Come on, folks, what the hell? Lets make this simple and start with points. The point of poop is to fertilize and make flowers grow, bees pollinate and all that other wonderful stuff. Did you know that some of the most interesting plant migrations happened because of POOP?!?!?! Now, the point of bagging the poop is to carry it to a trash can, RIGHT? Well, then, what, may I ask, is the frigging point of leaving your lame little baggies strewn along the trails of Marin? Do you think you're done once you've bagged that poop? If so, you're wrong and must know that nobody is going to pick up after you. No, I know, its so weird, nobody wants to carry your dog's sh*t! Unheard of, isn't it?!
When I'm walking and looking around, I see little blue bags...when I'm taking pictures, I'm trying to keep the blue garbage out of them pics! I don't want to see trash bags!!! I wanted to go for a walk in NATURE, not a DUMP!
Now, when I'm ranting about it to my little sister, she retorts, "but wait, there's the potato starch bags that are biodegradable, so it's okay!" But actually, in my own opinion, that makes it worse! If the point of the bag is to make a half-assed attempt of getting the poop out of the world and into a trash can, then get it from Point A to B. If you plan on just leaving a stupid inane little bag of sh*t out in the middle of a beautiful landscape then just leave the goddamn sh*t out in nature to disintegrate the way it's supposed to. There is ultimately no reason to add a bag to that wonderful, natural situation.
So, in conclusion, I suggest the invention of four foot long spatulas where the walker can scrape up that innocent little doodle and fwap it out into the middle of nature where it will fulfill it's doodies and fertilize the trees, the grass and all those pretty flowers!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
My Temping Adventures
I saw the Movie Julie & Julia the other day and it gave me guts to blog again.
I haven't had much to say recently and there's nothing more that I'd like to make fun of than someone who talks a lot and doesn't have much to say.
But I remembered that I wrote a book a couple years ago and never did anything with it. Plus it's in dire need of some severe editing.
So I vow to begin going through this book, one page at a time and begin editing and posting for your reading pleasure. The book was temporarily titled Ephemera, however a literary agent told me the title was trash, so even the title will be under construction during my blogging.
And let me be clear- I am VERY open to editing suggestions!
I haven't had much to say recently and there's nothing more that I'd like to make fun of than someone who talks a lot and doesn't have much to say.
But I remembered that I wrote a book a couple years ago and never did anything with it. Plus it's in dire need of some severe editing.
So I vow to begin going through this book, one page at a time and begin editing and posting for your reading pleasure. The book was temporarily titled Ephemera, however a literary agent told me the title was trash, so even the title will be under construction during my blogging.
And let me be clear- I am VERY open to editing suggestions!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Boxed Wine
Roll your eyes, judge away; I've tried it and it ain't half bad.
Aside from the fact that the design is eager to reach out to the Target brand generation of cute and simple and also aside from the fact that they call it a Pinot Grigio but it tastes like a blend between Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat- it's quite enjoyable!
As it plainly states on the box, it's fruitiness is nice and so is it's lightness. Nothing complex, just a cute blond with pretty eyes. Goes well with dinner, dessert and on it's sweet little own.
The one moment I paused and judged myself was during the set up of the box itself. I had to push a hole into the side of the cardboard box, pull an upper lip down, reach in with fumbling fingers to pull the spout section of the wine "bag" out. It felt like a desperate attempt at setting up a home-made wine keg. Handstands not included.
On the other hand it was a perfectly balanced sweet white wine that does not disappoint.
And before you begin to consider me a redneck, know this: they were selling like hot cakes at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine event at Fort Mason two weeks ago. The temporary traveling mecca of wine snobs picked it like candy out of a full-to-the-brim barrel.
In a world of seriousness, its nice to take things lightly on occasion.
Aside from the fact that the design is eager to reach out to the Target brand generation of cute and simple and also aside from the fact that they call it a Pinot Grigio but it tastes like a blend between Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat- it's quite enjoyable!
As it plainly states on the box, it's fruitiness is nice and so is it's lightness. Nothing complex, just a cute blond with pretty eyes. Goes well with dinner, dessert and on it's sweet little own.
The one moment I paused and judged myself was during the set up of the box itself. I had to push a hole into the side of the cardboard box, pull an upper lip down, reach in with fumbling fingers to pull the spout section of the wine "bag" out. It felt like a desperate attempt at setting up a home-made wine keg. Handstands not included.
On the other hand it was a perfectly balanced sweet white wine that does not disappoint.
And before you begin to consider me a redneck, know this: they were selling like hot cakes at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine event at Fort Mason two weeks ago. The temporary traveling mecca of wine snobs picked it like candy out of a full-to-the-brim barrel.
In a world of seriousness, its nice to take things lightly on occasion.
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Sober Sister to Wine
Tea has many flavors, just like wine. Similar to different varietals of wine grapes growing in different environments and climates, teas are amalgamations of different flower petals and leaves from different plants from all reaches of the world.
Historically, both wine and tea has a rich background in origin, trade, diaspora and variety.
