Friday, October 26, 2007
Taking Stock
Well, it seems that the SoCal conflagration has taken a turn. Between a pretty still night and a cooling trend along with moisture many are thinking the worst part is over. I was fortunate... well, blessed actually. Other than dry eyes and a cough I was physically and economically untouched (emotionally is another story). It is times like these that make people do deep soul searching, asking themselves/God/the universe "Why?". There are theological responses to the question but most are not emotionally satisfying (not to say they are illogical but to those who have not been through the mental gymnastics of a good philosophy of religion or apologetics course they can seem rather harsh). The one that comes to mind today is what is often called the "Soul Making Theodicy". I think of this one because of what I have seen in San Diego as the response to this terrible tragedy, that because of this evil great good comes forth. An enormous outpouring of compassion to those in need. All week I have found this a personal challenge that I gladly take up. Long, long ago my parents taught me the Biblical principle of stewardship, that the things in this life I am given I am to use to further "The Kingdom" (or if you prefer, to do good with, not to hoard). Luke 12:48 sits constantly in my mind ("For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more" to which my parents taught me that "much" is relative. We were poor, but there were always people who had less and it was those we helped). Every day I was in my local Vons "my" checker Dolores asked "How much do you want to give to the fire victims today?" and I would give her an amount. After discussing things with Romeo we cleared out the checking account for the Red Cross (Romeo said it was ok if he had to eat dry kibble for while... unlike some poor kitties he has something to eat). At lunch yesterday Mr Beau said something extremely profound... that everyone can do a little something, and no one knows how great a good that little something can do. So please, do a little something.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
I'm Pathetic
I am so sad this morning. Perhaps part of it is because I have pager duty and was called several times last night so my "psychic defenses" are down. I saw Aleks today. He had called me with some news regarding his rental car and I took his mail over to him. We had coffee, chatted... it really started to feel like old times when we would just sit around and talk. The day is sunny and it made me feel like it was the time of year when we would just enjoy being around each other, maybe sitting outside or walking along the beach, just talking. But it had to come to an end. I came upstairs to logon to get some addresses, forgot the on-call pager and bounded back downstairs and for some reason I expected to see him there.
He wasn't.
I started crying. The house suddenly felt empty. He had told me something that happened to him that was upsetting and I just wanted to throw my arms around him and hold him close but I couldn't. That's not my place any more. I know that, but it doesn't make the pain any less real.
He wasn't.
I started crying. The house suddenly felt empty. He had told me something that happened to him that was upsetting and I just wanted to throw my arms around him and hold him close but I couldn't. That's not my place any more. I know that, but it doesn't make the pain any less real.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Trek To Temecula
A couple of weeks ago my friend Elbert and I make the long ol' trek to Temecula. OK, not that long... Temecula is about 60 miles north of San Diego along the I-15 but to someone who has become somewhat acclimated to the "city" of San Diego Temecula might as well be in another country. I had been wine tasting in Temecula once before and was not terribly impressed so this was the region's second chance. I have to say that while the overall impression is still far below that of the other California viticultural areas some places are showing real promise, enough that I wound up buy about a case of wine from various places.
