cat shepard

Well good morning & welcome to the Daily! Hope to see more from you!

Sandi, thank you for today’s Report & Daily, map and the Care/Celebration lists. Praying that Roy had a good night, I see that he posted, but hasn’t shared how he is doing - yet. @Seasick Sailor, Joy, hope today is a bit more comfortable for you. It is a lovely morning here. 63 and the sun is just about to crest the trees, so it will warm up fast. Off to my annual mammogram then Bindi walks and the gym. Maybe we will sit out on the pool deck this evening. Prayers for all who need our support: especially Roy, Jacqui, Kathi, Sarah and Tana. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ******** Black Estate Pinot Noir North Canterbury Home 2020 Another elusive New Zealand entry that sounds lovely and I would love to try it. I could only find info and critic reviews for the 2019 vintage, which works out because there currently are no distributors that ships the 2020 to North America. And you have to go back to the 2018 vintage for North American distributors that ship. The online 2019 price starts at $29.17 before shipping. Winemaker Notes Fire brick hue. Compelling fresh and complex aromas of wild forest berry’s, wild rose petal, and humid earth. Silky mouth coating tannins that gradually melt to reveal rich berry fruits, red current, and spice. The balance gives a clear impression of the soft, fertile and highly mineralized sedimentary clay soils of the Home Vineyard. This is an unfiltered wine with small amounts of sediment. Please allow the bottle to stand and settle before pouring. Decanting will allow maximum expression of aroma and purity of fruit to emerge. WE94 Wine Enthusiast Nicholas Brown and Penelope Naish are part of the new wave of talent in North Canterbury, making organically farmed wines with minimal intervention. There's a lovely vibrancy of color to this vintage of Pinot, and a raw energy. Oodles of crunchy fresh strawberry notes are backed by cinnamon, clove, flower stalks and stone. The sappy tannins have a surprising bite but an easy, natural presence rather than being oak-driven. There's beautiful fruit purity and an overall cool climate, unadulterated vibe.

Roy Thank you for checking back in. I am thrilled that your official info is so much better. I am stunned that the nurse would say what he did, when he clearly did not know what he was talking about. Even if he had the best intentions, he was way out of line. Rest well. Ann

Sandi, Thank you for getting us started and doing more than just posting what Rich prepared. I admire you & Roy for adding maps. And I really admire you for even attempting the Care/Celebration lists. Thank you! @rafinmd, Roy, I just read your post. I hope the night nurse was just trying to manage your expectations. He doesn’t know you and all the amazing things you do. I will pray that he is totally wrong. @Seasick Sailor Joy, praying all goes smoothly today with your surgery. One class at the gym, Bindi walks, my last pool deck work estimate and then dinner & trivia with friends. Praying for all who need our support: especially Roy, Jacqui, Kathi, Sarah and Tana. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well and stay well everyone! ******** Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series Cabernet, Columbia Valley, Washington State A bit elusive and pricey. But this cab sounds more like a red blend to me and I would love to taste it. I used the 2017 vintage info. Available from a few online distributors with prices starting at $70.00. 91 Wine Enthusiast Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 56% of this wine, with the rest Merlot (39%) and smidgen of Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The aromas are brooding, with notes of barrel spice, dark chocolate, dried and black cherry. Creamy fruit and barrel flavors follow, showing an appealing texture. Coffee and raspberry notes linger on the finish. It's a complete charmer.

Melisa, happy belated birthday. Perhaps not easy to celebrate given all that you are facing, but I hope you find some time to celebrate the start of your new year & decade. May they be filled with love, laughter and great health. Ann

Will keep you in my prayers, Joy.

Jacqui that is almost like the one I bookmarked. I wonder about the difference between cross- cutting and micro-shredding?

Thank you Dixie! I found a model that actually shreds credit cards. They have come a long way in 16+ years!

Sandi, thank you for covering for Roy & Rich and posting today’s Report & Daily! And taking on the map and our Care/Celebration lists! Bless you. It was already 60 here this morning when Bindi and I headed out. It seems that the North/Northeast winds have kept the colder temps to my West. I guess I should not complain about them anymore. @rafinmd Roy, hope you were able to get some rest and are feeling a bit better. Off to the gym, then Aldi. Bindi walks and some chores. My paper shredder has finally died. I know I had it when I lived in Annapolis and I left there in 2007. I believe I got my money’s worth, but I need to replace it - does anyone have a favorite “go to” brand? Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ******* Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Section 94 2020 Another amazing New Zealand wine that folk in North America might have a difficult time finding. But it could be worth the hunt. Or perhaps a field trip to New Zealand. I found several online distributors - mostly in Europe willing to ship. Prices started at $35.88+ shipping. Winemaker Notes Section 94 is one of the world’s most distinct wines, and regularly named New Zealand’s greatest Sauvignon Blanc. It’s so tough to place, which is extraordinary given that Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most defined and recognizable wine styles in the world. The exotic smoky and spicy flavors mingling with floral and ripe citrus notes, textural roundness playing against cool and fresh raciness; it’s not about generalities of the grape variety or the region, it’s a very specific wine made to emphasize the qualities of a very special place. JS95 James Suckling Flinty, reductive notes open up to lime zest, white grapefruit, dried pineapple, hay, white pepper and hints of praline. Medium-bodied with sharp acidity and a phenolic, tight and taut palate. Focused and long. Drink or hold. WS93 Wine Spectator While fleshy and succulent, this leads with crisp acidity. Offers notes of lanolin, litsea oil, honeysuckle, lemon curd, lime sherbet and dried chamomile, which are put into focus with mouthwatering acidity. Reveals mineral accents, reminiscent of white pepper, that linger on the long finish.

