one myself. Easy to find & reasonably priced. Online prices start at $13.94. Winemaker Notes Robert Hall Paso Red combines some of the winery's favorite vineyards in Paso Robles, and is crafted to be big, dark, and juicy with the approachability and quality that Robert Hall drinkers expect. Petite Syrah and Zinfandel are at the heart of this wine, highlighting two varieties that do well in Paso Robles. This blend has aromas of berry cobbler, savory herbs and tobacco, and is full-bodied with fine grained tannins on the mid-palate and a long spicy finish. Pairs well with smoked meats, burgers and Spanish style tapas. Blend: 39% Zinfandel, 33% Petite Syrah, 12% Petit Verdot, 9% Tempranillo, 7% Syrah WW89 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com The 2017 Robert Hall Paso Red drinks big, vibrant, and long. This wine comes through with jamming aromas of black fruit and licorice. Pair it with grilled beef.

I found this illustration on the Princess board. Definitely challenging.

Bon Voyage! Have a wonderful time!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A cooler start to the day - a lovely 64. Very clear skies and last night’s moon was spectacular. I have friends coming over this evening for cocktails and dinner, and we will be outside on the deck, so we will be part of the biggest outdoor cocktail party. 😎 Vanessa praying that you get some permanent relief for your pain. Thank you for keeping up with us. Lots of prep for this evening. This week’s winds have brought quite a bit of dust & pollen onto the outside furniture, so that will be my top priority today. Then Bindi walks, chores, meal prep and then cocktails & dinner with friends. Trying Argentinian red shrimp for the first time. Supposedly a bit sweeter than other shrimp. Another Aldi bargain. 🤞🏻 Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & your support teams. Breathe. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you & your DH. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ******** Natale Verga Chianti This Tuscan table wine sounds like a perfect wine for a weekday meal. Widely available and priced to try - it can always be used for cooking. Online prices start at $7.99. Or you might opt for its “Riserva” cousin, awarded 90 points by James Suckling, though it will cost you at least twice as much. Still fairly reasonable. Winemaker notes "A heady nose of wild berry and fresh cut violets lead to the well balanced and abundant flavors of cherry, blackberries and a hint of cedar. Soft and elegant yet has enough substance and staying power to stand up to meats, pasta dishes in red sauces and ripe cheeses."

Have a wonderful trip. I will be following closely, since I have my first NCL cruise coming up on the Escape in February.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning here, though a few more clouds than yesterday. I am happy to see that the “bold” is working again. Vanessa, praying you get some relief from the pain. Thank you for keeping up with all of us. Gym, Bindi walks, a visit to the Vet for her heart worm test & chores. Should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana - may those antibiotics kick that pneumonia out the door, your families and support teams. Breathe. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you & your DH. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @grapau27 Happy Birthday! May your new year bring you love, laughter, great health & a cruise or two! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** Oak Farm Vineyards Tievoli Red Blend 2021 This California red blend sounds lovely. I used the 2021 info, since that should be the easiest to find. Consumers give it a 4 out 5. It might be a bit too bold for me to sip without food, but I would try. 😎 Available from a decent number of distributors with prices starting at $15.95. Winemaker notes This Blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Barbera and Sangiovese presents aromas of dark fruits, intertwined with notes of vanilla and black tea. It is rich in flavors with a medium body and a balanced and persistent finish. This unique blend contains four different grape varietals all grown in Lodi. Zinfandel is the backbone of this blend, followed by Barbera, Petite Sirah and Sangiovese. The Zinfandel comes from two different vineyards, Hohenrieder and Lobaugh Vineyard, both Lodi Rules and Lodi Appellation. These Zinfandels bring the fruitiness to this wine with aromas of blackberry jam and fresh strawberries. The Barbera is from our Estate Property and is on a vertical shoot position trellis system. The Barbera is a key variety to this wine because it adds the acidity backbone. It helps brighten the wine and smooth it out. The Petite Sirah from our Estate property is a great addition to the blend because it strengthens the color and helps with the structure on the back of the palate. Lastly, just a little bit of Sangiovese (from our Estate Property too) that helps the balance of the blend with its acidity, fruitiness and dryness. All 4 of these Varieties were hand picked and destemmed to tank. They were inoculated separately to ferment. Upon completion of primary and secondary fermentation the varieties were combined and aged in 25% new French and American Oak for approximately 18 months before being bottled.

Thank you for your very informative thread! Have you done any wine tastings?

@JazzyV Vanessa, I hated reading about the worsening of your pain. I pray the neurosurgeon’s PA can see you soon and maybe help you through this journey. I got a Volvo XC60 recharge plug-in hybrid. Sadly, the only thing available when I went looking, but it is a great vehicle. Comes with an interchangeable plug so you can use either 110 or 240 outlets. It has a range of about 43 miles to the charge. So far I have used gasoline twice. I am getting 323 mpg. 😜 I really wanted to checkout the Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid, but they don’t even sell them in Florida. 🤔 It may have the largest inside area. The one test I have yet to try with the Volvo - is whether the kayak fits. 🤞🏻