cat shepard

I am cleaning grout. Painstaking, but rewarding. I hope to complete everything but the two bathrooms this weekend. 🤞🏻

I was lucky to hear the sonic boom just a minute before splashdown.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! A lovely morning with a seasonal temperature of 54. Looks like a lovely weekend coming up. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Praying that you get relief from your pain - soon. Gym, Bindi walks, my local food bank asked me to switch my afternoon to today, more grout work and other chores will keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or dealing with a difficult time in life. The caregivers. Terry, praying Tana’s condition improves. And you get some rest. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, praying that Morgan can work through this trauma. I take safety for granted. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* Figeac 2020, Grand Cru What price do you put on near perfection? Start saving your pennies, this superb - classic wine is way outside my budget. I guess if I were a gazillionaire, I might enjoy a bottle. I know a would love a taste. Online prices start at $244.00. Winemaker Notes Figeac: a name that shines brightly and echoes among lovers of fine Saint-Emilion wines all over the world. Two syllables which tell the story of one of the brightest stars in the wine firmament. As it slides into the glass, Figeac murmurs like the most outstanding voice of its appellation, with exactly the right tessitura if you know how to pitch it, and a touch of graphite to give it an edge; the energy infused with elegance becomes persistent, reflecting Figeac's desire to be enjoyed again and again. The true dimension of the wine appears with time, as notes of subtly spiced cedarwood offer the absolute quintessence of what a great wine is all about. 100James Suckling A mesmerizing nose here with flowers such as violets and red roses, then shows cherries and currants with some mineral and black truffles. Full-bodied yet so refined and harmonized with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Flavors of perfectly ripened fruit (al dente) with a hazelnut character that comes from the seeds. Incredibly transparent young red. Breathtaking. 37% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 31% cabernet sauvignon. 100Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2020 Figeac is the finest wine that has been bottled to date at this estate since its renaissance began a decade ago. Wafting from the glass with aromas of blackberries and raspberries mingled with cigar wrapper, pencil shavings, licorice and black truffles, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a suave, harmonious profile, vibrant acids, and beautifully refined structuring tannins. This sapid, complex wine represents the essence of this great terroir. Two years after extensive soil studies of the estate were carried out, and the first growing season to see cover crops used in the vineyards year-round, the 2020 benefited from more coherently demarcated parcels and more precise élevage, which taken together help to account for its edge over the excellent 2019. Best After 2030 98Jeb Dunnuck The Grand Vin 2020 Chateau Figeac checks in as 37% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 18 months in new barrels. They also utilize plenty of press wine, and the 2020 has 8% in the blend. Straight-up awesome aromatics of creme de cassis, ripe black cherries, iron, spring flowers, and an almost bloody, salty character emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied, with a seamless mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and absolutely perfectly integrated oak. It's still tight and reserved, which is certainly the vintage, so do your best to hide these in the cellar. It should hit the early stages of its prime drinking window in 8-10 years and will have 30+ of overall longevity. It will unquestionably flirt with perfection at maturity. Best After 2031. Rating: 98+ 97Wine Enthusiast Newly promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé A, the very highest rung of Saint-Emilion’s hierarchy, this estate is at peak performance. This new release, rich in Cabernet Sauvignon, has an impressive structure as well as modulated, velvet tannins. It is a serious, concentrated wine, still just starting out. 96Decanter This delivers concentration and intensity, a ton of black fruits, definitely Cabernet dominant in terms of fruit, and its slightly serious character, with a whoosh of juice on the finish. An extremely elegant and controlled wine, with savoury bilberry and loganberry, then peony and tobacco leaf as it opens. Tannins are finely layered but there are a lot of them. Not an exuberant Figeac, but this is rarely a wine that rushes out to seduce, it takes its time and has ageing potential in spades. The gravel soils in the drought of the summer meant the grapes slowed their ripening process, although only the youngest vines suffered blockages, and that combined with the high Cabernet content of Figeac means lower alcohols than the past few years, giving a classic balance and a feeling of effortless success. 75% of the production went into the first wine. Harvest September 4 to October 1, a full five weeks. Their final yield here was around 37hl/ha, (higher than in 2019 at Figeac, which was 34hl/ha). As with on the Left Bank, the Cabernet Sauvignons were the lowest yield (30hl/ha), with tiny berries so had to be careful with the extraction. First vintage in the new cellars. Barrel Sample: 96 96Wine Spectator A broad-shouldered wine that captures the vintage's heat well in a core of cassis and blackberry fruit flavors, which are dotted with lively savory, tobacco leaf and warm earth accents. Reveals a tarry, grippy edge as well as polish as this pulls deeply from its terroir, leaving an echo of warm paving stone at the very end. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Gee we had a 4.0 earthquake a few miles offshore from Cape Canaveral last night. Charlene did you feel anything?