Thank you for letting us know, Roy! Happy to read they are taking care of you Rest easy, I see Sandi already has you covered for tomorrow.

Sandi, thank you for posting today’s Report & Daily. Praying that there is nothing seriously wrong, Roy! If you have the energy, please keep us posted. We will keep you in our prayers. @kazu Jacqui hope you found some pain relief. Welcome home @ger_77! Gerry, love the picture of you, Joy & Allan! Thank you for sharing. It was 43 when Bindi and I went out this morning. And too early for the winds to have started. The Northeast winds we’ve had for the past two days have made Bindi walks tough. Thank goodness the sun has been out. This morning I have a Zumba class preceded by a foam rolling class. It is bizarre how much a hard cylinder of foam can help what aches. Tonight doing dinner at a friend’s. I am in charge of the salad course. I do love a colorful salad. I know there will be wine, too. Praying for all who need our support: Kathi, Tana, Jacqui, Sarah & Roy. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone. Yes, I am looking at YOU! ******* Fromm Syrah Marlborough Fromm Vineyard 2019 Another elusive New Zealand wine. It has excellent reviews, but I only found one online distributor that ships to Florida & they are in New Zealand! Imagine the shipping costs. It sounds like a lovely Syrah. The price seems to be reasonable at $29.80. Distributor notes Pure, ripe and varietal with distinctive floral and mineral scents, black cherry and dark raspberry. These ideas are mirrored on the palate with surrounded by a firm textue of fruit then some wood tannins, youthful acid topline and complexity from baking spices and lees and earthy mineral qualities. Delicious, fresh, very new still and will continue to age and develop if you can be patient. Lengthy complex finish with best drinking from late 2024 through 2030+. 95 Points

Thank you Sandi. Praying that all is well with Roy.

I will hold off, if you plan to do it Sandi.

Roy! Perhaps trying to do too much, too soon? 🤔

Welcome to the group! I do not believe all the wines du jour and meals are available on HAL ships. I would think most drinks would be, though they might not have the exact brand of liquor.

Thank Rich & Roy for today’s Report & Daily. A brisk 42 here this morning, but luckily yesterday’s wind has died down. It is certainly a lovely clear morning. Roy, hope you continue to feel better. Thank you for keeping up with us, even when not feeling 100%. Gym, Bindi walks, and chores will fill my day. Prayers for all who need our support: Tana, Kathi, Jacqui and Sarah especially. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ******** Kumeu River Chardonnay Kumeu Hunting Hill 2021 This New Zealand Chardonnay has lots of consumer and critic fans. I might like to try it, but don’t usually gravitate towards Chardonnay. Available from numerous online distributors with prices starting at $50.95. Winemaker Notes Hunting Hill is very distinctive in its terroir typicity, with piercing lemon/lime fruit lift and floral notes on the nose, richness and volume in the mouth followed by lingering acidity and minerality on the finish. This is an absolute classic example of how great the Chardonnay grape can be: A beautifully powerful, yet elegant and complex wine with long term aging ability. JS96 James Suckling This has aromas of flint, toast, jasmine, dried pineapples, lemons and sea shells. Some cardamom and salted butter. Classy and driven, with a medium to full body and tight, sleek layers. Perfumed and bright. Everything in balance.

Smart wool socks, Tevas & jeans here.

Roy glad you had a good night! Thank you for the maps! Now rest!

John, thank you for having Roy’s back & posting today’s Report & Daily! Did you stay up late just to do that? Glad to read that you had a good night, Roy. And I also hope that Rich is enjoying his cruise around the world. His posts make me believe he is. A huge marine layer being blown back out to sea greeted Bindi and I this morning. It was quite windy, but temps were still in the high 50s. Just Zumba, chores and Bindi walks today. @kazu Jacqui, holy cow! What next? Praying that the latest surgery solves the problem and reduces your pain. @grapau27 Graham, praying that Sarah’s treatment goes smoothly and eliminates her pain. Bless you & Pauline for being there for her. Although this looks like a great idea, I would be so afraid I would drop the wine. Prayers for all who need our support, especially Sarah, Kathi, Tana & Jacqui. Get well & stay well everyone- yes this means YOU, Roy! ******** Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills, WA I don’t dislike a good Merlot, but I prefer mine in a nice red blend. This one has very good - excellent ratings from critics and consumers. I found numerous online distributors with prices starting at $24.99. 91 Wine Enthusiast Aromas of toast, carob and black raspberry lead to plump fruit and barrel flavors. The bright acid and firm tannins of the vintage provide the frame.