The one similarity they share that intrigues me the most is the way they play with your nose and tongue so well. Tasting a red wine slowly can reveal several berries, nuts and other random things from the world like tobacco, wood, moss, leather or gun powder. Depending on the tea you drink, you can smell ginger, rose, baby leaves from Japan or British gun powder (just like wine). It's so interesting and fascinating. I love playing with my senses with these two beverages!
My favorite teas vary so often but I usually arrive back at my basic green tea every time I get bored. Green tea, at the height of it's heat that you are just able to drink it, tastes delicious. I can get that fresh leaf taste with a slight crisp minty after-exhale. I love (accidentally) getting it on my fingertips and later throughout the day, smelling what resembles cigarette scent. There are several flavored green teas which are nice too, I enjoy peach. When it comes to the purists vs. the "whatevers"- I definitely enjoy fresh and loose tea leaves, however its more expensive and messy dealing with the disposal and cleaning. Not only am I cheap but I'm also lazy, so I cannot handle the extra work that luxury entails.
Ever open a fashion magazine at the height of a confused year and view a truly ugly model wear a truly ugly dress? But after a couple views, you think, "huh, its so ugly, its almost cool"- well that, in tea form, is oolong. It is so bitter and weird tasting (gun powder!) that its good. And even better yet, because of it's bitterness, it is complimented naturally with sugary treats. I remember taking tea breaks when I worked at a Real Estate office; the boss' favorite tea was Oolong, and he would invite all the admins into his personal office and share tea and cookies at exactly 3pm. About five minutes later, he would dismiss us and we'd go back to filling the printer and folding fliers.
The one tea that has been the most entertaining is blooming tea that opens (a flower of tea leaves sewn together like a flower) when you pour the hot water into the glass pot. My Aunt had a birthday tea party at the Ritz in San Francisco a few years ago and we enjoyed several teas, champagnes and petit fours. Since I've already had a wine-tasting party in the past two years and since I just received a gift of blooming teas from the very same Aunt, I plan to have a tea tasting party soon. So, of the few and far between that read these blogs, I'd love to start inviting you to a party this spring, to taste these teas, have some champagne and sweets and a few laughs.
Cheers!
Historically, both wine and tea has a rich background in origin, trade, diaspora and variety.
The one similarity they share that intrigues me the most is the way they play with your nose and tongue so well. Tasting a red wine slowly can reveal several berries, nuts and other random things from the world like tobacco, wood, moss, leather or gun powder. Depending on the tea you drink, you can smell ginger, rose, baby leaves from Japan or British gun powder (just like wine). It's so interesting and fascinating. I love playing with my senses with these two beverages!
My favorite teas vary so often but I usually arrive back at my basic green tea every time I get bored. Green tea, at the height of it's heat that you are just able to drink it, tastes delicious. I can get that fresh leaf taste with a slight crisp minty after-exhale. I love (accidentally) getting it on my fingertips and later throughout the day, smelling what resembles cigarette scent. There are several flavored green teas which are nice too, I enjoy peach. When it comes to the purists vs. the "whatevers"- I definitely enjoy fresh and loose tea leaves, however its more expensive and messy dealing with the disposal and cleaning. Not only am I cheap but I'm also lazy, so I cannot handle the extra work that luxury entails.
Ever open a fashion magazine at the height of a confused year and view a truly ugly model wear a truly ugly dress? But after a couple views, you think, "huh, its so ugly, its almost cool"- well that, in tea form, is oolong. It is so bitter and weird tasting (gun powder!) that its good. And even better yet, because of it's bitterness, it is complimented naturally with sugary treats. I remember taking tea breaks when I worked at a Real Estate office; the boss' favorite tea was Oolong, and he would invite all the admins into his personal office and share tea and cookies at exactly 3pm. About five minutes later, he would dismiss us and we'd go back to filling the printer and folding fliers.
The one tea that has been the most entertaining is blooming tea that opens (a flower of tea leaves sewn together like a flower) when you pour the hot water into the glass pot. My Aunt had a birthday tea party at the Ritz in San Francisco a few years ago and we enjoyed several teas, champagnes and petit fours. Since I've already had a wine-tasting party in the past two years and since I just received a gift of blooming teas from the very same Aunt, I plan to have a tea tasting party soon. So, of the few and far between that read these blogs, I'd love to start inviting you to a party this spring, to taste these teas, have some champagne and sweets and a few laughs.
Cheers!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
My Valentine's Day Gift
I'm so excited!!
I can't wait for this gift to start giving!
Jason gave me a membership to a wine club that will be sending us a different red and white from all over the world each and every month for as long as we want!!
I will be able to rant and rave about wines from all over the world and tell you our jolly and interesting experiences with each bottle!
It isn't much of a blog but more of a brag. hehe!
Happy belated hearts day!
I can't wait for this gift to start giving!
Jason gave me a membership to a wine club that will be sending us a different red and white from all over the world each and every month for as long as we want!!
I will be able to rant and rave about wines from all over the world and tell you our jolly and interesting experiences with each bottle!
It isn't much of a blog but more of a brag. hehe!
Happy belated hearts day!
