cat shepard

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning, though the breeze has already picked up. Last night was so windy, my neighbors’ yard waste was blowing all over the place. I will say walking in the breeze is very enjoyable. After a couple of my Bindi walks, my hairdo resembled this… Vanessa, I hope that yesterday’s doctor visit leads you to pain relief. Though I am still praying for the epidural to kick in. Today I will be sticking close to home, because I have an electrician installing a 220 outlet in my garage. At the very least, this will cut my car’s charging time in half. Bindi walks, chores and cleaning out the side of the garage with the electrical panels will fill my day. A new vehicle - the Purrsche… Praying for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & support teams. May Tana’s antibiotics kick in. Breathe deep. @HAL Sailer Melissa praying for you & DH. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Olema Sauvignon Blanc Loire 2021 I used the 2021 vintage info, since it might be easiest to find, but all released vintages share the same excellent rating. I would love a taste, and maybe even a bottle. It is available from quite a few online distributors with prices starting at $12.99. James Suckling Review Rated 90 A fresh and crisp white with lemon, green-apple and chalk aromas and flavors. Clean and bright. Drink now. A wine that encompasses freshness from start to finish, the Olema Sauvignon Blanc Val de Loire shows great aromatics of bright tropical fruit and green apple. On the palate, pineapple and citrus flavors carry through a mouth-tingling acidity laced with wintergreen and spearmint that carries through the long, zippy finish.

@JazzyV Vanessa, glad you had a thorough visit. Praying the epidural is just late kicking in.

Charlene, how funny. Every now & then my “accent” shows up. Not close enough to Bahston to have a really strong accent. Though I will always refer to one of my parent’s Sisters as “Ahnt”, not “Ant”!

I hope your niece enjoys it as much as I did. Spent many Summers at Stevens Pond with my Sister’s kids. The town used have a beach with lifeguards. Lots of great memories.

Terry, I come from North Andover, a small town very close to the wicked rich area. Used to be middle class. Not sure what it is now. We always referred to the tip of the Cape as P’town, though. Glad it made you laugh. 😎

Once again my re-sized meme is not clear & legible when it posts to CC. Sorry for the duplicate, but…. I will say there are a couple entries that are new to me. But I left when I was 35.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A few high level clouds and a balmy 70 degrees greeted Bindi & me this morning. Yesterday was so windy! Every time I went out with Bindi, I came back with a new hairdo. Vanessa, praying that the epidural starts to give you some relief. Thank you for keeping up with us, in spite of what you are going through. @dfish Debbie, praying all goes smoothly with your surgery. Bindi walks, chores, HIIT, wine at a neighbor’s will fill my day. You folk from Massachusetts I’ll be familiar with this map. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, prayers for you, Tana (may the antibiotics kick in), your families and support teams. Breathe deep. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for DH & you. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* Saladini Pilastri Falerio This white Italian wine sounds interesting. At least two grapes that I have never encountered before. Priced to try, with a decent number of online distributors. Prices starting at $7.99. Distributor notes Made from organically grown trebbiano, pecorino, passerina, chardonnay and a little fiano, this is a clever medium-bodied Italian blend in a dry style. Expect a white-flower, citrus and mineral perfume, developing almond and pomelo on the palate and ending with a refreshing finish.

I apologize for the duplicate posting. My first “resized” post of this is illegible. And someone was very creative with this meme.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It is already 70 here! Lovely morning sky. Hoping the humidity will stay away. I got through most of my gardening chores yesterday. Just a couple more plants to dead head & fertilize today. Vanessa, praying the epidural “kicks in” and helps relieve your pain. Thank you for keeping our lists. Gym, Bindi walks, inside & outside chores, then picking up a friend at the airport - hoping I get to watch the sunset while I wait for her. The last few sunsets have been breathtaking. On a very serious note - if you have ever cleaned up a beach after a hurricane, this picture would NOT shock you. Some plastic can be recycled & used to create something new. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & your support teams. Breathe deep. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for your DH and for you. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Overhead Fred Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary Joy & Allen!❤️ May we each find a reason to smile today. ******** 2016 Diseño Red Blend Argentina I would need to taste this red blend from Argentina, before buying a bottle. Sometimes Malbec is too bold for me. But it is reasonably priced. Consumers rate it very good - excellent & it is available from several online distributors. Online prices start at $9.09. Winemaker notes This wine has intense raspberry and blueberry aromas with notes of violet, cocoa, and coffee from oak aging. It shows pleasant acidity and soft tannins, finishing with a lingering note of toastiness. Diseno means “design". The grapes for Diseno come from two of Argentina’s most highly respected vignerons. Both families hold great respect for tradition in their pursuit of quality. • Malbec • Bonarda • Tempranillo •