So Elizabeth, when is yours?

Care to share the date with us?

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for your maps! It is a lovely 52 this morning. Still a bit of a breeze, but nothing like the past few days. Luckily today is yard waste pick up day here, because some of my neighbors lost some pretty big limbs and palm fronds. Boy am I glad I had some major tree work done in December. Vanessa, bless your BFF. I pray that your upcoming procedure helps you. Thank you for keeping up with us, in spite of what you are going through. You are one amazing individual! Today is haircut day! I am tired of the wind whipping it around. 😎. Bindi walks, more grout work, branch patrol and other fun chores will fill my day. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in a funk. The caregivers. Terry, special prayers for Tana, and you. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @Lady Hudson Bon Voyage! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* Castlepoint Sauvignon Blanc Though I had a bit of trouble finding info other than “canned tasting notes, consumers love this New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and it is easy to find and reasonably priced. Online prices start at $16.99. Distributor notes A vibrant and refreshing white wine showcasing tropical fruit flavors, zesty acidity, and a clean, lingering finish. An exceptional choice for lovers of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

You have mail.

Roy, bless you for even caring. I am on the Escape. My first cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. But there are so many ships there this time of you, feel free not to bother. Ann

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps. Eva & Paul, thank you for fitting in so seamlessly to the F & B department. Sandi, thank you for sharing the pictures of all the amazing places in our world. Graham, thank you for helping us understand the more obscure days we celebrate. The wind came in like a lion yesterday. Every time I went out, I came back with a new hairdo. It is supposed to die down later this morning. The sky is so clear - clouds don’t stand a chance. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that the next two weeks fly by for you. Bindi walks, more grout cleaning, HIIT and then taking a friend out for her birthday. Actually this will be a two part celebration. This evening we celebrate her leaving one decade. At the end of the month we celebrate her starting a new decade. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain and debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in a funk. The caregivers. Terry, praying that Tana’s condition improves and that you get the help you need. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* Corazza-Pinot-Noir,-Trevenezie-Italy 2021 Lovers of light Pinot Noirs take note. This Italian Pinot Noir (Nero) has a great many fans. I used the 2021 info, since that should be fairly easy to find. Reasonably priced, a decent number of distributors and online prices starting at $17.95. Winemaker Notes: The Corazza Pinot Nero is a collaboration with one of Corazza’s most important wineries and follows a careful selection and study of one of the most important grapes in the world. The ties with this winery go back years, as it is located in the hometown of one of the Founders, Alex Corazza, right down the road from where he grew up! The expression of this Pinot Nero is quite different when compared to the more big bodied wines we can find on the West Coast of the United States. In fact, this wine is lighter and has a more prominent acidity and freshness, making it perfect for every situation, even to accompany fish dishes, which is often difficult to expect from a red. Vegan, minimal intervention. Food pairing: Charcuterie, Comte or Brie cheeses, tuna, truffles, spices such as basil, cilantro or mint

