cat shepard

My deepest sympathies to you and your brother’s entire family. Praying that all of you find comfort in each other’s company. Ann

Thank you Sandi & Rich for starting us off! Quite cloudy this morning, but it is supposed to clear off and be a bit cooler. Last night’s lightning show over the ocean was spectacular. Though it lit up a huge area to the East, I couldn’t hear any thunder. Vanessa, hope your bandage adjustment has helped. Thank you for capturing and sharing our happenings. Off to the gym, then Bindi walks fill my day. This evening I am gathering my with a couple of neighbors to finalize the plans for this coming Saturday’s Block Party. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well and stay well everyone! ********* Archery Summit Arcus Pinot Noir 2017, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon Many consumers and critics are fans of this wine. I used the 2017 vintage info, since that is ready to drink now. But if you are willing to wait a few years, you can save quite a bit of money. Several online distributors of the 2017 with prices starting at $163.02. But the 2021 can be yours for $49.99 - but you need to wait for it to mature. Winemaker Notes Electric notes of raspberry jam and muddled rhubarb weave into hints of dried herbs and baking spice. Never a truer expression of the rocky, fireorange soil of the Dundee Hills with its multilayered mineral mouthfeel. Fresh marionberry and ripe raspberry mingle with dried blueberries, blanketed within mouthwatering acidity leading to an incredibly long finish. A wine as complex as the diverse vineyard it comes from. V93 Vinous Deep, brilliant garnet. Ripe red and blue fruit, cola and oak spice aromas show fine clarity, and floral and mineral accents build in the glass. Concentrated black raspberry, bitter cherry, boysenberry and spice cake flavors deliver welcome energy for their heft. Closes with strong, spice- and floral-driven persistence, subtly gripping tannins and a hint of candied licorice. Best After 2023 WS92 Wine Spectator Refined and vibrant, with expressive rose petal and raspberry aromas that give way to multilayered cherry and dark tea flavors, building tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2028. WE92 Wine Enthusiast From one of the top sites in the winery’s portfolio, this was treated to almost 60% whole cluster fermentation. Deep flavors of black cherry fruit match up to dark chocolate notes, along with hints of stem and skin tannins. The wine is well structured and should develop nicely over the next half decade or longer.

Thank you Sandi & Rich for today’s R & D! A bit cloudy this morning and we could have some more rain today. Vanessa thank you for keeping track of all of us! Hope your bandage adjustment helps. Just gym, Aldi, Bindi walks and plant checking for me. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ************ Valli Pinot Noir Central Otago Waitaki Vineyard 2020 Very elusive, but I did find at least one New Zealand distributor that would ship worldwide. It sounds lovely, though I would pass on the “roasted pigeon” pairing. Though it is just within my budget, I know the shipping costs would be quite hefty. Online distributor prices start at $47.27. Raymond Chan’s review Deep ruby-red, good clarity, lighter on the rim. The nose is perfumed, soft and enticing, with lifted aromas of dense cherries, raspberries, a suggestion of plums interweaving hibiscus and rose, fine black pepper powder and cinnamon. Medium-bodied, the palate is filled with concentrated aromas of cherries, raspberries and plums entwined with hibiscus and dark rose petals, unveiling cinnamon, fine pepper dusting and crunchy minerals. Vivacious flavour immersed, supported by lacy, lively acidity, persists a lasting, fragranced closing. Delicate and silky tannin extraction alongside a soft grip sustains vitality. This captivating Waitaki Pinot Noir possesses a concentrated red fruit spectrum with delicate floral and mineral details on a silky mouthfeel. Match with roasted pigeon and pork rillette over the next 10+ years. Clone 115, 777, Abel, UCD 5, 114, fermented with 20% whole bunch to 13% alc, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 32% new oak. Unfined, unfiltered. 19+/20 pts (96 pts)

Welcome! Hope to see more from you!

Laura - so happy Rover1’s adventure ended happily. And I also learned something - Ubers are often the best option. Especially at an airport. Certainly beats the hassle of renting a car. Safe travels!

Thank you Sandi & Rich for making the R & D happen today! It is just lovely this morning. We had a bit more rain yesterday, but just spotty showers sandwiched between gorgeous sunny skies. Just enough breeze to keep the temperature comfortable. Vanessa, thank you for keeping track of our events. So happy to read that your doctor does not consider your knee issue to be serious. Hope it doesn’t cause too much trouble for you on your cruise! Zumba, Bindi walks, a bit more gardening, and then a wine tasting at my favorite local wine bar. That should make for a great day. Thought of you, Dixie @summer slope though this probably applies to all Dailyites with a cat family member. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Get well & stay well everyone! ********* Numanthia Termes Tinta de Toro 2019, Toro, Spain I used the 2019 vintage information for this full bodied red Tempranillo. I would love a sample. Critics and consumers give it rave reviews. Numerous online distributors with prices starting at $16.98. Winemaker Notes Ripened cherry red with ruby reflections. Clean and brilliant. On the nose there is good intensity with black fruits and spice notes bringing expression and complexity. There is a lively entrance, with medium structure and good balance. Notes of little black fruits, sweet spices such as cinnamon, a fresh touch of thyme and eucalyptus as well as a toffee and cacao background bringing complexity. The fresh and smooth tannin as well as the acidity make this wine long and expressive, fresh and elegant. JS93 James Suckling Blackberries, crushed stones and pressed flowers on the nose. Very perfumed. Medium-bodied with firm, lightly chewy tannins and a light dark-chocolate, bark and fresh-mushroom aftertaste. Vivid fruit. Crunchy. WS91 Wine Spectator Rich and minerally on the nose, showing earth and iron notes that serve as accents to the ripe black plum and cassis fruit on the palate, with hints of eucalyptus and cocoa. A bold red, with fine, dense tannins tightly meshed to the detailed flavor range and lively balsamic acidity.