Those curls! That sweet smile! Jack, Lily is adorable!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Day 3 of not being able to bold any words. 🤔 Another lovely start to the day - already 62. Venus, Jupiter, Orion & the Big Dipper were a sight to behold. Vanessa, praying that the epidural kicks in & you find relief for your pain. Thank you for keeping up with us. Gym, Bindi walks, chores & hunting down a couple of folk to do some skilled work. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, thank you for the update on your DH. You have seen some great advice from women who have walked the same path. Please take care of yourself, too. @Cruzin Terri Terri, I am sorry you cancelled your cruise. I pray your situation improves so you can plan another one. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* 2020 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir This Pinot Noir sounds nice. I know I have never tasted a “lithe” wine before. Have any of you? Available from a decent number of distributors with prices starting at a reasonable $16.99. Winemaker Notes Classic Oregon Pinot Noir with flavors of ripe dark cherries and Oregon bramble berries. While lithe and versatile, this wine shows a deep core of fruit and has an ample body with substantial richness for a young wine. Firm tannins and notes of spice add to the lingering finish. WS92 Wine Spectator This Pinot layers in the complexity and tension, showing accents of raspberry and cherry that are laced with dusky spice and black tea. Drink now through 2028. WE90 Wine Enthusiast This is a sharp and detailed young wine, with tight blackberry fruit that etches its way into your palate. Aged for eight months in neutral barrels, this puts a tart and peppery spin on its lightly chewy tannins. Drink now and through the next half decade.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Day two of not being able to bold any words. 🤔 It is 53 and a bit foggy this morning, but the planets are showing through. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with our happenings. Praying that the epidural kicks in. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, more gardening, & inside chores should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & support team. One step at a time. That goes for you, too @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying you take time for yourself & enlist the help of others. I was happy to read that DH is home. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find something to smile about today. ********** 2018 Latta Dana Dibble Syrah Walla Walla This Syrah is tempered a bit by the addition of a bit of Viognier. It is lovely, rich, and smooth. And wonderful with or without food. I found a few online distributors with prices starting at $48.00. Vintner notes 94 pts. Owen Bargreen 91 Wine Enthusiast 98% Syrah, 2% Viognier all sourced from Freewater Rocks Vineyard. The 2018 Dana opens with a wild nose that melds incense, blackberry cobbler and warm earth. Always an expansive palate full of the fresh funky flavors of the rocks, it carries on with intense depth of fruit and lilac notes typical of Tablas Clone Syrah. Lush tannins lift to the long finish. Freewater Rocks vineyard is located in the Rocks District of Walla Walla. Planted in 2000 in the core of Freewater Cobbly Loam this is an OG vineyard site with four generations of fruit farming behind it. The wine carries "Dana Dibble" for the man who grew up on the dirt, the third-generation farmer who transformed these hardscrabble orchards into the manicured rows of vines standing among the stones today. Dana and Andrew have collaborated on many vintages and vineyard projects over the years, this wine goes out to the man on the tractor.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning. It was already 66 when Bindi & I headed out earlier. Much more seasonal. Mini Bike a week started Thursday, so travel time is extended a great deal. There have already been some horrific accidents. We may not have many hills, but many of our roads curve around marshes and waterways. Lots of blind curves. Vanessa, thank you for keeping our lists. And do not hesitate to put yourself on the list. Praying the epidural relieves your pain. Zumba, Bindi walks, gardening, some indoor chores then wine at a neighbor’s. Sitting out on our decks in the evening is magical - especially when the deer visit. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & your support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying DH is doing better. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** King Estate 2021 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris Rich left today’s wine choice up to me, so having had mostly red wines recently, I chose a white King Estate wine. I have enjoyed many wines from King Estate - including this one. Red wine lovers - their Pinot Noir is just lovely! Many consumer fans and several critics all give it excellent reviews. A decent number of online distributors with prices starting at $16.99. Vintner’s notes Classic hallmarks of Pinot Gris appear on the nose with aromas of ripe pear, lime zest, peach, honeysuckle and lemon blossom. The wine starts off nice and round on the palate with ripe fruit flavors of Asian pear, key lime and nectarine accompanied by jasmine and damp slate. The entrance is followed by bright acidity that carries through to a fresh, balanced and lingering finish. Vineyard Notes Early in our 30-year history, King Estate established a reputation for Willamette Valley Pinot Gris that continues to this day. The Willamette Valley – and our cool climate, high elevation site in particular – is ideally suited for growing Pinot Gris grapes. Made with the finest fruit from our own estate and our like-minded vineyard partners, this wine reflects a commitment to sustainable farming practices in each bottle. Winemaker Notes The wine is fermented in 100% stainless steel temperature controlled tanks to preserve varietal character and aromatic complexity. Aged sur lie in stainless steel for four months.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich. It was a lovely 59 this morning. Venus, Jupiter, Orion & the Big Dipper were bright in the sky. This is perfect weather. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that the epidural helps your pain. Gym, Bindi walks, a visit from my handyman to start on my “laundry list” of things to do. I need to repot some plants - might keep me out of trouble. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, prayers for you, Tana, your families and support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying your DH is holding steady. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** Gran Passione Rosso Definitely a red I would love to taste. Available from numerous sources. Consumers give it an average of 4 out 5! Reasonably priced with online prices starting at $9.99. Distributor notes Grapes: Merlot, Corvina Region: Veneto Deep red in color, moving through shades of amber as it ages Instantly appealing on the nose, with fruity hints that give way to notes of spices and vanilla Complex and solid structure that offers a perfect balance of tannins and acidity Pairs perfectly with roasts and grilled meats. Great with game dishes. Also excellent with aged cheeses.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A bit warmer at 58 this morning. These past few days have just been lovely. We really enjoyed our visit to the new wine bar last night. We sat in a room decorated like a vineyard. The walls had murals with grape vines & leaves and the ceiling had grape leaves and bunches of different types of grapes hanging down. The tables were beautiful wood. The food was delicious and the 5 featured wines were all from Spain. 5 - 3oz pours for $15! Vanessa, I was happy to read that the epidural went smoothly. Praying it helps ease your pain. Thank you for keeping up with all of us in spite of what you deal with. Bindi walks, chores, a trip to the Vet for Bindi’s annual heart worm test & I need to rearrange my wine “cellar”. I keep it in the same walk-in closet as my Christmas tree, and currently there is no way I could ever get the tree out past the wine!😎 Praying for all who need our support. @smitty34877Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & your support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying that all is well. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @ger_77 Geri, safe travels & lots of hugs & giggles! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* 2021 Quarter Cut Bourbon barrel aged red blend Another wine on which bourbon barrels worked their magic. Smooth, but medium-full bodied. Lovely by itself or with a meal. Available from many distributors, including Aldi, online prices start at $10.99. I am a fan of this red blend & have a few bottles in “ my cellar”. Distributor notes Brown brick red color. Aromas of vanilla, chocolate marshmallow, dark berry tart, and plum sauce with a silky, medium body and a medium cherry demi glaze on grilled meat, red apple, wild berries, and chocolate covered bacon finish. A solid Bourbon-barrel aged red blend that is an easy choice for everyday meals and sipping. Sweetness:Dryish Pairing:Baked Ham, Meat Loaf, Lasagna