Our first stop was Falkner Winery and it was a pretty good place to start. High on a hilltop with a nice view of the area I was impressed. The tasting room as nice and the staff knowledgeable and willing to discuss not only their own offerings but those of other wineries (we took their advice on another place that I will talk about later). One of their more interesting taste offerings was a 2003 Merlot and a 2004 Merlot. The 2004 was, to general consensus, a little young (give it another 6 months or so to smooth out a bit) but their 2003 was very nice, traditional flavors of black cherry and a hint of vanilla with good structure and nice smooth tannins. Their 2003 Syrah was also quite nice... again somewhat traditional but well made. I liked it well enough to grab a one along with their 2003 Merlot. Their most popular red, "Luscious Lips", didn't do anything for me... a bit too sweet but both Elbert and I could see why a lot of people would like it. Here's Elbert at the tasting room (I don't think he really thought I would post this pic... HA!):
Our second stop was just up the road from Falkner, a little boutique winery named Alex's Red Barn Winery. They're open for tasting only on weekends but I think they would be worth the trip. I think they had the best overall offering... one of the few places that makes whites I really enjoy drinking! Both their Johannisberg Riesling and Viognier were delicious... very simple but textbook in how they should look and taste. Crisp, clean, not overly sweet, all I could think of was how I wished I was doing Thanksgiving dinner because they would DEFINITELY be on the list. One of their most interesting offerings was a Solera-type triple-cream Sherry made in the traditional manner. Unlike most ports and Sherries in California this does not come from the Zinfandel but from the Palomino grape. Absolutely delicious. I brought home a bottle of their Viognier and their old-vine Cab and plan to go back for more. As you can see, they believe in truth in advertising because the tasting room really is a red barn:
Lunch was taken at Baily's winery:
We didn't do a tasting there (this time) but their lunch offerings were quite nice and the outdoor seating was right next to the grapes. Elbert took FOREVER deciding (it's my blog Elbert, I can write what I want * grin *):
The most disappointing place was the one that I had come to Temecula with the highest hopes... Palumbo. I had heard a lot about this place but I have to say, everything on the list disagreed with me. To be fair, they admit that they taste their wines early, so perhaps given time I would enjoy them but everything I tried seemed out-of-balance, either too much tannin or too tart. Elbert used the word "sour" and afterwards he tummy bothered him. On my next trip I may pick up a bottle and lay it down for a year to see what happens.
We went to Wilson Creek. Almond "champagne"... next.
The award for the most impressive tasting room went to Ponte Winery. Absolutely stunning for area. Ponte is also doing things with traditional Italian offerings such as a Barbera, Sangiovese (both not bad but could use a little work), and a "Super Tuscan" (Sangiovese and Cab). I enjoyed their Petite Syrah enough to pick up a bottle. I wanted to try their Nebbiolo but it wasn't on the tasting list :-( Hopefully next time.
Our last stop was suggested to us by the people at Falkner. Frangipani Estate Winery. You have to know where it is to find it, but it is definitely worth the stop. I have actually been there before but in the intervening years they have "grown up" and are producing some very nice wines. Their whites were pretty crisp and clean. The Sauvignon Blanc was quite tasty, full of tropical fruits but not sugary. I also enjoyed their reds, especially their nice, soft Grenache and Cab Franc (nice little hints of herbs there). Somehow these wines found their way into my car!
So overall I was happy. Not only did I get to spend time with a good friend but discovered that the neighborhood DOES produce some good wines. Granted you have to search for them but the adventure is well worth it.
Our first stop was Falkner Winery and it was a pretty good place to start. High on a hilltop with a nice view of the area I was impressed. The tasting room as nice and the staff knowledgeable and willing to discuss not only their own offerings but those of other wineries (we took their advice on another place that I will talk about later). One of their more interesting taste offerings was a 2003 Merlot and a 2004 Merlot. The 2004 was, to general consensus, a little young (give it another 6 months or so to smooth out a bit) but their 2003 was very nice, traditional flavors of black cherry and a hint of vanilla with good structure and nice smooth tannins. Their 2003 Syrah was also quite nice... again somewhat traditional but well made. I liked it well enough to grab a one along with their 2003 Merlot. Their most popular red, "Luscious Lips", didn't do anything for me... a bit too sweet but both Elbert and I could see why a lot of people would like it. Here's Elbert at the tasting room (I don't think he really thought I would post this pic... HA!):
Our second stop was just up the road from Falkner, a little boutique winery named Alex's Red Barn Winery. They're open for tasting only on weekends but I think they would be worth the trip. I think they had the best overall offering... one of the few places that makes whites I really enjoy drinking! Both their Johannisberg Riesling and Viognier were delicious... very simple but textbook in how they should look and taste. Crisp, clean, not overly sweet, all I could think of was how I wished I was doing Thanksgiving dinner because they would DEFINITELY be on the list. One of their most interesting offerings was a Solera-type triple-cream Sherry made in the traditional manner. Unlike most ports and Sherries in California this does not come from the Zinfandel but from the Palomino grape. Absolutely delicious. I brought home a bottle of their Viognier and their old-vine Cab and plan to go back for more. As you can see, they believe in truth in advertising because the tasting room really is a red barn:
Lunch was taken at Baily's winery:
We didn't do a tasting there (this time) but their lunch offerings were quite nice and the outdoor seating was right next to the grapes. Elbert took FOREVER deciding (it's my blog Elbert, I can write what I want * grin *):
The most disappointing place was the one that I had come to Temecula with the highest hopes... Palumbo. I had heard a lot about this place but I have to say, everything on the list disagreed with me. To be fair, they admit that they taste their wines early, so perhaps given time I would enjoy them but everything I tried seemed out-of-balance, either too much tannin or too tart. Elbert used the word "sour" and afterwards he tummy bothered him. On my next trip I may pick up a bottle and lay it down for a year to see what happens.
