Angeline Merlot 2007 Sonoma Valley - A Review

We had a bottle of the 2007 version of this wine the other night.

The nose was very fresh and light with hints of berries. The taste is smooth and light and continues the light berry flavors, and adds some cherry and a hint of vanilla and some mild tannins. The light purple color is very pleasant. I found the finish a bit weak however. It does not linger very long--and is too soon gone. I would wish it to linger a bit longer to add to the enjoyment.

If you are looking for a light wine to enjoy with some light munchies--this is the wine to try.

Don't look too close at the label depicted here--we had the 2007 Sonoma Valley wine--which has the same label except for it says Sonoma Valley instead of Russian River Valley. But the label otherwise is identical.

RECOMMENDATION: A good buy at $12 per bottle.

Mid-Winter Splash of Color

As the darkness and gray of the winter drags on, I believe it is helpful to look at bright sunny scenes and remember warmer and brighter days.


I do not know what this flower is called--but the deep greens of the background and the bright pinks of the flowers are calling out to the Summertime which still remains in me despite the weather outside.

If you click on it--then there is a bug in the middle of one of the petals, sunning itself. I could be that bug right now!

Sunning myself, on a sunny beach, in a warm (even hot climate). Toes in the sand.

Smelling the sweet and sometimes musky smells of summer.

Hearing the dragonflies buzz overhead feasting on mosquitoes.

Feeling the sun on my face.

Yeah!

Out of the Mist

Yeah--OK, it is called the Maid of the Mist for a reason. But think deeper about this image of a minute.


Sometimes I feel as if the falls behind the boat represent the turmoil in our lives. Those insurmountable obstacles that always seem to arrive square in out paths at just the wrong moment.

There is no way we are going to succeed on our own--we will be pummelled into submission or, worse, destroyed. Yet, like the Maid of the Mist we continue to sail into the turmoil. Right into the very middle of the storm. We have to sail directly into the most violent part of the storm.

And when we survive or overcome the obstacle. it is because we are surrounded by a stout ship--even when sailing into the very middle of the fiercest storm.

Look at the calm waters in the foreground. Not so far from the falls and the rocks. We long to sail smooth waters and calm seas. And it seems we can always see smooth sailing not that far off in the distance. We want to get there on our own. We think we can. Even though we are exhausted.

I want to sail those calm seas, but I know that there will be storms and obstacles which are trying to upset or sink my boat. Sometimes they succeed. But--I am blessed in that there are always other intrepid sailors to help right my ship and get me back afloat to meet the next challenge or storm.

Morning Light

As I walked across the parking lot into work yesterday, I noticed the brightening dawn on the horizon--although the sun was still a long way below the horizon, it was beginning to illuminate the morning sky and drive the darkness away.

I could still see the stars, and yes it was a clear sky. But on the horizon--the light of the coming day was beginning to silhouette the trees and houses. I detected faint orange-tan colors in the sky which were preceding the coming dawn.

Another preview of the coming Spring when it will again be daylight when I arrive at work!

It made me smile--despite the gloomy weather forecast of snow for the weekend.

Ah--but as the weeks continue I will look forward to seeing more and more daylight as I arrive at work. Maybe even soon--I won't have to turn my headlights on to drive in and it will really be Springtime--that is, until Daylight Savings Time kicks in--and it is dark again!

But then--it will be March and Spring will truly be here!

Sprintime, Hope, and the Orioles

I am getting excited.

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training on February 17th--and then, regardless of what our favorite February woodland creature predicts--it will be springtime!

Bring it on!

I wish I could go to Sarasota to ssee some spring training games--but, Tampa is a bit far for a weekend jaunt--prob 18 hours by car--each way. And Southwest just isn't offering those $49 each way specials, yet! But there is hope.

Fan Fest on Saturday revived me from the wintertime doldrums! Jeremy even said that he could feel the sun rising on the Orioles season.

It was good to be in a place with so much black and orange. Yeah, the O's are in the toughest division in baseball--but you know what--when we start winning this thing again the Yankees and the Red Sox will be wondering what hit them.

Springtime and hope springs eternal for the baseball world. Every new season there is the hope of a good year-- and here is my prediction: the Orioles will finish with a winning record for the first time in 12 seasons--and may be as good as 87-75 (but I'd be happy with 82-80).

Fire in de hole!

Sunday was grandson day at Hacienda Doan.

All three (Ethan, Jax, and Lucas) were present at the house for the weekly football and food orgy. (well, orgy may be a bit strong)

An interesting dynamic developed in the basement with the two oldest grandsons becoming involved in a major disposable drinking cup war! Yes--disposable drinking cups. The paper kind used for summer picnic activities and the red cups traditionally used for beer. They make great projectiles--similar to the "nerf" objects but far less expensive and far more numerous.

They throw pretty good, too. Especially sideways. And a four-year old can hold four cups in each hand and send them on their way towards the intended target with peals of laughter.