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another cool morning here. I was surprised to see yesterday’s early morning temp here was cooler than both @ger_77 & @smitty34877🤔. I did get my car washed yesterday. My car was not happy, since its sensors were covered much of the time. Vanessa, thank you for taking care of us. Praying the epidural goes smoothly & relieves your pain. Bindi walks, manicure, annual termite inspection & a visit to a new wine bar -Wine Not. They conduct a wine tasting every Wednesday evening. They have quite a menu of charcuterie & appetizers. Prayers for all who need our support. @dfish Praying your doctor can help you get your medication. @smitty34877Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & your support teams. @NextOne Edi, praying that all went smoothly yesterday. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying that your DH continues to improve. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Seasick Sailor @SusieKIslandGirl May we each find a reason to smile today! ******** Ron Rubin 2019 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir I took some liberties with the vintage. There were a couple places that still sold the 2013, but the 2019 vintage is everywhere!😎 And consumers & critics love it! I would love to try this one. Online prices start at $17.49. Winemaker Notes Bright ripe red cherry, cranberry, and warm silky berry aromas with hints of allspice. The bouquet is rounded out with sweet vanilla and berry flavors, with a balanced and elegant finish. This very approachable wine offers mouth-filling, yet soft and silky, tannins. Ripe fruit flavors are complemented by bright acidity and a gentle oak mid-palate. This complex and fruit-driven Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with sauteéd mushrooms or shaved truffles with pasta.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A brisk 51 this morning. First time wearing long pants since early Spring! Yesterday was so windy, I knew I would end up getting soaked if I washed my car. So I may take it to a car wash today. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that your medical team finds a solution to your pain. Gym, Bindi walks, chores- hoping there is less of a breeze today. The temperature is delightful, but yesterday’s wind made it downright chilly. Prayers for all who need our support. @NextOne Edi, praying your surgery goes smoothly & your recovery is quick! @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your familles & support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying that your DH continues to improve. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* 2019 Brass Tacks Pinot Noir Another Naked Wine - but from a Central Coast vintner that offers other wines to the general public. If they are as good as this excellent Pinot Noir, they are worth trying. Members of Naked wine can pick this up for $14.99. Distributor notes Elegant, limited-release Pinot Noir - a sleek, one-off specialty from Scott. This velvety Pinot Noir packs a delicate cast of red fruit flavors like strawberry and ripe cherry, with a light, vibrant finish that’s easy-sipping and elegant all at once. To craft this fresh, fruity red, Scott blended Pinot from a mix of select California vineyards, night-harvesting his fruit and fermenting the wine in a mix of stainless steel and oak barrels for an extra touch of complexity. Bring home a few bottles of this limited-release red while supplies last and take your cue from Scott to enjoy this Pinot “in the company of good friends and hearty appetites.” This Pinot is delicious now, but also has the structure to continue aging for the next few years. Serve at room temperature. Open and let the bottle rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to open up to their fullest. Pinot Noir is one of the classic Burgundian varietals and is one of the most food friendly of wines. This Pinot will pair wonderfully with a wide range of foods, and also stands up well all on its own.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It is a lovely 59 degrees here this morning, but the breeze makes it chilly. Once the sun comes up, it will be an exquisite day. Vanessa, thank you for keeping our lists. Praying your pain grows less and disappears altogether. Gym, Bindi walks, chores - I might even wash my car today. We took my car to the beach for our birthday celebration and you can see the salt spray on the side that was parked closest to the water. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & your support teams. @HAL sailer Melissa, praying that your DH continues to improve. So many of our Dailyites dealing with difficult issues: both medical and life. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! And please remember to love a cat today! ********** Mascota Vineyards La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 This Argentina Cab is easy to find, consumers give it a very good - excellent review and has a price that is easy on the budget. I used the 2021 vintage info since it might be easier to find. Online prices start at $10.95. James Suckling JS90 Displays a deep red color with hints of violet. Aromas of licorice, cassis and warm raspberry jam. Elegant touch of roasted pepper and chocolate. Full-bodied, complex and very long aftertaste.