Roy, we got this! Take care of yourself & get better.

Rich & Roy thank you for bringing us today’s Report & Daily! A balmy 64 this morning when Bindi and I headed out. And the sky was so clear. Even the birds were singing happily! Roy thank you for tracking our goings on. Today I start calling companies to schedule estimates for my next project - cleaning and resealing my pool deck pavers. The company who did the original sealing did a horrible job, so this time I am going to be super picky. Then this afternoon is my weekly HIIT class. And of course Bindi will get her regularly scheduled walks in. Prayers for Sarah, Kathi, Tana and Jacqui & all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Get well & stay well everyone! ******** Craggy Range Pinot Noir Martinborough Aroha Te Muna 2020 A bit elusive, unless you live in Europe, China, Australia or New Zealand. But you might be able to convince your local wine shop to help you buy some. Consumer and critic reviews both say this one might be worth the hassle. But the excellent - superb ratings come with a hefty price tag. Prices - before shipping - start at $87.59. I would love a taste. Distributor notes A complex bouquet and palate with scents and flavours of black currant and dark cherry, wild flowers and red berry fruits then a stone and mineral silty soils quality . Youthful, varietal and complex. Even on day 2 the wine has a youthful taut appeal, flavours reflect the bouquet with a youthful energy and mix of ripe and tart fruits including cherry, cranberry, plum and black currant. An abundance of fine tannins and medium+ acidity, a wine that will continue to develop over the next 3-5 years. This wine presents best on day 2 which is a strong indication that it will age well. Best drinking from 2025 through 2033+.

Happy Birthday Carolyn! May your new year be filled with love, laughter and great health!

Bill Normally I will give everyone a clue, when a wine is only available from the country of origin, but I totally was distracted by my failure to find any reviews from critics, so I forgot to mention that. Here is a link to distributors that might ship to you. I cannot even begin to guess what shipping costs would be. If you have a good relationship with your local wine shoe, they might be willing to help. Good luck. Ann https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/plaisir+de+merle+cab+sauv+paarl+coastal+western+cape+south+africa/2018

Thank you Rich & Roy for giving us today’s Report & Daily! A bit nippier this morning, but the sun is just about to crest the trees, so it will warm up a bit. Roy thank you for keeping our lists! I have an early bone density test rescheduled from two weeks ago when the machine was down. I was so lucky that they called me 10 minutes before I left the house - saving me the wasted trip. Then off to the gym. This evening some friends and I are meeting at the local wine bar. One of their featured wines this week is a blanc Côtes du Rhône. Looking forward to trying it, since I am always on the lookout for a nice white blend. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Get well & stay well everyone! ********* Plaisir de Merle Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa My “go to” sites did not provide any info on this wine, but consumers seem to really enjoy it. The most recently released vintage - 2018, will be the easiest to find. Several online distributors with prices starting at $16.35. Distributor notes The grapes were hand-harvested from two Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards at between 24.9° and 25.4° Balling. The grapes were destemmed, then sorted and pumped into stainless steel tanks. The grapes were fermented at 24 °C. The juice was pumped over the skins daily to extract colour, tannins and flavour. On several occasions the juice was emptied from the tanks and then pumped back over the skins of the same tank (rack and return). Once fermentation was completed, the wine was left on the skins for a further 6 -8 days to macerate. The wine was racked off the skins and malolactic fermentation was completed, partially in barrels and in tanks. The diversity of the soils, slopes and elevations is closely linked with the quality of Plaisir de Merle wines. Situated on the east and northeast facing slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, Plaisir de Merle is bordered by the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl. The vineyards for this wine, between 12 and 15 years of age, are all located on the Plaisir de Merle farm on south-eastern slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain planted in weathered, decomposed granite soils where high mountain peaks shade the vineyards from the hot, late afternoon sun. This slows down ripening, resulting in wines rich complexity and well-ripened tannins. The wine was then racked and transferred to 300 liter French oak barrels (58% new, 22% 2nd fill and 20% 3rd fill) to mature for 12 to 16 months. Plaisir de Merle Established by the French Huguenots in 1693 on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains between Paarl and Franschhoek, Plaisir Wine Estate is a rare gem. This 974-hectare estate in Simonsberg, Paarl has earned international acclaim for its white and red wines. About 250 hectares are planted with a variety of noble grape cultivars such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Malbec. Winemaker Tim Whitfield attributes producing award-winning wines to being able to work with great fruit coming from a very unique terrain and the invaluable input from his viticulture team. Description Colour: Garnet colour with a glowing edge. Bouquet: Hints of dark blueberry, red currant and a graphitic nuances. Classic expression of Simonsberg Cabernet. Taste: The palate, all be it a full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is well poised and stages an effortless balance between fruit clarity and tannin weight. Flavours mirror the primary aromas and all lead to a layered wine with length and persistent palate presence.

@Cruising-along Carolyn, as expected as Patricia’s passing is, it is still tough. Perhaps family and friends can find solace in the thought they did not have to keep the vigil long. But I still would have been praying for a miracle. Hugs to all. Ann