We went to Wilson Creek. Almond "champagne"... next.
The award for the most impressive tasting room went to Ponte Winery. Absolutely stunning for area. Ponte is also doing things with traditional Italian offerings such as a Barbera, Sangiovese (both not bad but could use a little work), and a "Super Tuscan" (Sangiovese and Cab). I enjoyed their Petite Syrah enough to pick up a bottle. I wanted to try their Nebbiolo but it wasn't on the tasting list :-( Hopefully next time.
Our last stop was suggested to us by the people at Falkner. Frangipani Estate Winery. You have to know where it is to find it, but it is definitely worth the stop. I have actually been there before but in the intervening years they have "grown up" and are producing some very nice wines. Their whites were pretty crisp and clean. The Sauvignon Blanc was quite tasty, full of tropical fruits but not sugary. I also enjoyed their reds, especially their nice, soft Grenache and Cab Franc (nice little hints of herbs there). Somehow these wines found their way into my car!
So overall I was happy. Not only did I get to spend time with a good friend but discovered that the neighborhood DOES produce some good wines. Granted you have to search for them but the adventure is well worth it.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Crib Building
Well, I finally made like a good daddy and got my "children" a new crib... that is, I bought a bar. As it is officially fall and the beginning of hibernation season I spent most of the weekend indoors. I had bought a large amount of fresh vegetables and spent a couple of hours preparing home-made stew (love the smell of it as it permeates the whole house). Then after dinner last night I poured a glass of Iron Horse Merlot (nothing exciting... middle of the road Merlot) and went to work building the crib. You know, it's funny, but it was one of the most enjoyable things I have done in quite a while. I actually built something. Granted, it wasn't complicated, but it was something I did on my own from beginning to end. And you know what, it doesn't look bad at all.
That frame you see laying on the top in the center is my first certificate towards being a sommelier! I passed the class with a perfect score. Next class is more difficult though, have to analyze 10 different pairings of wines. Oh, such difficult labors! * grin *
Anyway, the crib is a hit with the family. Here are some of my "kiddies" all nestled in their new beds (the other 50 will have to wait where they are for now):
That frame you see laying on the top in the center is my first certificate towards being a sommelier! I passed the class with a perfect score. Next class is more difficult though, have to analyze 10 different pairings of wines. Oh, such difficult labors! * grin *
Anyway, the crib is a hit with the family. Here are some of my "kiddies" all nestled in their new beds (the other 50 will have to wait where they are for now):
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Final Exam
Well, I just finished the final exam for my first wine tasting course. Such gruelling work... how ever will I continue with these studies? :-)
Sunday
A typical Ocean Beach Sunday morning. It's sunny and warm. From my balcony I can see the deep blue of the ocean. I hear birds chirping in the trees. Kinda the way my weekend has been thus far. Friday night I went out with Mr. Beau and had a blast. We went to Dave and Busters and played games! I beat him at the shoot 'em up games (he'd probably complain the sights were off *grin*) but he kicked my sorry white-boy butt in basketball. Unfortunately the pool tables were not available so we couldn't go for the tie breaker. We thought about eating there but when they announced a 90 minute wait we bolted for The Vine which was terribly crowded but they were able to seat us immediately. We then came back to my place where I popped open the champagne he had sent me at work and spent a nice couple of hours together (but I did NOT share the chocolate... It's MINE! hehehehe).