Lorraine I am so sorry to read this. Praying that you and his family have wonderful memories that will eventually help ease the pain. Ann

Thank you Sandi & Rich for today’s R & D! A gloomy start to this morning, but this could be just a marine layer that will burn off. We had another round of rain last night, but the T-Storms stayed North of me. Thank you Vanessa for taking care of our lists so diligently. Praying that your knee issue is resolved today. A class at the gym, garden bed prepping, Bindi walks and chores will fill my day. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ********** Attems 2021 Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy I used the 2021 vintage info hoping that one might be easier to find. But most released vintages share the same ratings from consumers and critics - except for the 2020 vintage. That one does not share the same excellent reviews. I found numerous online distributors with prices starting at $11.99. Winemaker Notes Of an elegant straw yellow, Pinot Grigio 2021 entices with very lively aromas of white melon and cedar. Captivating hints of almond and toasted bread introduce the taste experience, where this wine expresses its harmonious and energetic character through impressions of white pepper and green apple which emerge in the aftertaste. JS91 James Suckling Lots of white pepper and crushed stone with some mineral undertones. Medium body. Bright acidity. Clean and crisp finish.

@TiogaCruiser Laura Plantation is an even better option. A bit less driving from Fort Myers & very close to Fort Lauderdale. Definitely Budget & Enterprise are good options. Kudos to @tupper10 for suggesting it!

When you rent the car they should be able to give you a transponder for the tolls. Be sure to ask. Most of the toll roads near me do NOT accept cash or cc. I have not been on 75 in a long time, so not sure.

@TiogaCruiser Laura This might be the better of the two options. It appears parts of Hollywood are still flooded, so rather than worry - here’s the options for Pompano Beach. The I-75 option with tolls The alternate route that may still include tolls, by combining it with the end of the other option, since the section of the route in Fort Lauderdale may be closed. And again the rental car office locations for several major car rental chains. Good luck & keep us posted.

Laura depending in the time of day 75 can be crazy. I suggest Hollywood, FL, but you should confirm that they have not been impacted by the freak storm. Here is the most straightforward route, but it has tolls. Here is the No toll option, and depending on the time of day, this would be my choice. I will try to take a screen shot of the rental car office locations. in the meantime Dailyites who live closer to that area might have better options. Be right back. Laura, this shows at least three National car rental chains with offices in Hollywood. The rental car company will know if there is still an issue. I am going to check Pompano Beach, which is North of the flooded area.

Safe travels Laura.

Thank you Sandi & Rich for bringing us today’s R & D! Right now the low level winds are calm but the upper level winds are moving the clouds up from the South. We had rain last night, but not sure what today will bring. Vanessa thank your to keeping up with all of us. Hope tomorrow’s doctor visit resolves your knee issue. I will happily celebrate Plant Appreciation Day! I really enjoy looking at all my new plants. My last five plants, except for the ones I am growing myself, arrive today. Just Zumba, plant patrol, Bindi walks and chores will fill my day. Right on red after stop takes on a new meaning. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! *********** Stonyridge Waiheke Island Larose 2021 This New Zealand Red Blend sounds amazing. It is loved by consumers and critics. Sadly the only critics who reviewed this vintage require a membership to see the reviews. But none of the scores were below 95/100. I found a couple of online distributors on other continents that would ship to me with prices starting at $217.41 + shipping. I will have to pass. Winemaker notes This is our flagship wine, and "Raison d'etre". Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Carménère Waiheke Island Gentle north-facing slopes of Waiheke Island shelter us from the cool southerly winds, provide perfect climatic conditions for ripening red Bordeaux grape varietals. The third vintage of Larose 1987 won the trophy for best Bordeaux style blend in New Zealand and was hailed as the greatest red wine ever to be made in New Zealand; vindicating Stephen’s foresight and commitment to making the finest wine in the nation. Thirty-four vintages and counting, Larose is now considered to be the most collectable wine in New Zealand, a reputation that is the envy of the country’s winemaking industry. An amazing wine of deep colour, flavours saturated with ripe plums, berry fruits and vanilla with layers of soft textured tannins.

Jack, this one should be framed! Just precious!