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for all the maps you share with us. I really love the one that shows where our cruisers are. It is a bit warmer this morning, though it is already windy. When the winds swing around to the Northeast, watch out! Vanessa, I wish you had hired someone to pack up your belongings. It is tough work even when one is not in pain & has a good night’s sleep to help. Praying that you get permanent relief with your upcoming procedure. Thank you for keeping our lists. Gym, Bindi walks, more grout work and chores. Do I know how to have fun - or what? Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain and debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in a funk. The caregivers. Terry, praying that Tana’s fever breaks and your “angel” can give you some help. @Cruzin Terri Terri, once you feel well enough - get out and enjoy your cruise. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! *********** Black Box Pinot Noir Our first Cardboardeaux! You can find it almost anywhere and it is certainly priced to try. Perfect for indoors or outdoors! Online prices start at $18.97. But remember you get a lot more wine in this container. Distributor notes This box Pinot Noir from Black Box Wines contains the equivalent of 4 standard sized bottles of wine, and this wine combines two of my favorite things in a wine selection: a delicious wine for a great price. The tasting notes of this wine read like a fairly standard Pinot Noir. The hue is a soft, cheerful red with darker tones glimmering throughout the glass. It has solid legs, and the scent is quite tart and refreshing. The scent preludes the taste, which is quite sharp, yet brilliantly flavored, reminding me of tangy berries. Overall, it is a very refreshing Pinot Noir. lighter than some, almost like a red wine with a dash of Pinot Grigio flavor thrown in. Personally, this is one of my favorite boxed wines. This Black Box Pinot is one of many delicious boxed wines that are available for amazing prices. If you already enjoy boxed wine, you won’t need me to convince you to try it, but if you’re on the fence about trying boxed wine, either because you’ve been told it isn’t comparable to other wine, or any other reason, give it a go, and I assure you, you will not be disappointed. Don’t go into the experience excepting a top shelf wine, that’s not what boxed wine is for, but if you want a solid, enjoyable wine that you can enjoy in any occasion, without breaking the bank, pick up a box at your local store, and settle in for a refreshing glass of well priced, well made wine.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for our maps. Back down to 49 this morning after a wild night of T-storms with strong winds. It is could and we may get more much needed rain. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Praying that you soon get permanent relief from your pain & can start catching up on your sleep. Please take care when packing up your things. Gym, Bindi walks, more grout work and other fun chores will fill my day. I am looking for a volunteer to take over the Wine du Jour postings from February 17th - 25th. I am taking short cruise to the Caribbean on NCL. And I have been warned that the ship’s internet is spotty - at best. I can email the list of wines to you in advance. If willing to help, please email me at annge3@gmail.com Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in a funk. The caregivers. Terry, praying for Tana, you and your family. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Knock ‘em dead @seagarsmoker Good luck! May we each find a reason to smile today! ************* Apothic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Consumers love this very easy to find Cab. You can even order through Amazon, though it is carried by most stores that sell wine. Consumers describe it as smooth, silky and jammy. It is certainly priced to try with online prices starting at $9.47. I used the 2021 info, since that should be easy to find. Winemaker Notes Our 2021 Apothic Cab captures the best of Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing a silky, elegant and delicate dimension to the typically bold characteristics of the variety. This wine showcases Cabernet Sauvignon’s distinctive fruit characteristics of blueberry, blackberry jam and dark plum, supported by soft, fine tannins that add plush richness to the mouthfeel. A small addition of Zinfandel to the wine adds layers of cherry and dark fruit notes as well as a hint of spice. Subtle suggestions of vanilla linger on the smooth finish, a reflection of the wine’s selective oak aging. Viticulture Notes: We selected the majority of the grapes for Apothic Cab from Lodi in California’s Delta region. California’s 2021 growing season was cool and mild, with a heat spell in August that resulted in an earlier than average harvest. Wines from this vintage showcase vibrant acidity and concentrated flavors. Winemaking Notes: We selected Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with the most intense fruit profile and the finest tannins, handling fruit with a soft touch in the cellar. We added a small portion of Zinfandel to the blend to complement the wine’s uniquely approachable palate and add additional dark and jammy characteristics. After harvest, fruit was destemmed with marginal crushing to gently extract color and tannins. Portions of the blend were aged on oak for two to four months to preserve elegant fruit notes and impart hints of vanilla.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Roy, thank you for our maps! It was 67 when Bindi & I headed out this morning at 6:15. Yesterday it was 41! T-storms are possible, but stronger chances to the North of us. We could use the rain. Vanessa, thank you for capturing & sharing our happenings. Praying you get relief from your pain soon. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores, a visit with my Sister & her Grandson - a bittersweet visit since this is the first anniversary of her son Matt’s passing. She is the Guardian of Matt’s son. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, or debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved or in a funk. The caregivers. Thinking of you & Tana, Terry. Hope the family feels better. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** Ernest 2020 Edaphos Alder Springs Vineyard Petite Arvine (Mendocino County) Wow, an entirely white wine to enjoy - made from a rarely seen grape - at least for us in the States. It sounds lovely. I would love a taste. A decent number of distributors, leaning towards the pricey side - online prices start at $39.00. 95 Wine Enthusiast Petite Arvine, a white grape originating from the Swiss region of Valais, is a rarity in the US. What a discovery it is—richly hued with a deep golden yellow and an intensity of aromas and flavors to match: lemon, lime, ripe yellow apple and peach, dewy grass, chamomile, nasturtium leaf and nectar, and a subtle blanched almond nuttiness in the back-palate. Lovely now on its own, versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes, but this is an example of a white wine that can also age with elegance and grace.