Even the 2-year old could play--although we did have to implement a "no head shot" rule for Ethan because he kept hitting Jax in the head and it began to hurt. Although, then there was the excuse: "Well I don't really aim very well" when a couple cups continued to hit Jax in the head.

And Lucas? Well, he was oblivious to the war going on in the basement as he slept peacefully in the arms of numerous family members.

Ah--the joys of children being creative with the most common items on a rainy, cold day.

Monday Musings - January 25, 2010

1. I woke up to an unexpected surprise this morning--56 degrees. Nice. Now if it wasn't raining at the rate of an inch an hour it might be something to get really excited about.

2. With only two weeks left to go, the football season is winding down and we will finally be able to get on with our regular sport--baseball.

3. And writing of baseball--the Orioles held their annual Fan Fest event this past weekend. We attended of course. Here is the truly amazing part--over 12,000 fans came out on a cold January day to see the Orioles and get excited about a baseball team which has not had a winning season is 12 seasons. There is a solid fan base here--imagine if we started winning more than losing. It was good to see orange and black everywhere. Jeremy remarked--he could feel the warm sun rising as we were watching the State of the Orioles--a presentation by the President of Baseball Operations and the Manager for the season ticket holders! Go O's!

4. We got a bit excited last night and finalized our plans for our Napa Valley spring break trip in April. But--I'm so excited I'm glad we finally got the reservations for air and lodging completed--now we can begin working on a winery plan.

5. All three grandsons were at the house yesterday for football. The family is continuing to grow. Who would have though two kids from Ithaca could be part of something so cool that started over 35 years ago and is still growing!

6. This is the last week of January 2010. And the year is already 1/12 over--Doesn't it seem like New Year's was just yesterday?

7. The pastor asked an interesting question of the church yesterday: What do you do when things aren't the way they're supposed to be?

Deep Pockets and a Giving Spirit

Haiti has become a daily concern for many of us. Not the country--but the people. The trials they face and all of their problems. We are all trying to figure out how we can help and support the restoration of life there.

Americans always come through for our fellow world citizens. We dig deep and provide not just aid--but our military--the best of our society, to help and reconstruct.

The concert on Friday night reminded me of how giving, as a society we are. We are willing to help everyone--even those who ideologically hate us and want to do us harm.

It is awesome that we can do this for people around the world--and we want to. I believe we recognize how blessed we are and are willing to share what we have with others.

Why are we so reviled then?

Do we make other people afraid because we have so much? Or are they worried about what we might do if we actually all agreed to do something rather than disagree among ourselves about everything?

Well--we need to continue to give and help everyone that we can--in the US and outside. That's how we roll.

My Three Grandsons: A Recipe for Excitement

A long, long time ago there used to be a show on TV called "My Three Sons." It was a comedy and followed the growth of a widower and his three sons in many different situations.

Well--here you have-- My Three Grandsons: Ethan, Jax and Lucas.

Two has been fun--and I know that three will be four times the fun!
Lucas will learn very quickly how to keep up with the other two--just like Jax (at only 22 months) has figured out how to keep up with his almost five-year old brother!

I have to tell you--it makes me smile just to think about it now. And even more--I'm the grandfather. When I get tired--place a call to 1-800-hey-parents!

Lucas' birth has drawn the family closer-- and the pictures (thousands of them) are documenting every adventure in his new life and interactions with his family!

Bring it on. In an interesting side note--it is apparent that there is a hole in the birthday months that needs to be filled. That would be February! Lucas was born in January, Jax in March, and Ethan in April. I think the next grandchild (maybe a granddaughter??) needs a February birthdate. There's still time for next year!! LOL!

The Winter Sky: A Love-Hate Relationship

I have a love-hate relationship with winter.

Basically, I hate winter. It is cold and snowy or raw and rainy. Yech!

I'd much rather be on a beach somewhere. Toes in the sand contemplating my next diving or snorkeling adventure and working hard to somehow stay away from Orlando and the painted-on disingenuous smiles.

But--as I was taking Makayla out for her evening stroll the other night, it was one of those rare (at least this winter) nights when the sky was clear and I could see the stars. I looked up into the heavens and there was Orion, my favorite constellation. I look forward to seeing my friend Orion every autumn and saying good-bye to him in the springtime. It is just one of those weird things I do.

The most recognizable stars of Orion: Betelgeuse and Rigel, I have long considered to be friends because I know their names. It is amazing how comforting it is to look up into the sky and see recognizable forms and named friends. Even during the summer there are so many constellations and stars that help make the vastness and solitary nature of space closer and more friendly.

I remember once when I was in Australia, I had the opportunity to spend a moonless evening in the outback which was illuminated with nothing but the stars. And they are bright there. It was amazing, how bright the landscape seemed illuminated by nothing other that stars. I felt very close to them, and comfortable bathed in their light.

So--although I hate winter, I love seeing my friend Orion as the great hunter watches over me during his sojourn across the sky. I also enjoy it when he finally disappears from the sky, because I know that summer is upon me again. I admit though--I know that Orion's return signals the end of my summer, and that is the hate part of our relationship.