My old friend, Seghesio
To me, Seghesio isn’t a wine, it is a factor in a past relationship. It was like a good friend who would visit and make an impression on the evening. I remember different evenings over different delicious meals and feeling that excited satisfaction to find Seghesio on the wine menu at that restaurant. I think the first time we had Seghesio was at Il Davide and then one time at Copia’s restaurant and after that it was given that if we were enjoying a wonderful meal, a romantic evening and our wallets weren’t too thin, it was a good evening for Seghesio.
I should clarify, it was their Zinfandel, and it was in 2006 and 2007 so their 2005 was probably what we were drinking.
It could stand on its own, but it would compliment the rich sauces we’d devour, it would still taste fine in its last ounce, while our table was being cleared. Like a red, it would create a purple smear across our teeth and present itself with every inebriated Cheshire cat smile of contentment.
It was a friend, an event on it’s own and a perfume we wore on our way out the restaurant door…
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
um, its pink.
rose, blush, white reds- they're all the same thing.
It is a pink version of a red, loosened up, sweetened up (some are actually slightly dry) and should be slightly chilled.
So, if you go to any wine tasting room this is what happens:
They begin to pour it and tell you how its great for a summer evening. It's a new, fresh version of their latest pinot noir, blah blah blah. it varies in temperature in each tasting room, which means no one knows whether to treat it like a red or like a white and they always, ALWAYS suggest you go on a summer picnic with ribs and a pink wine. ribs = guys, so, can you see this working? um can i hear a "hell no"? It's like ballet-dancing football stars, like actually enjoying it and taking it seriously. If you can show me a guy who thinks a rose wine is the best thing to go with a stack 'o ribs, then I'll show you a guy who's only trying to impress some pink-wine-loving chic.
And so, in real life, this is how it rolls:
Think about it, its sweet alcohol, the color pink, and it's ready to go to a girls night in, accompanied by home-spa treatments and gossip and embarrassing sneak farts. It's the evolved version of wine coolers. It's nice on it's own and i think it goes well with cesar salad or dry cheese with fruit. I've only had it with my mother over gossip magazines, with my friends over taco tuesday or by my lonesome, while reading a chic-brain-candy book.
lesson of the day: um no lesson really. But i dare you to count the number of times they mention "picnic" while pouring that sweet stuff. And I double doggy dare you (no backing down, now) to tell them, after you take a nice big swig, "ahhhh, well, its too bad i hate picnics! Yeah, my whole family died at the last picnic i attended. Never again...."
Ah yes, its the little things in life! Enjoy!
It is a pink version of a red, loosened up, sweetened up (some are actually slightly dry) and should be slightly chilled.
So, if you go to any wine tasting room this is what happens:
They begin to pour it and tell you how its great for a summer evening. It's a new, fresh version of their latest pinot noir, blah blah blah. it varies in temperature in each tasting room, which means no one knows whether to treat it like a red or like a white and they always, ALWAYS suggest you go on a summer picnic with ribs and a pink wine. ribs = guys, so, can you see this working? um can i hear a "hell no"? It's like ballet-dancing football stars, like actually enjoying it and taking it seriously. If you can show me a guy who thinks a rose wine is the best thing to go with a stack 'o ribs, then I'll show you a guy who's only trying to impress some pink-wine-loving chic.
And so, in real life, this is how it rolls:
Think about it, its sweet alcohol, the color pink, and it's ready to go to a girls night in, accompanied by home-spa treatments and gossip and embarrassing sneak farts. It's the evolved version of wine coolers. It's nice on it's own and i think it goes well with cesar salad or dry cheese with fruit. I've only had it with my mother over gossip magazines, with my friends over taco tuesday or by my lonesome, while reading a chic-brain-candy book.
lesson of the day: um no lesson really. But i dare you to count the number of times they mention "picnic" while pouring that sweet stuff. And I double doggy dare you (no backing down, now) to tell them, after you take a nice big swig, "ahhhh, well, its too bad i hate picnics! Yeah, my whole family died at the last picnic i attended. Never again...."
Ah yes, its the little things in life! Enjoy!
Monday, February 2, 2009
How does that money taste, buddy?
If you want to know more about something, you learn through a book or a class. If you want to know the best one, you ask yourself. Because no one should have to tell you what to think. But not a lot of people can think for themselves, and I can tell because critics are still making plenty of money.
One thing I've noticed about novice tasters is that they blend facts with opinions. When you're starting out and learning everything, you need to see how people take in flavors and scents in order to do it for yourself. But you need to learn to draw the line when it comes to people telling you what tastes "good" and what tastes "bad". Everybody's pH level is a little different, taste buds are different and preferences vary wider than the big blue.
Sure, learn what's what but learn to form your own opinion about things- and definitely remember that you can take it or leave it when it comes to someone's "all-knowing" statements which are merely opinions displayed as "facts".