Yesterday my friend Elbert and I went wine tasting in Temecula. I'll do the analysis for you in another post, but for now I can say that there are a few that are showing potential (a quick note... the overall winner in my opinion was Alex's Red Barn Wine. One of the few places outside of Brander that had me liking white wines).
So today is back to "real life"... or at least the maintenance mode of real life. Gotta mow the yard, iron, do some light dusting and then relax.
Yesterday my friend Elbert and I went wine tasting in Temecula. I'll do the analysis for you in another post, but for now I can say that there are a few that are showing potential (a quick note... the overall winner in my opinion was Alex's Red Barn Wine. One of the few places outside of Brander that had me liking white wines).
So today is back to "real life"... or at least the maintenance mode of real life. Gotta mow the yard, iron, do some light dusting and then relax.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Thursday, October 04, 2007
More About What I Love
I posted a few days back about being a romantic and loving characters like Doctor Who, Gandalf, Capt. Malcolm Reynolds, etc. To this I add two characters, but the best part is that one of them is a real human being. The first is a character named Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden of Jim Butcher's "The Dresden Files". Harry Dresden is "Chicago's only practicing professional wizard". While Harry doesn't quite see himself as actually good (he usually describes himself as pragmatic), things that really push his buttons are women and children in distress and people who are being abused by those against whom they cannot fight back. Harry's enemies can see this. One of them, a vampire lord, bought a grave for Harry and set up a tomb stone which reads "Harry Dresden... He died doing what is right". Wow. To have your worst enemy say this about you is really something. So Harry gets added to the list.
What made me really happy was I know someone kinda like that. Someone I have gotten to know recently wrote to me the following in an email:
I swore to defend freedom and democracy around the world, and I swore to fight for the weak. and that is why I'm doing what I'm doing.
And you know what... he really does believe it. When you talk to him about that he gets very serious and the emotion become palpable. I feel go glad to know that there really are people like this in the world (besides my own parents). Even more so when they like me.
What made me really happy was I know someone kinda like that. Someone I have gotten to know recently wrote to me the following in an email:
I swore to defend freedom and democracy around the world, and I swore to fight for the weak. and that is why I'm doing what I'm doing.
And you know what... he really does believe it. When you talk to him about that he gets very serious and the emotion become palpable. I feel go glad to know that there really are people like this in the world (besides my own parents). Even more so when they like me.
Oh My!
HappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappy
HappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappy
Sorry, got a little carried away. Someone sent me a fantastic gift today
to my office address. Some thoughtful gentleman sent me champagne and chocolates. I was shocked when the delivery man stopped and made me sign for the box and even more so after reading the note and opening the gift.
* sigh *
* smile *
I needed this.
HappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappy
Sorry, got a little carried away. Someone sent me a fantastic gift today
to my office address. Some thoughtful gentleman sent me champagne and chocolates. I was shocked when the delivery man stopped and made me sign for the box and even more so after reading the note and opening the gift.
* sigh *
* smile *
I needed this.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
And On A Happier Note...
I got back the results of my first test in my wine tasting course (prepping for the sommelier exam). I got a perfect score! Yippee!
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Pre-Exam Prep
It's not what you think. For the last few weeks I have been experiencing incredible headaches and usually at the most inopportune times. So, even though my yearly physical is a scant two weeks away I got in to see my internist. He's a great doctor, very thorough, but it seems like most times I see him needles get involved. Though I think this time I did myself in. After a pretty damned rigorous gross physical (including basic neurological tests) he said "Didn't you tell me your grandfather had coronary blockage?" and I just HAD to be honest... I told him yes. Well, that did it. Above my protestations he immediately started filling out forms for lab work. They drew four vials of blood and I have to have a cranial MRI.
* sigh * Needles AND my mild claustrophobia, what a combination.
