cat shepard

Jacqui, what a wonderful tribute to José, the Doctor & the Man. Those pictures tell us everything important about him. Animals loved him and he could make people really smile. Thank you for sharing him with us. Ann

Stay safe, Charlene. It really rained for a short time here. But the wind is wild, and I am 3 miles from the coast! And I am at the edge of the storm. You are much closer to the thick of things.

@kazu Jacqui, if I request the link to Jose’s bursary, you aren’t soliciting me. If you are uncomfortable posting it here, please email me. I believe you have my email address, but “yell”, if you don’t. Ann

Missed you Graham! Hope you & Pauline enjoyed yourselves!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another cloudy, humid day here. Not sure if we are going to get any of the predicted heavy rains, we have been lucky so far. Just misting, light rains and lots of strong winds. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. I was happy to read that you got a bit more sleep, but am praying that your medical team helps and finds a solution to your pain. Zumba, Bindi walks, chores and reorganizing my Sunday routine because I am hoping to go kayaking that morning. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & support teams! @RMLincoln Maureen, hoping all goes smoothly today. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today! *********** D. H. Elliott 2020 California Sauvignon Blanc Another Naked wine entry. Great on any day, but a superb choice for a hot humid day. Naked wine members can pick it up for $11.99. Distributor notes Lively, easy-sipping white This crisp, light Sauvignon Blanc is a food-friendly easy-sipper buzzing with bright tropical fruit flavors and a zesty touch of citrus. With over 40 harvests under his belt, D.H. is one of the most well-connected winemakers in the business and a pro at scouting out the best deals. With your funding, he brings Angels thirst-quenching treats like this for an absolute steal! D.H.'s go-to dinner pairing with this fresh, lively white wine is a little grilled chicken with fresh pesto pasta. Bring home a bottle or two and try it for yourself! This crisp Sauvignon Blanc was made to be enjoyed now. Chill this refreshing white first and simply take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving. This Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with grilled chicken and fresh pesto pasta for dinner!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich. Already in the low 70s, very windy, and once again seem to be in between the bands of rain. We had a couple short periods of light rain, and a 2 minute deluge. Not sure what to expect today. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Even more of a task when dealing with your terrible pain & numbness. I pray your medical team can find a way to end them - soon. Not sure what the weather will allow Bindi & I to do, but there are at least mini walks, chores, and a HIIT class in my future. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, thank you for checking in with us. Hope you see more improvement. Don’t forget you. @RMLincoln Maureen, safe travels today. May the rest of the move & your trip go smoothly. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ************ 2018 Terra Nera This Naked wine from Sicily is a medium - full bodied red. It is really sippable, but needs time to breathe. Members of the Naked wine club can get it for a reasonable $13.99. Distributor notes Powerful, fruit-driven Nero d'Avola - an iconic Italian red with barrel-aged elegance This decadent red is a Sicilian classic, layered with complex, intense dark fruit flavors and a long, luscious, mouth-filling finish. With the help of your funding, Dominic crafted this sultry red using hand-harvested Nero d’Avola from an older hillside vineyard in Sicily, and aged the wine in French oak barrels for over a year to give it an extra refined touch. Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s hallmark red wine, and if you’ve never had the privilege of trying it, Dominic is the perfect winemaker to introduce you! For funding Dom to bring this world-class red to wine drinkers everywhere, you get it with an exclusive $14 Angel savings! This red can be enjoyed now, and will also age well for another 5 years or more. If you're opening this wine now just be sure to give it one or two hours to open up and breathe, and serve it at room temperature. Food match This red goes wonderfully with wild game and other meats.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another damp morning. The heavy rains are supposed to start later and last for a few days. We just decided to move Thursday’s kayak trip to this coming Sunday, since Sunday’s weather is supposed to be spectacular. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us, in spite of your battle with the leg pain and numbness. I pray you find a solution, soon. Gym, Bindi walks, my chores & my handyman comes to tackle at least the inside to do list, and if weather permits- the outside to do list, too. Somewhere on a lake in Florida… Praying for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and your support teams. @RMLincoln Maureen good luck today & tomorrow. May everything go smoothly. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ Ghostrunner Ungrafted red 2021 Every released vintage of this Lodi red blend has plenty of consumer fans. Critics think it is very good, too. I used the 2021 vintage info, since it might be easiest to find. Widely available with online prices starting at $10.95. Winemaker’s notes We started Ghostrunner as a way to bring to the market a great tasting red blend that you’ll enjoy drinking anytime. Ghostrunner grapes are sourced through central valley vineyards that produce rich and elegant wines. This handcrafted wine shows complex fruit and has a gentle, well balanced finish. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of foods. At Ghostrunner, we only make a red blend so we focus 100% of our time, resources and passion around just this one wine. We hope you enjoy it and share it with your friends. The 2021 Ghostrunner red blend includes Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Merlot. It shows a dark ruby color with an aroma that’s rich in mixed berries and black cherry preserves. Hints of spice including black pepper and bacon carry through on the palate. This decadent red blend finishes with soft tannins, dark fruit and elaborate oak. The 2021 growing season was generous is length and consistent temperatures. Flavors were strong at harvest and we think 2021 will prove to be a terrific vintage.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another cloudy, breezy balmy morning. Bindi hopes it does not drizzle all day the way it did yesterday. The upper level winds are racing the clouds in from the Northeast. It is fascinating to watch. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with & sharing our happenings. I pray that you find a solution to your pain - soon! Gym, Bindi walks, chores - volunteering at a local church for their Thanksgiving food drive. Should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & support teams. @RMLincoln Maureen praying that all goes smoothly for you & DH over the next few days. Remember to breathe. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** 2018 MacMurray Estate Vineyards Central Coast Pinot Noir Another Central Coast Pinot Noir enjoyed by many and reasonably priced. The 2018 vintage might be a bit difficult to find, but more recent vintages appear to have as many fans and will be easier to find. I found a couple of online distributors for the 2018 vintage with prices starting at $13.99. Winemaker’s notes In 2014, we selected the majority of our Pinot Noir from Olson Ranch Vineyard, which is located in the renowned Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The vines on Olson Ranch sprawl along the sides of the Highlands, where they receive optimal sunlight and cooling Pacific breezes. The 2014 growing season was warm and dry throughout, leading to early ripening and eventually an early harvest. Ripe, fruit forward flavors with a crisp acidity are characteristic of this vintage in the glass. The balance of this wine was sourced from the Santa Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, another cool coastal growing region renowned for producing classic Pinot Noir wines. Grape Variety 100% Pinot Noir Barrel Aging 40% in used French (7% First Use, 33% Second use and older); 60% in stainless steel