One thing I accidentally took as a "fact" (which a lot of people assume) is that the higher the cost, the better tasting the wine. And let me tell ya, once again, it varies. I have tasted stiff $50 bottles of wine that paled in comparison to a cozy $6 bottle that coddled my tasting needs and tucked me into bed. One thing I will not have is a closed mind. I've tasted an Old Vine Zin for $65 and wouldn't taste anything else for the evening because I enjoyed the aftertaste too much. On the other hand I've had a good bottle of two buck chuck Beaujoulais that stood on its own.
The one thing I can't agree with is when I'm drinking an average, flat and residue-filled bottle of Cabernet and the pourer is absolute in his opinion that anything below this bottle's price is "crap". I can't stress it enough: when you're shopping, don't base your purchase on the price. Why do that? If its more expensive, will it taste like money? Does that money taste good? Probably smells like old wallet and sleezy cocaine deals. I'd like to hear someone say that when they stick their nose in a glass. That'll raise some eyebrows.
Here is my best argument: Van Gogh, in our time, is world-renowned, estatic in his use of colors, strokes and evokes more emotion in his landscapes than Modigliani in any of his billions of portraits. (well, duh) His paintings are currently selling in the hundreds of thousands for his less popular and his most popular are in the millions. He sells at Christie's, Sothebye's and Bonhams, not to mention ALL the others. He sells bank, obviously people have heard he's good and the word spread fast. During his dark and twisted, insane struggle he called life, he sold one painting. He consumed his paint in the fields while painting, since he didn't have an oil/rinse pot, went slowly insane, stayed at the asylum where he painted starry night, moved to a yellow house commune with other artists and quickly faded into history. Perhaps that should represent the ultimate artist's struggle? I'm straying. My point? The same paintings that didn't sell way back in the 1800's are the same EXACT paintings now that are worth more than Michael Jackson's nose. Obviously death is a factor but another big one is opinion; one person say's he's a derilict artist who wont ever produce a quality piece and so everybody agrees (because they don't know how to have their own opinion) and his stuff doesn't sell. Bunch 'o sheep!
Pinot Noir was never disliked the same way, per say, but when the film, Sideways came out and placed Pinot Noir high up on a pedastle (now similar to Van Gogh's art) suddenly that market increased by 300%, and you betcha, merlot bit it big time.
I'm tired and straying but I feel glad that my boyfriend discovered tonight which wine he calls his "favorite"- and we proudly noticed not I, nor anyone, told him to like it.
Chateau St. Jean 2006 Cabernet Sauvigon
... and I think it's pretty yummy too. Go find your own wine!
One thing I've noticed about novice tasters is that they blend facts with opinions. When you're starting out and learning everything, you need to see how people take in flavors and scents in order to do it for yourself. But you need to learn to draw the line when it comes to people telling you what tastes "good" and what tastes "bad". Everybody's pH level is a little different, taste buds are different and preferences vary wider than the big blue.
Sure, learn what's what but learn to form your own opinion about things- and definitely remember that you can take it or leave it when it comes to someone's "all-knowing" statements which are merely opinions displayed as "facts".
One thing I accidentally took as a "fact" (which a lot of people assume) is that the higher the cost, the better tasting the wine. And let me tell ya, once again, it varies. I have tasted stiff $50 bottles of wine that paled in comparison to a cozy $6 bottle that coddled my tasting needs and tucked me into bed. One thing I will not have is a closed mind. I've tasted an Old Vine Zin for $65 and wouldn't taste anything else for the evening because I enjoyed the aftertaste too much. On the other hand I've had a good bottle of two buck chuck Beaujoulais that stood on its own.
The one thing I can't agree with is when I'm drinking an average, flat and residue-filled bottle of Cabernet and the pourer is absolute in his opinion that anything below this bottle's price is "crap". I can't stress it enough: when you're shopping, don't base your purchase on the price. Why do that? If its more expensive, will it taste like money? Does that money taste good? Probably smells like old wallet and sleezy cocaine deals. I'd like to hear someone say that when they stick their nose in a glass. That'll raise some eyebrows.
Here is my best argument: Van Gogh, in our time, is world-renowned, estatic in his use of colors, strokes and evokes more emotion in his landscapes than Modigliani in any of his billions of portraits. (well, duh) His paintings are currently selling in the hundreds of thousands for his less popular and his most popular are in the millions. He sells at Christie's, Sothebye's and Bonhams, not to mention ALL the others. He sells bank, obviously people have heard he's good and the word spread fast. During his dark and twisted, insane struggle he called life, he sold one painting. He consumed his paint in the fields while painting, since he didn't have an oil/rinse pot, went slowly insane, stayed at the asylum where he painted starry night, moved to a yellow house commune with other artists and quickly faded into history. Perhaps that should represent the ultimate artist's struggle? I'm straying. My point? The same paintings that didn't sell way back in the 1800's are the same EXACT paintings now that are worth more than Michael Jackson's nose. Obviously death is a factor but another big one is opinion; one person say's he's a derilict artist who wont ever produce a quality piece and so everybody agrees (because they don't know how to have their own opinion) and his stuff doesn't sell. Bunch 'o sheep!