Annie I thought of Bubbles, when I saw this. Bless you & Chuck for helping him cross the bridge peacefully.

Welcome! Just jump right in.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy thank you for our maps! It is a bit cooler this morning - a brisk 41. But the sky was so clear. Venus looked lovely in the early dawn light. Looks like another lovely day in paradise. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with our happenings. Praying that soon you will enjoy days & nights free of pain and numbness. Bindi walks, Zumba, more grout work, need to hose the pollen & salt off the car - if it is not windy. I am hosting dinner for friends. With wine, of course. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in a funk. The caregivers. Terry, thinking of Tana, you and your entire family. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Good to read that our Hawaii bound Dailyites are doing better. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************ Ruffino-Riserva-Ducale-Oro-Chianti-Classico Occasionally I hit the “mother lode” of information about our daily wine. Today is one of those days. If you just like the tasting profile info - I bolded that section’s title near the end. Lots of consumer fans, widely available with online prices starting at $30.99. Winemaker notes VINTAGE: 2014 VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 5% Colorino VINEYARDS: Grape sourcing: Selected from Ruffino’s Gretole, Santedame, and Casavecchia di Cagnano estates located in the heart of Castellina in Chianti. Soils: Hilly land with poor, rocky, galestro soils of mixed clay and sand Microclimate: Characterized by hot, dry summers with high diurnal temperature swings which allow for optimal grape maturation. Altitude: 82–1,300 feet above sea level Sun exposure: Predominantly south, southwest, and southeast Growing system: Cordon trained Vine density: 10,000 per acre Age of vineyards: 15–25 years Vine yield: 12 tons per acre VINIFICATION AND AGING: Harvest: Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is produced with grapes meticulously selected during harvest. The picking started at the third week of September and ended the first week of October. The vintage 2014 shows a vivid fruity note, with spicy hints and great elegance. Fermentation: Aided by racking and punch-downs, fermentation took place in thermo-controlled stainless-steel vats at an average temperature of 82°F for 10 days. Post-fermentation maceration on the skins continued for an additional 10 days. The wine was transferred to concrete vats for malolactic fermentation. Aging: A total of 36 months: the first 12 months in concrete vats, followed by 12 months in Slavonian oak barrels (about 925–2,000 gallons), and finally 12 months in barriques and tonneax. Alcohol content: 14.5% by volume SENSORY PROPERTIES: Color: Ruby red with garnet hues Aroma: Powerfully aromatic with cherry, plum, and tobacco with notes of eucalyptus, chocolate, and spicy white pepper. Complexity of expression authentic to Sangiovese and Chianti Classico. Tasting profile: Full-bodied and powerfully fruity with elegant tannins perfectly supported by a good acidity. The finish is characterized by pleasantly sweet tobacco, plums, and balsamic herbs. FIRST YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 1947

@ger_77 It is stressful enough dealing with Maurice’s medical issue without having to deal with the attitude of the receptionist/scheduler. The one thing I will say about the medical network in my area, I always get a survey after each interaction. If nothing else, I get to vent. And in most cases things have improved. Praying that Maurice gets the help he needs soon.

