Monday, April 28, 2008

Spring Rites


" April twentysomething '08 - All these sales trips have melded into a
blur as we leave on the last one, pulling me away from my lovely Sonoma on a day that taunts me for my departure with one of the warmest of spring days, brilliant sun flashing the wings of yellow monarchs feeding joyfully on the fuschia flowers. The birds this morning seemed to sing louder than ever, as if I might forget them and the blue sea of irises - which waved a melancholy goodbye, as they will most likely be gone when we return."

Friday, April 11, 2008

July Summer preview

Ahhhh ... the sun! Not just pleasant spring sun, but "warm you to your bones" sun! Today was it. Every spring we get this tasteful yummy summer-type day where you "dig out your sandals and paint your toenails just for this day" weather.
At four-o-clock Rick and I went out to enjoy it. By four-twenty we were sipping rose' looking over the vineyards of Toad Hollow and munching on pulled pork sandwiches surrounded by other wine industry folk talking about all kinds of wine industry talk - but mostly talking about the weather. It was a georgeous day to be driving around in our "post card surroundings." We later drove along the river to Duncan's Mills to visit our friend Prairie and chat with more interesting people. The last stop was at our local Pub - simply called "Russian River Pub" for a late bite to eat. For "pub grub", it doesn't get much better than this. The "Famous" chicken wings are called that for a reason - once you eat them here, they are famous! A delectable spicy aroma that will entice you out of your vegan fantasies for one savory lip-burning bite! Cool it off with a thick celery stick dipped in the ranch dressing that comes with each basket of saucy goodness. For the guilt-ridden, there is a wonderful house salad - fresh mixed greens with carrot, cabbage, red onion, cucumber and tomatoes - and a nice selection of dressings. I had the "chicken tenders" basket to go with my salad. The kitchen had run out of the regular chicken breast tenders, so the chef improvised and sliced up some fresh chicken breast, rolled them in panko crumbs and fried them perfectly golden and crisp, yet tender and succulent on the inside. Score!! They come with fries - also perfectly cooked, I had Rick take the basket away before I could do too much damage.
Also today, we rescued a turtle that was trying to cross Westside Road. Try holding a flailing peeing turtle and a napkin on your lap! I haven't seen a turtle like this since I was a little girl in my Grandmother's back yard. We will try to find his home or find him a new turtle-friendly place to live.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Is Blogging an off-shoot of Reality TV?

Is blogging a tendril, appendage or kindred spirit of "reality TV?" Is it tempting to reveal the most intense parts of the day onto to an electronic soapbox? My worry, is what will happen to the sanctity of the diary or journal when there isn't enough time to write into the private, tangible and archiveable part of our existence? If it is broadcast to the public sector, then what mystery is really unvieled when it is read decades later?

I'll continue to write about food, it's my entertainment ...

Today was not orchestrated with balance in mind. Dinner was cheese and crackers, some grocery store sushi and a tortilla filled with rice and cheese. Not ideal, not normal, but I didn't much care.

For some people, it might be Cheez Whiz and Chicken-in-a-Biscuit crackers, or those little shrimp cocktail things in the glass, or plain pepperoni slices and Peanut Butter Captain Crunch.

Lunch made much more sense. Soup and salad. But oh, what a salad! Ceasar Salad made with baby lettuces and housemade rockin' dressing and warm polenta croutons. Soup was Celeriac-Leek drizzled with white truffle oil. Nice! At the Starlight Wine Bar - always a treat!