Pinot Noir was never disliked the same way, per say, but when the film, Sideways came out and placed Pinot Noir high up on a pedastle (now similar to Van Gogh's art) suddenly that market increased by 300%, and you betcha, merlot bit it big time.
I'm tired and straying but I feel glad that my boyfriend discovered tonight which wine he calls his "favorite"- and we proudly noticed not I, nor anyone, told him to like it.
Chateau St. Jean 2006 Cabernet Sauvigon
... and I think it's pretty yummy too. Go find your own wine!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Husch by the campfire
I like Anderson Valley. Never heard of it? I bet you haaaaave! Ever drink Boont Amber Ale? It's from there. Ever tasted Scharffenberger Champagne? Also there. Roederer, Brutocao, Husch, Navarro, Greenwood, Standish- ALL there and all delicioso! I believe Sunset Magazine did an extensive article a couple years ago (but only about the provencial side) telling the world just how historical, delicious and um, different it all is. Don't try to just enjoy it Sunset-style. Please take your own spin on it. Golden Eye is wonderful, yes, but it is not the ONLY winery there. And it is just about the most expensive winery in the entire valley.
In my honest opinion, Standish and Husch are quite memorable. Standish is lovely in its rustic persona; it began by growing only pear trees, and now it grows wonderful hybrids, rare french varietals and unique-ly, has a sister vineyard on the east coast which brings depth to one of their lovely reds. I can't tell you everything, as their soulful and absolutely friendly staff will do that for me. I absolutely love Husch firstly because it was the first winery in the valley, way back in the early 70's, and it's initial tasting room (a cabin) still stands and functions, and secondly because they most definitely know their whites. In a valley that looks good in red, its refreshing to find a lovely white as well. Anderson Valley of course, isn't all about wine, oh yes, there's more!
In May each year the entire valley invites the world to it's Beer Fest; leading it to welcome all boozers, big and tall, to just grab a sleeping bag and sleep where they fall. I've only heard great things, one day I'll experience them too. Also, Libby's Mexican Restaurant is delicious, period. You must try it. Locals have told me that they make giant orders and stock up their freezers just before Libby's closes for the winter. If that's not enough to convince you, then you're just not salvagable and so there will be more left for me. ha.
There are two times of the year that I have experienced this great-escape location; summer and winter. In winter, the frost crystallizes on each grass blade, grape vine and roof top, while the redwood-shag hills exhale a majestic fog that dissipates throughout the day. In Summer, the baking heat is avoidable by running to the tasting rooms, but best dealt-with by jumping in the Navarro River; there are some great rocks to leap from and wonderful emerald-colored swimming holes. The water has been perfect since I first started jumping in at age 8.
My absolute favorite place to visit is Hendy Woods Campground; the redwoods sway in the filtered sunlight, the unique stories about the forest hermit are legendary and their campground staff is hands down, the most thoughtful and also kindest staff I've ever met.
The last time I was in Hendy Woods, it reached over 100 degrees during the day and was still 80 degrees until after dark. We set a fire merely for the purpose of lighting up the campsite. After our burgers and beans, we sat there, throwing marshmallows into the flames to watch them explode and told each other ghost stories from our childhood. Just as the first cool stream of air began to settle around us, we began drinking our Husch. There is something about fog settling in summer-dried California grass that goes hand in hand with the flavor in our Northern California wines. Just like the sun, it was light and delicious and then, similar to the fog, it settled nicely in my mouth and rolled slowly behind my tongue. A feeling and flavor I don't plan on forgetting. It was an experience only Anderson Valley could provide.
Lastly, I do want to add that no matter what the season or number of times you've visited, Brutocao Winery never fails to take a nice long pause on their final taste of a port or late harvest Zin (thick and yummy) and hand you a chocolate to emphasize the pleasure of their flavors.
With a place like Anderson Valley, you never really have to leave California for a damn good escape.
In my honest opinion, Standish and Husch are quite memorable. Standish is lovely in its rustic persona; it began by growing only pear trees, and now it grows wonderful hybrids, rare french varietals and unique-ly, has a sister vineyard on the east coast which brings depth to one of their lovely reds. I can't tell you everything, as their soulful and absolutely friendly staff will do that for me. I absolutely love Husch firstly because it was the first winery in the valley, way back in the early 70's, and it's initial tasting room (a cabin) still stands and functions, and secondly because they most definitely know their whites. In a valley that looks good in red, its refreshing to find a lovely white as well. Anderson Valley of course, isn't all about wine, oh yes, there's more!
In May each year the entire valley invites the world to it's Beer Fest; leading it to welcome all boozers, big and tall, to just grab a sleeping bag and sleep where they fall. I've only heard great things, one day I'll experience them too. Also, Libby's Mexican Restaurant is delicious, period. You must try it. Locals have told me that they make giant orders and stock up their freezers just before Libby's closes for the winter. If that's not enough to convince you, then you're just not salvagable and so there will be more left for me. ha.
