Well, that was a long hiatus

Good morning, lovely readers.

I apologize for the extra-long hiatus from blogging (I know you require my incoherent ramblings to function on a day-to-day basis). I was sick, then Brandy was sick, then Brandy ended up having bronchitis, and you know that no one feels like sitting at a computer typing when they're sick / nursing someone back to health.

Since the end of our long, slow recovery, we've gone into full-on trip-planning mode. We've been checking train schedules, contacting potential hotels (might have waited a bit long to do some of those), and generally plotting out the more minute details of our trip.

I've also gotten confirmation from several wineries / domaines / châteaux / weingüter about tastings and/or tours. So I've got that going for me.

In addition to trip-planning, I've been studying for the WSET Level Three exam and investigating the steps necessary to start a little side project. I'll know if I passed the WSET in mid-September. Hopefully, I'll have the project started up before October (actually, it's sort of necessary that I have it at least started before then). Of course, I'll let you know more when I've got it for you.

In other news, I'll be home this weekend attending my unofficial 15th high school reunion. I'm actually looking forward to it, if only for curiosity's sake.

Oh, and I'll probably also go to this. Tractor pull, anyone?

 

Standing in the Way of Progress

Sorry I haven't updated the blog in a while. I've been sick. Honestly, that's no excuse since I've been able to go to work and all, but it seems that when I'm sick and at home, I don't feel creative in the least, little bit.

But Decanter Magazine's little email news flash turned me on to this site (eat-american.com) that highlights rare and nearly-extinct American agricultural products from Charbono wine grapes (naturally, what piqued my interest) to Tupelo honey to geoduck clams. Anyone who enjoys heirloom tomatoes should be all over this project, as Richard Villadóniga is basically pointing out heirloom varieties of other agricultural products that have been pushed out of the marketplace by Big Agriculture (or agribusiness, if you prefer).

In any case, it's a compelling project that deserves your support.

When I feel a little better, I'll tell you about the winery lunch at Marimar Torres, the 8th Annual Insider's Exploration of Dry Creek Valley, and tasting the wines of La Spinetta.