Sharon, this belongs on a canvas, too! Stunning!

Carolyn - gorgeous pictures! Thank you for sharing.

Debbie, I am so sorry to read this. Hope conditions improve fast.

Roy, if a BHB sees its shadow, does that mean six more weeks of cruising? 😎

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui. Roy thank you for showing us where the fleet is. It was 47 when Bindi and I headed out this morning & no wind. It felt quite comfortable. And the sun has already burned off the marine layer! Vanessa thank you for keeping up with all of us. I really do suspect that you are psychic sometimes. 😎 Praying that you soon get permanent relief for your pain. Is it possible to hire a mover to help you pack up the small things in the four rooms? Gym, Bindi walks, more grout cleaning - I am starting to see the results of my labor, and other fun chores will keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in a funk. The caregivers. Thinking of you & Tana, Terry. Hope Tana’s cold symptoms go away - fast. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Pushka welcome to the Daily! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** La-Marca-Luminore-Prosecco-Superiore-D.O.C.G. This Prosecco sounds lovely and perfect for a celebration or just sipping. The wine maker suggests using it to make cocktails, but I would use less expensive Proseccos as mixers. Widely available, loved by consumers, and online prices start at a reasonable $21.95. Winemaker Notes Luminore sparkles with a pale, golden straw hue and lively bubbles, bursting in the glass. Delicate aromas of white flowers and stone fruits complement the soft, creamy texture. Subtle hints of fresh citrus, pear and nectarine round out the exquisite palate. Clean, crisp acidity balances a touch of sweetness and offers a light, refreshing style. Elegant and versatile, Luminore Prosecco sparkles by itself or pairs beautifully with foods and brings light to special occasions. Enjoy a glass as an aperitif before dinner with friends. Sip alongside main entrées such as grilled seasoned chicken or pork as a pleasant palate cleanser or as you end the evening with a pana cotta with lemon zest. 90 Wine.com The La Marca Luminore Conegliano Valdobbiadene is a cut above the many in the Prosecco world. TASTING NOTES: This wine is fresh and enticing with its aroma and flavors of fresh and alluring ripe fruit. It is smooth and delightful. Serve this with appetizers or as a greeting beverage for guests.

Thank you Sharon! Love this!

Thank you for today’s FR& D, Jacqui! Roy thank you for mapping our BHB. It was 42 this morning and the sky was already getting light - but the wind! Brrr. It came in like a lion yesterday afternoon, and hasn’t left. But it is sunny and will warm up to the high 60s, so I will take it. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us - in spite of all you are dealing with. I was sorry to read that your lessening of the pain was all too brief. Praying that three weeks from today - your relief from pain will be permanent. Mammogram, Bindi walks, my painting guru comes and paints the garage and all my exterior doors, chores, more grout cleaning and wrapping up the day at the local wine bar to pick up the wine I ordered at last week’s tasting. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or in a funk. The caregivers. Thinking of you & Tana, Terry. Praying that the cold symptoms don’t last. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* Nino Negri 2018 Vigna Fracia Nebbiolo Love a “contemplative” wine. I suspect I would enjoy this wine, but it is outside of my budget. A few online distributors with prices starting at $54.95. 95 Wine Enthusiast This wine opens with aromas of warmed strawberries, violet, rosemary and forest floor. The palate achieves a near-perfect balance between fruit and savory notes, each in harmony. Elegant tannins and lifted acidity saunter to the finish, where the wine lingers in a contemplative manner. Supple and so pretty. Drink now–2035.