Thank you Sandi & Rich for today’s R & D! My neck of the woods has been practicing Big Wind Day all week. Obviously shooting for perfection. Thank you for capturing & sharing our happenings, Vanessa! Praying that your knee issue resolves itself quickly and painlessly. I am heading out for a much needed mani - pedi. My toes look great. My fingers look as if I have breaking rocks apart with my bare hands. Not the look I am going for. Then Bindi walks, branch & plant patrol, chores and my HIIT class. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ************* Felton Road Pinot Noir Central Otago Block 3 2021 Another somewhat elusive New Zealand wine. This Pinot Noir sounds wonderful, but even if I could find someone to ship to me - it is out of my price range. There are some online distributors, not sure if they ship to me. Prices start at $90.92 + shipping. Cameron Douglas’ notes Complex, specific, mineral then fruit centric, the sense of place suggests a stony almost silty mineral quality, ripe red berry fruits with a very soft savoury quality, then nut and baking spice layers from barrel with a whisp of smoke. Taut, ripe, youthful and equally complex o the palate, firm tannins and acidity frame the wine and set the foundation for fruit. There’s also power and intensity with electricity in the mouthfeel. Long, complex, dry and distinctive. A wine for your cellar that would like you to let it develop and mature slowly. Best drinking likely from 2026 through 2036+. 97 Points Outstanding

Charlene Our local weather guru says Thursday’s winds are supposed to be even worse. 40 - 45 mph with gusts around 60 mph. I am almost 4 miles from the coast and they are still very strong. Be safe.

Judy Everyone who treats others kindly and respectfully is welcome here. Especially if you love animals. Ann

Thank you for getting us started Sandi! Rich thank you for leaving the great foundation for the R & D. What a difference from yesterday. The sun is out and it looks to be a beautiful day. Bindi is very happy. Vanessa, thank you for taking care of lists! I need to get out and pick up all the branches blown down by the wind, and prep the spot where my crape Myrtle tree will be planted on Thursday. I also want to plant some seeds to see if I can grow some small, but colorful filler plants. One gym class and Bindi walks should fill my day. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! *********** Elvio Cogno Barolo Ravera Vigna Elena Riserva 2016 All released vintages of this Barolo share the same superb consumer and critic reviews. You might need to hold all of them for a few years, but they sound amazing. Just pricey. I found several online distributors with prices starting at $189.98. 100 pts Wine Enthusiast This breathtaking beauty offers enticing scents of rose petal, ripe woodland berry, pipe tobacco and camphor. It's full-bodied but elegantly structured, delivering delicious flavors of ripe red cherry, blood orange, licorice and baking spice. Taut, refined tannins provide the framework while bright acidity gives it wonderful balance, energy and tension. Drink 2026–2046.

Yesterday’s Nor’Easter😎

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily Sandi & Rich! It is raining! Finally. After a full day of wild winds and fine mist, the rain arrived just after 10 last night. Let’s just say the winds were so strong yesterday, I came home from Bindi walks with a new hairdo. The winds continue today and more rain. I know our firefighters are happy. Vanessa, thank your for capturing and sharing our happenings! Just the gym, Bindi walks, chores, and possibly some seed planting. What do Peeps do the day after Easter? Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone! ********* Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia An elusive Australian wine unless you live in Eastern Europe, New Zealand or Australia. I did find one online distributor that shipped the 2016 vintage to me. No critic reviews, but consumers rate it good - very good. The 2020 vintage price starts at $8.74 - if you can find it. Distributor notes The heartland of Wolf Blass winemaking, Yellow Label has delivered exceptional quality for over 40 years through an outstanding range of South Australian wines. Selected batches of fruit from premium South Australian shiraz vineyards are brought together in a well-structured wine displaying attractive berry and spice characters supported by subtle creamy oak and finishing with fine, velvety tannins.

@StLouisCruisers Sandi Elliott Rose is just so darn cute!

@luvteaching Happy Anniversary & Happy Birthday! May your new year be filled with love, laughter, great health for you & DH and a cruise!

Happy Easter to all who celebrate it! Thank you for starting us off, Sandi! Rich, thank you for sharing your cruise with us and making sure the R & D continued while you were cruising. Vanessa, thank you for taking care of our lists! Dixie & Debbie thank you for being such great members of the Food & Beverage team! A very laid back Sunday. The Northeast winds are whipping and there is a fine mist falling. So fine, that Bindi had no trouble going on her morning walk. Hope we actually get some rain today. Celebrating Easter with the family at a local restaurant, so we can all enjoy a great meal & relax. Bindi walks. I might plant a few seeds today. Not sure what else I will get up to. Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Happy Anniversary @ger_77, Gerry! Get well & stay well everyone! ********* Giesen Chardonnay Marlborough The Fuder Single Vineyard Clayvin 2017 You just might be able to find this New Zealand Chardonnay. I found one online p distributor that appears to ship to me. It has excellent reviews from consumers and at least one critic. It might have a hint of oak. The distributor I found offered it for $14.97. 94 Wine Enthusiast Pale gold with a green tinge, this exudes pineapple rind, preserved lemon, honey, butter cream and toast. It's ripe and concentrated with some showy oak, but it never goes overboard on either. The palate is rich with a lactic texture, the lemony acidity tempered by toasty oak. The tangy fruits lingers on the persistent finish. It would make a top drop with buttery lobster or similarly rich seafood fare.

@TiogaCruiser they are sandhill cranes.