There are two times of the year that I have experienced this great-escape location; summer and winter. In winter, the frost crystallizes on each grass blade, grape vine and roof top, while the redwood-shag hills exhale a majestic fog that dissipates throughout the day. In Summer, the baking heat is avoidable by running to the tasting rooms, but best dealt-with by jumping in the Navarro River; there are some great rocks to leap from and wonderful emerald-colored swimming holes. The water has been perfect since I first started jumping in at age 8.
My absolute favorite place to visit is Hendy Woods Campground; the redwoods sway in the filtered sunlight, the unique stories about the forest hermit are legendary and their campground staff is hands down, the most thoughtful and also kindest staff I've ever met.
The last time I was in Hendy Woods, it reached over 100 degrees during the day and was still 80 degrees until after dark. We set a fire merely for the purpose of lighting up the campsite. After our burgers and beans, we sat there, throwing marshmallows into the flames to watch them explode and told each other ghost stories from our childhood. Just as the first cool stream of air began to settle around us, we began drinking our Husch. There is something about fog settling in summer-dried California grass that goes hand in hand with the flavor in our Northern California wines. Just like the sun, it was light and delicious and then, similar to the fog, it settled nicely in my mouth and rolled slowly behind my tongue. A feeling and flavor I don't plan on forgetting. It was an experience only Anderson Valley could provide.
Lastly, I do want to add that no matter what the season or number of times you've visited, Brutocao Winery never fails to take a nice long pause on their final taste of a port or late harvest Zin (thick and yummy) and hand you a chocolate to emphasize the pleasure of their flavors.
With a place like Anderson Valley, you never really have to leave California for a damn good escape.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
"blue" is the new "green"
Lets go Blue. Green is so last year!
If nobody noticed, we are still at war. Perhaps its just me, but I can't see it in people's faces- any concern about our troops and the fact that we're still killing and dying. If nobody noticed, we are also in a drought. And it only gets worse. As people proudly wash their god damned driveways in the middle of a record-breaking heatwave winter- I see a lack of awareness.
I understand we are drastically under the amount we expect each winter of the precious H2O, but what, we can't ask ourselves to be a little flexible? How about we use record-breaking fewer amounts of water, I don't know, lets compete with the weather to see who expunges less water!?! How come it's California, the state of denial, which is quite populated, that is the only state going through a drought while the rest of the country experiences something quite opposite?
And Oh-Dear-Lord, its so freakishly easy. Turn off your water you idiot. Ah, that was easy.
So let us now forge into a year of Blue-ness rather than lame green-ness, not that anyone was abusing that word anyway, along with; "anti-oxidant", "organic" and "local".
So change your summer complexions to winter style, it will match the new "bleu" a bit better.
If nobody noticed, we are still at war. Perhaps its just me, but I can't see it in people's faces- any concern about our troops and the fact that we're still killing and dying. If nobody noticed, we are also in a drought. And it only gets worse. As people proudly wash their god damned driveways in the middle of a record-breaking heatwave winter- I see a lack of awareness.
I understand we are drastically under the amount we expect each winter of the precious H2O, but what, we can't ask ourselves to be a little flexible? How about we use record-breaking fewer amounts of water, I don't know, lets compete with the weather to see who expunges less water!?! How come it's California, the state of denial, which is quite populated, that is the only state going through a drought while the rest of the country experiences something quite opposite?
And Oh-Dear-Lord, its so freakishly easy. Turn off your water you idiot. Ah, that was easy.
So let us now forge into a year of Blue-ness rather than lame green-ness, not that anyone was abusing that word anyway, along with; "anti-oxidant", "organic" and "local".
So change your summer complexions to winter style, it will match the new "bleu" a bit better.
Monday, January 26, 2009
white wine at Petaluma Cheese Factory
Let me start by saying that about only half of this bottle was consumed, however the entire bottle was thoroughly emptied.
It's mid-Summer and the countryside is humming with insects and drying grass. My boyfriend, Jason and I drive out to the Cheese Factory for a small picnic to celebrate a luna-versary. We first go inside, sample some cheese, grab a cheap bottle of wine, grab some olives and small sandwiches, and then come outside to eat and imbibe.
The food was consumed lackadaisically, the olive pits were spitted and the birds were fed by extra bread. I tasted the wine, which was a pinot grigio by a winery I don't know of, that you can always find for a very good, too good of a price at the Cheese Factory. I think it was mis-stored, mishandled, or just neglected. It was sour. Just for their sake, it was the first bad bottle I've ever had there. However it was hot, I don't like to waste food and I was thirsty, so I kept drinking. So did Jason, but not for very long, since he is more honest with himself. It was bad, so he stopped drinking. But not before he got overly silly by the wine.
I feel something cold on my shoulder, I looked over to see that he is pouring wine, drop by drop, on my shoulder. I immediately tried to make him stop but I suddenly felt the urge to do it too; I wanted revenge. I caught him off-gaurd and spilled some on his foot. In a flurry, some ended up in my ear and then all over his shorts and by the time this story comes to a climax, the wine is shooting up my nose thanks to some fabulous angle he had on me. We were both laughing our faces off, but I started to mix laughing with semi-crying and snorting sounds, while trying to work the wine out of my sinuses.