Bon Voyage, Roy!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Yesterday’s early morning rain ended before 8 a.m. & it turned into a gorgeous day. The Spatchcock chicken one pan meal was a hit. Every morsel of chicken was moist. It is cloudy and very windy this morning. Vanessa, I pray that you find a permanent solution to your pain. Thank you for never missing a beat with the lists, in spite of your pain. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks and post party chores. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and your support team. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Crazy For Cats Happy Birthday, Jake! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* Granite Hill Cellars Pinot Noir 2020 One distributor referred to this wine as “a happy little Pinot Noir”. 😎 I prefer my Pinot Noirs to be medium bodied and more towards the blackberry scale, but I would be happy to taste this one. I used the 3020 info, since that might be the easiest to find. Widely available with online prices starting at $10.99. Winemaker’s 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. Lodi has been a famed region for growing Zinfandel grapes for many years, but it has been the last 10-15 years that they are shining through with other varieties, including Pinot Noir. The sub-AVAs for this wine come from Jayhant and Mokelumne River, which are located in the western part of Lodi. The 2020 vintage is rich with flavors of black cherries, cranberries, cloves, tobacco with a touch of caramel and vanilla. The fruit forward style finishes lush and full. Pairing: Delicious with duck confit, barbecued chicken, pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto and grilled vegetables. Vegan Friendly & Gluten Free. Blend: 87% Pinot Noir, 13% Souzao

Thank you to all our veterans for your service. Many times the deepest scars are hidden within. Rich, thank you for getting us started today. It is pouring rain! We need it badly. Bindi is not happy. Last night at my friends was so much fun. Lemon drop martinis and a host of different tapas and appetizers. Vanessa, I am happy to read that you seem to have found a path to at least a few hours sleep. I pray that your medical team finds a permanent solution to your pain. Thank you for keeping up with us. Zumba, Bindi walks, and prep for dinner tonight. I am going to Spatchcock chicken with veggies for my guests. These are my friends I use as Guinea Pigs when I try a new recipe. 😎 Hope it tastes as good as it looks. The following is a real id. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families & support teams. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ******* Curran Creek Pinot Grigio If you decide to try a bottle of this wine and aren’t a fan - use it for cooking. Consumers give it a good rating. It is available just about everywhere. Online prices start at $7.99. Distributor Notes Pale straw color with aromas of peaches and lemons. Refreshing on the plate with distinct flavors of pears melons tropical fruits and citrus. Pairs nicely with chicken seafood salads and spicy dishes.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It is another lovely morning here. But it is already 65! Might be perfect beach weather. Vanessa, thank you for keeping our lists. I pray that you find permanent relief to your pain. Gym, Bindi walks, chores & meeting with a handyman who I hope will agree to tackle some of the big things I need done. Wrapping up the day at a friend’s for tapas and drinks. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and support teams. @HAL Sailer Melissa, praying for you and your DH. Don’t forget you. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ 2019 Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Estate Riesling This lovely Riesling’s 2019 vintage might be difficult to find now, but since the two subsequent vintages have similar reviews you can still enjoy it. I found at least one online distributor offering the 2019 for $17.99. Winemaker Notes Aromas of grapefruit and honeydew melon carry into a juicy, slightly oily palate of lemon meringue pie, lychee and green apple with accents of lemongrass and ginger. RP94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2019 Riesling Estate is exotic and spicy from its 15% botrytis inclusion, offering scents of pineapple, guava, honeycomb, petrol and marmalade. The light-bodied palate has concentrated, gently honeyed fruits. Its eight to nine grams of residual sugar are balanced by focused acidity, and fireworks of spicy accents fan across the long, textural finish.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely start to the day. These are the days that spoil me. Vanessa, I may sound like a broken record, but I pray that you find relief to your pain, soon. Thank you for keeping up with all of us. Zumba, Bindi walks, chores, maybe washing my car. Sadly the darker color shows dust and pollen much more than my silver Prius did. Prayers for all who need our support. @smitty34877 Terry, praying for you, Tana, your families and support teams. @HAL SailerMelissa, praying for you & your DH. Don’t forget you! May we each find a reason to smile today. ************* Hans Greyl Sauvignon Blanc 2022 I used the 2022 vintage info of this New Zealand SB, since it seems the easiest to find. I could not find a critic’s review, but the 45,000+ consumers who gave it an average 4.2/5 can not be wrong. Widely available with online prices starting at $11.99. Distributor notes Pronounced aromas of gooseberry, citrus, and florals. Dry and medium bodied with bright acidity, the palate shows gooseberry, citrus, white peach, mango, passionfruit, and a nice minerality. Crisp and refreshing, this would be great with cheeses, light seafood, and veg!

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!