Sometimes, you have to do something because the gauntlet has been thrown down – yes, we are talking “A Christmas Story” – “Double-Dog-Dare Ya” kinda throw down – maybe even a “Triple-Dog-Dare-Ya” – nope, we didn’t have to stick our tongue a frozen flagpole (but for the record, it was cold enough here today to do that and get stuck).  Today at work, Jean and her cohorts in crime celebrated the generosity of many who donate to the mission of the Church they believe in – goals were exceeded and the folks who “did the work” deserved to be recognized – Lisa, Elizabeth, Sonia and Margaret perform a yeoman’s job each and every day – especially the last several months during CSA season.

Since it’s at work and all, they couldn’t very well indulge in the real stuff – Scott made arrangements for the next best thing – sparkling White Grape Juice by Welch’s.  The nose was a bit light – not much there except . . . sugar?,  Upon close inspection, bubbles tickled one’s fancy and encouraged sipping this ice-cold concoction – served in ice-cold wine glasses . . . which, for the record, enhances the taste.  Not much on the mid-palate, and the finish was short, sweet and to the point.  Must admit – it was a refreshing way to start the day, but not too sure we’d go back there to cap off an evening.  So – again, a tip of the hat to the hardworking ladies in the Stewardship and Development Office – YOU ARE ROCKSTARS!!!!!!

   

Ok, enough of that silliness, it’s time for some over the top red wine!  Yes, we are talking – Niagara Falls in a barrel kind of over the top!  You have a choice of what you see – yes, we’d like to hear from you to see what your eyes depict.  We partook of yet another one of our favorites a 2010 Skulls from Spain – this wine  is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mataro raised in stainless steel.  It is dark ruby-colored and very rich looking when held up to the light – when taking the first sip we noticed how soft and smooth it was –  lingering just long enough on the front and then slowly making its way to a nice long finish –  it offers up a terrific combination of earthiness, spiciness, and cherry.  No doubt a crowd pleaser.  If it weren’t really, really cold (Ok, so Texas’s definition of cold isn’t the same as somewhere a wee bit east of here – say New Jersey, but it is chilly for us thin-skinned types), we’d be out on the deck with a fire going enjoying this wine – actually, we’d love to be out there, but Brian is a bit under the weather – so it’s not good timing.  Perhaps this weekend we can gather until the big Texas sky and put a fire in the pit.

So, back to the wine – we strongly recommend this wine – it is good with just about anything you can throw at it.  Beef, chicken, pork, shrimp or even cheese and crackers – you won’t be disappointed.  Go find it at your local Twin or Specs – it’s well worth the taste.

On another note, it’s a bit quieter in the house tonight.  D#1 and D#2 have both returned to their “home away from home”.  Needless to say, we miss them already – but know in our hearts that they are off where they are supposed to be, doing what they are supposed to be doing.  God’s got the watch now . . .

Until tomorrow – enjoy your night, make the most of tomorrow and remember to enjoy responsibly and recycle whenever possible.