Let me just tell you: eye-balls don't react to wine all that pleasantly. Suddenly my eyes are watery, my nose is running with pinot grigio and I have the bottle in my hand with about 1/4 cup of wine left. He tried to talk me down, and as our laughs subsided to cautious sounds of turning tables, I felt foolish and sat there, telling him how I didn't appreciate "all of this because I don't like to waste wine" and then some reality check hit me and I thought: this wine really isn't good, Anne, just finish it off and enjoy the wine more by not drinking it at all. Before I could finish the thought, I was more than convinced, and, looking hypocritical, the wine was already flying out of my cup and smacking him straight in the face at point-blank. I tried to get the "up the nose" angle that he got on me, but that didn't work. My aim was pretty good though, and we were both sweating wine out of our pores by the end of the picnic.
I really truly enjoyed the wine. I just don't think it tasted good at all.
It's mid-Summer and the countryside is humming with insects and drying grass. My boyfriend, Jason and I drive out to the Cheese Factory for a small picnic to celebrate a luna-versary. We first go inside, sample some cheese, grab a cheap bottle of wine, grab some olives and small sandwiches, and then come outside to eat and imbibe.
The food was consumed lackadaisically, the olive pits were spitted and the birds were fed by extra bread. I tasted the wine, which was a pinot grigio by a winery I don't know of, that you can always find for a very good, too good of a price at the Cheese Factory. I think it was mis-stored, mishandled, or just neglected. It was sour. Just for their sake, it was the first bad bottle I've ever had there. However it was hot, I don't like to waste food and I was thirsty, so I kept drinking. So did Jason, but not for very long, since he is more honest with himself. It was bad, so he stopped drinking. But not before he got overly silly by the wine.
I feel something cold on my shoulder, I looked over to see that he is pouring wine, drop by drop, on my shoulder. I immediately tried to make him stop but I suddenly felt the urge to do it too; I wanted revenge. I caught him off-gaurd and spilled some on his foot. In a flurry, some ended up in my ear and then all over his shorts and by the time this story comes to a climax, the wine is shooting up my nose thanks to some fabulous angle he had on me. We were both laughing our faces off, but I started to mix laughing with semi-crying and snorting sounds, while trying to work the wine out of my sinuses.
Let me just tell you: eye-balls don't react to wine all that pleasantly. Suddenly my eyes are watery, my nose is running with pinot grigio and I have the bottle in my hand with about 1/4 cup of wine left. He tried to talk me down, and as our laughs subsided to cautious sounds of turning tables, I felt foolish and sat there, telling him how I didn't appreciate "all of this because I don't like to waste wine" and then some reality check hit me and I thought: this wine really isn't good, Anne, just finish it off and enjoy the wine more by not drinking it at all. Before I could finish the thought, I was more than convinced, and, looking hypocritical, the wine was already flying out of my cup and smacking him straight in the face at point-blank. I tried to get the "up the nose" angle that he got on me, but that didn't work. My aim was pretty good though, and we were both sweating wine out of our pores by the end of the picnic.
I really truly enjoyed the wine. I just don't think it tasted good at all.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Chardonnay at Insalata's
It was a brief evening at Insalata's in San Anselmo. A few people ordered the same items on the menu and then there was what I like to call "Helen Keller sharing" where we all ate off each other's plates. I was the only one who ordered the yellowfin tuna, which was lightly seared and sitting in a bed of delicious something with something else delicious drizzled on top. There was a nice play of tangy and salty and the fish separated like butter and sat on my fork like a juicy nugget of fleeting joy. I couldn't eat it fast enough but I couldn't eat it slow enough. It was all so very, very good.
I cannot remember what I was drinking while I ate. That shows you how the fish took the prize, and all my attention. However, near the end of the night, my dad suggested I smell his glass of wine. I took it, swirled it and sniffed. It was light like a viognier with citrus scents, had no trace of barrel, and smelled blossomy like springtime. It was so good I stuck my nose in it for about a half hour. It reminded me of the Wingo White that Larsen's Family Winery sells in unique jugs and named after the historical ferry that traveled up the river to Carneros. Light and playful- like a brunette taking a break and being a blonde for a day.
Then my dad decided to just let me have it- if he was sick I was going to get it by vaccuming up his germs with my nose like that, so he finally said, "yeah yeah, just drink it!"
The taste was not farther back in the mouth like a chardonnay, it wasn't heavy with malalactic acids like a chardonnay and lastly, there was NO barrel! It couldn't be a chardonnay!! It was as deceiving as the J Winery Chardonnay, which tastes more like pear syrup.
Anyway, as it turns out, it was a chardonnay. Probably the first I've ever liked.
I went to the online menu and I believe this was the one:
2006 Franciscan Chardonnay, Napa Valley
I cannot remember what I was drinking while I ate. That shows you how the fish took the prize, and all my attention. However, near the end of the night, my dad suggested I smell his glass of wine. I took it, swirled it and sniffed. It was light like a viognier with citrus scents, had no trace of barrel, and smelled blossomy like springtime. It was so good I stuck my nose in it for about a half hour. It reminded me of the Wingo White that Larsen's Family Winery sells in unique jugs and named after the historical ferry that traveled up the river to Carneros. Light and playful- like a brunette taking a break and being a blonde for a day.
