Today, we fished with dear friends Trail Boss and Edel – two better people we do not know.  We were neighbors for three years when we lived down on the coast of Texas.  We’ve now known them for 13 years and truth be told – they are family to us and we treasure the moments that we spend together on the water, having a cold beverage at Hampton’s Landing while the cooks prepare the fish we caught that day, sitting  by the pool and just hanging out in the kitchen.  The blue water of the Aransas Bay were tough today – lost six Bull Reds at the Fina Docks – for the record, these fish average 40 lbs.  Well, as Scarlett O’Hara said . . . tomorrow is another day – up and at ’em at 5:30 a.m.

Well, here we are . . . finally at the end of our journey.  365 days ago, we thought it would be FUN to taste and blog about a different wine every night for a year . . . well, we came – we saw – we conquered.

It’s funny, but in many ways we feel somewhat like Forrest Gump when he decided to start running . . . because he just felt like it – well, guess you could say that’s why we started this blog . . . because we just felt like it.  And now, much like Forrest said when he decided to stop running after 3 years, 2 months, 14 days and 16 hours – “I’m pretty tired, I think I’ll just go home” “. . . and my running days came to an end.”  Ditto for the blog.

Yep, to be honest, we’re tired – now, let’s get this straight we aren’t tired of trying new wines . . . just making the daily effort to write about them (trust us, there were many a night that one of us dozed at the computer – BUT, except on a few occasions when “band width” was an issue at the house – we ALWAYS got it done).  Hafta admit, in many ways it has been a blast . . . going into a store and perusing shelves to see what looks interesting . . . talking to employees in said stores about wine and learning what they like . . . talking to friends about wines they like . . . talking to family about wines they like . . . exchanging correspondence with people around the world about wines they like . . . tasting wines we NEVER would have thought of trying (mostly whites – thanks Kathryn for pushing us) . . . learning that we HAVE to go to WA and OR and discover more about the wines there  . . . learning that a trip to Argentina is in our future . . . hmmmmm – think there is a pattern here.

Soooooo – for the final wine, we opened a 2010 Writer’s Block Cab Franc from Steele Winery.  Aside from being the perfect name for our final post, the wine has quite a story.  First of all, we thought this wine would be better in the Fall while sitting next to a fire – not a hot Summer night after spending the day fishing in 100 degree heat.  But, we digress – the color is deep burgundy – the cork popped out with ease.  On the nose, kinda sweet . . . notes of blueberry and strawberry with oak aromas.  On the palate, very thick . . . must be the juicy plum that we tasted.  On the finish . . . initially a tart bomb, but with a bit of airtime it was less explosive – but still on the tart side.  Will have to mull overnight whether it will make the Top 20 List.  Jean picked this wine up about 2 months ago on a lunch time field trip with Margaret and Lance to East End Wines in Austin.  Must admit, when she saw it and sent a picture to Brian – both agreed that it was the PERFECT wine to wrap things up.  The cost was reasonable at $13.00.

As we wind down, we would be remiss if we didn’t reminisce a tiny bit.  Over the last 365 days, we have celebrated the birthday of person we know, and perhaps a few we don’t – celebrated the wedding anniversary of every person we know – remembered the anniversary of those we love who have gone to a better place in Heaven – gone to a wedding, celebrated every holiday and made up a few of our own, taken road trips – gone fishing – made new friends and embraced old ones – in all it has been a wonderful experience.

Want to give a SO (shout out) to D#1 and D#2 – thanks for indulging us while we undertook this journey.  We love you bolth so much and are proud of the fine women you have become . . . we are blessed.

Thanks to everyone for joining us on the ride, it has been real . . . it’s been fun and it’s been real fun – there are many ways to sign off . . . “Happy Trails to you, until we meet again” – “So long, farewell – Auf Wiedersehen, adieu . . . Adieu, adieu – To you and you and you” – “… so glad we had this time, together” – “Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash . . . wherever you are” and finally, “Goodnight and God Bless”.

Regardless of your beverage of choice – remember always to enjoy responsibly and recycle whenever possible.

 

P.S.  Check back tomorrow for the Top 20 Bondy Deck List – cast votes and help us choose the Top Ten!