Graham, did you & Pauline get caught up in all the tornado warnings on Wednesday?

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A lovely 65 this morning. Venus & Jupiter are bright in the sky. The Eastern sky is just beginning to lighten. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Praying that an end to your pain is in sight. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores & celebrating my Great Nephew’s 16th birthday. How can that be? I will say birthday cards that a 16 year old boy would enjoy are pretty scarce. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families s& your support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying your DH continues to improve. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** 2021 King Estate Inscription Pinot Noir I have personally enjoyed every wine I have tried from this Willamette Valley vintner. This PN has a huge number of consumer fans. Fairly easy to find, and very reasonable for the quality. Online prices start at $15.95. Winemaker Notes A deep ruby color in the glass, the wine greets the nose with fruit aromas of raspberry, black plum and currant, with violet, orange peel, cedar, leather and forest floor. Flavors of dark fruit – black cherry, plum and currant –up front on the palate are joined by bramble and cedar with some tobacco and leather. This is a bold wine with full fruit, balanced acidity and smooth tannins. A long, lingering finish boasts big fruit and spicy, toasty oak. 92James Suckling A focused and mineral pinot with aromas of cranberries, rosemary, red tea, white pepper and lemon zest. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Tight and vibrant.

Roy I am so happy that you went on your two cruises. I hope you will enjoy many more.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A bit of a marine layer this morning but 9 degrees cooler than yesterday and it feels a great deal less humid. Fall weather returns tomorrow & it is most welcome. Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. Praying that you see at least a reduction in your pain next week. My RSV soreness turned into a dull ache yesterday afternoon & now has totally disappeared. I did use the rowing machine at the gym yesterday. The arm muscles used in rowing were not near the injection sites, so it didn’t bother me. Zumba, Bindi walks, chores - perhaps I will tackle the smoke detector batteries today & then a tapas type meal this evening at a friend’s. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 praying for you, Tana, your families and your support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying that DH continues to improve. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* Grain D’Océan Entre-deluxe-mers Sauvignon Blanc This is a very good - excellent white. Enjoyable on a very hot & humid day. Available from a decent number of distributors with prices starting at $14.99. 85 Wine Enthusiast The wine, dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, is crisply textured. It has a herbal character that exudes green fruits and citrus. The wine is in a blue bottle and ready to drink.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Quite hazy this morning, but I could see Jupiter & Venus in the early morning sky. More rain is expected today, but the storm is not expected to be as volatile as yesterday’s. Glad we are all safe. Vanessa, thank you for all you do. Praying that your medical team has found a solution for your pain. Not sure about the gym today. The arm that received the RSV vaccine is still really sore. Needless to say I did not change my smoke detector batteries yesterday. The only other effect from the three vaccines was for my feet to take forever to warm up in bed. 🤔 Bindi walks, chores, maybe a nap. I also need to ship my Mom’s silver serving tray up to my niece. I never use it. And it took a few attempts before I removed all the tarnish. But it looks gorgeous. Bike week starts here on the 19th….. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, keeping you, Tana, your families & your support teams in my prayers. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying DH continues to improve. May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** 1895 Verga La Storia Rosso Toscana 2019 I used the 2019 vintage info, since Mr. Suckling reviewed it. This lovely red blend is just begging me to taste it. Consumers love it! A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $14.99. Distributor notes A gorgeous blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot. From Italy, this over delivers! Hints of black plums and dark chocolate on the nose. Sumptuous and decadent! Caramel, English toffee, smoky embers with a black cherry cola finish. Full bodied, this paired perfectly with a “supreme” pizza, bacon mac-n-cheese or chicken parmesan. 2019 vintage Rated 92 points James Suckling - Super clean aromas and flavors of crushed blackberries and currants. Medium-to full-bodied, with fine, lightly firm tannins and a long, fruit and mineral finish. Not overly complex, but precise. Delicious now, but will hold for a few years yet.

My Sister lives about 7 miles Northwest of me. We are in two different counties. I received the tornado warning around 4:40 a.m. She did not. I got rain & wind - no complaints. But an EF2 tornado tore up trees in her lot, and then crossed the intersection where it ripped up roofs, fences, pool enclosures and really destroyed one roof. No one was hurt. Thank goodness.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Cloudy and though we have lots of rain, Bindi and I lucked out & it wasn’t even drizzling when we went out last night or this morning. My county is under a tornado watch until 9 this morning.🤞🏻 that it does not turn into a warning. Vanessa, thank you for keeping our lists. Praying that you find an end to your pain. Today I get my vaccines, so I purposely planned a very light day. The only thing I HAVE to do is take Bindi out. But I would love to get my smoke detector batteries changed, if I am up to it. And there are countless rainy day chores just waiting for me. Praying for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, keeping you, Tana, your families & support teams in my prayers. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying DH continues to improve. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @cruising sister Happy Birthday!🥳 May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** Jolie Folle 2012 Rosé Vin de Pays de Méditerranée Rosé fans this one might be a great one to try. Lots of consumer fans, and the 2012 vintage is still available. Online prices start at $14.97. Distributor notes Light, zesty and classic, this is quintessential rose from Provence but with the added bonus of more volume and less drain on your pocket. The grapes for this wine are picked at night to maximize freshness and purity of fruit. The result is a gorgeous wine that is bursting with lush red fruits, tangy spice and a dash of minerality. A liter of rose from the Provence region in southern France. Do you you really need anything else during the spring and summer months? Varietals: Grenache / Carignan / Syrah About: Jolie Folle is a project from Crazy Beautiful Wines. Jolie Folle translates loosely to "crazy beautiful." The name was inspired by an Argentine compliment for someone who is "crazy in a good way." The focus is to partner with farmers, growers, and winemakers to produce select varietals from around the world.