Then my dad decided to just let me have it- if he was sick I was going to get it by vaccuming up his germs with my nose like that, so he finally said, "yeah yeah, just drink it!"
The taste was not farther back in the mouth like a chardonnay, it wasn't heavy with malalactic acids like a chardonnay and lastly, there was NO barrel! It couldn't be a chardonnay!! It was as deceiving as the J Winery Chardonnay, which tastes more like pear syrup.
Anyway, as it turns out, it was a chardonnay. Probably the first I've ever liked.
I went to the online menu and I believe this was the one:
2006 Franciscan Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Friday, January 16, 2009
Humbling Times
There are many things that can cut a man down. Losing his job is one of them. Suddenly your post, station and purpose in life is picked up by the wind and blown away by the economy. I lost my job back when people were still debating whether we were in what is called a "recession"- as it seemed like a foreign and non-applicable word at the moment. Yes; fear, anger, doubt, and all the other negative emotions awaited me at the foot of my bed each morning during my joblessness, as they do for everyone- but I decided to take advantage of that time like a kid in a candy store.
What do you want more? Time or money? Figure it out, damnit. If you want money more, then you'll finagle a way to get it in this newly acquired time. If you want time, then don't forget that. Some people do forget, and they run around like headless chickens looking for another job, all while that precious available time falls through the cracks. When I had my job previous to being laid off, I'd stare outside and long to be hiking, painting or something I figured that was better than what I was doing at that office. The second I was let go, I was relieved. Yes, money becomes a dire issue eventually. Which was why I would wake up early, email 25 resumes a day and call 10 interviewers a week. But by the time the day was getting warm, I was putting on my sneakers and reaching for my camera. Suddenly I had time. Time to do research on different career paths, time to take community classes, time to read, paint, breathe in and exhale and just be able to take in a little perspective.
So remember, the world always seems to be going to hell in a handbasket, ever since "hell in a handbasket" became a coined phrase. Don't let it distract you too much- and don't forget to take advantage of that gift in disguise. For the first time in a long time since I first discovered the miraculous nature of seasons (what age is that-five?), I was able to watch them change before me. And while I walked along puddle-dotted trails and watched the first flowers of spring bloom, I knew there were people just starting their draining day at work, who would be daydreaming of being in my liberated status.
Just don't forget to smell the flowers, they're still there, you just haven't had time to notice them.
What do you want more? Time or money? Figure it out, damnit. If you want money more, then you'll finagle a way to get it in this newly acquired time. If you want time, then don't forget that. Some people do forget, and they run around like headless chickens looking for another job, all while that precious available time falls through the cracks. When I had my job previous to being laid off, I'd stare outside and long to be hiking, painting or something I figured that was better than what I was doing at that office. The second I was let go, I was relieved. Yes, money becomes a dire issue eventually. Which was why I would wake up early, email 25 resumes a day and call 10 interviewers a week. But by the time the day was getting warm, I was putting on my sneakers and reaching for my camera. Suddenly I had time. Time to do research on different career paths, time to take community classes, time to read, paint, breathe in and exhale and just be able to take in a little perspective.
So remember, the world always seems to be going to hell in a handbasket, ever since "hell in a handbasket" became a coined phrase. Don't let it distract you too much- and don't forget to take advantage of that gift in disguise. For the first time in a long time since I first discovered the miraculous nature of seasons (what age is that-five?), I was able to watch them change before me. And while I walked along puddle-dotted trails and watched the first flowers of spring bloom, I knew there were people just starting their draining day at work, who would be daydreaming of being in my liberated status.
Just don't forget to smell the flowers, they're still there, you just haven't had time to notice them.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Art, Wine and Trails
Marin County has a lot to offer and all I've ever done is take it all in selfishly. It's like eating an In-n-Out burger without reflecting on it each day and letting your taste buds wallow in your drool. I want to start this blog to create a dialogue about the things I enjoy most. I love making art for myself and others, viewing art in all the galleries and museums and receiving art from friends and family. I love wine and I'm very opinionated about it- my sister thinks its a joke, she swirls her glass, takes a whiff and proclaims, "...it smells like, uh, alcohol." So its a very short discussion when I keep it within the family. But I was at Insalata's in San Anselmo a few weeks ago and I couldn't take my nose out of my dad's glass of chardonnay- and I don't even like chardonnay!!! And it was at that moment that I felt the need to share these thoughts in other ways with more people. Something tells me there will be more depth involved.
Lastly I love trails. Although biking is a kick and a half, I find hiking (aka walking) helps me the most, as I am essentially there to unwind, think and be. So I'll probably start blogging about nice trails to try and asking others about new trails to find.
And here I go...
Lastly I love trails. Although biking is a kick and a half, I find hiking (aka walking) helps me the most, as I am essentially there to unwind, think and be. So I'll probably start blogging about nice trails to try and asking others about new trails to find.
And here I go...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