Feeling a bit down I decided to do what any other red-blooded American (and I know my blood is red when it hits oxygen, I saw it in the tubes), I drove home, grabbed a book and walked to The Vine. It's Tuesday night so I know that my favorite waitress in OB, Tutu, is there. To help (1) dull my anxiety and (2) improve blood circulation I decided to take this opportunity to work on my tasting for my sommelier exam and did a comparison of two Zinfandels, the 2005 Di Arie (Amador county) and the 2005 Roshambo Zinfandel (Sonoma). Of the two I prefer the Di Arie. I found it less "hot" (the legs on the Roshambo were pretty danged thick) and I found the tannins of the Di Aria more "chewy" and full. I also found the Roshambo to have a bit of weak finish. The nose on Di Arie seemed to be more "traditional" Zin with a bit of "jam" and just a hint of chocolate. So between the Vine burger and the two glasses of Zin I am feeling better... still apprehensive, but better.
* sigh * Needles AND my mild claustrophobia, what a combination.
Feeling a bit down I decided to do what any other red-blooded American (and I know my blood is red when it hits oxygen, I saw it in the tubes), I drove home, grabbed a book and walked to The Vine. It's Tuesday night so I know that my favorite waitress in OB, Tutu, is there. To help (1) dull my anxiety and (2) improve blood circulation I decided to take this opportunity to work on my tasting for my sommelier exam and did a comparison of two Zinfandels, the 2005 Di Arie (Amador county) and the 2005 Roshambo Zinfandel (Sonoma). Of the two I prefer the Di Arie. I found it less "hot" (the legs on the Roshambo were pretty danged thick) and I found the tannins of the Di Aria more "chewy" and full. I also found the Roshambo to have a bit of weak finish. The nose on Di Arie seemed to be more "traditional" Zin with a bit of "jam" and just a hint of chocolate. So between the Vine burger and the two glasses of Zin I am feeling better... still apprehensive, but better.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Some Weekends Are Just Better Than Others
It's Monday and back to work. Kinda hard as I had a really nice weekend. It started Friday evening when I went with my friend Vince to a lovely newish restaurant in San Diego, Cafe Chloe. Great food! We had their cheese plate, oops, plat de fromage, and I had rabbit for the main course. We paired dinner with a Pouilly-Fuissé (a white medium-bodied Burgundy) and it was excellent. I highly recommend it (both the wine and the restaurant).
Saturday I spent a huge chunk of time with Mr. Beau. One of the last real gentlemen in San Diego. We've gone out a few times and every time I have been made to feel quite special. We had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. I think we're both hooked on the Hefe Weizen. After eating and talking we walked around the Gaslamp area and I took him to Cesar's Cigar Bar where my gentleman friend purchased two very nice cigars and we spent some time in the outdoor area where I taught him the finer points of how to handle a well-made cigar.
Sunday I had breakfast with Aleks (it was nice but a little distant... I still miss him), did a little cleaning, and then went to The Third Corner where I spent time with a couple of other "cork dorks" sampling a couple styles of Mourvèdre. I've decided to work on my certified sommelier award so I need a lot of practice (now if THAT isn't an excuse to drink wine I don't know what is). I found the 2005 Holly's Hill quite a nice little wine.
I wound up with maître blanc napping on the couch with the fourth disk of Heroes playing. About 11pm he work me up for his end of the evening kibble and I waddled upstairs and into bed.
Exciting? For the most part no. One of my better weekends? Absolutely!
Saturday I spent a huge chunk of time with Mr. Beau. One of the last real gentlemen in San Diego. We've gone out a few times and every time I have been made to feel quite special. We had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. I think we're both hooked on the Hefe Weizen. After eating and talking we walked around the Gaslamp area and I took him to Cesar's Cigar Bar where my gentleman friend purchased two very nice cigars and we spent some time in the outdoor area where I taught him the finer points of how to handle a well-made cigar.
Sunday I had breakfast with Aleks (it was nice but a little distant... I still miss him), did a little cleaning, and then went to The Third Corner where I spent time with a couple of other "cork dorks" sampling a couple styles of Mourvèdre. I've decided to work on my certified sommelier award so I need a lot of practice (now if THAT isn't an excuse to drink wine I don't know what is). I found the 2005 Holly's Hill quite a nice little wine.
I wound up with maître blanc napping on the couch with the fourth disk of Heroes playing. About 11pm he work me up for his end of the evening kibble and I waddled upstairs and into bed.
Exciting? For the most part no. One of my better weekends? Absolutely!
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