cat shepard

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A lovely morning here after more storms yesterday afternoon & evening. Vanessa thank you for keeping up with all of us. I hope you get some answers at the doctor’s this week. Gym, Bindi walks, pedicure, chores, helping prep for tomorrow’s neighborhood farewell party, Bindi to the kennel, dinner with my Sister & Brayden, then Brayden and I back to my place in hopes of getting to bed by 9. 🤞🏻 Note: I will be late posting tomorrow. I am bringing Brayden to Orlando airport very early tomorrow morning. Prayers for all who need our support. @kazu Jacqui, praying that today’s surgery goes well. Tana, praying that you have a good day & eat well! Prayers for all the caregivers. Please take care of yourselves, too. Terry, bless your brother for staying. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today! **************** Bogle Merlot 2021 I used the 2021 vintage info of this California Merlot, since that seems to be the one that is ready to drink with the longest lifespan. It is widely available and is certainly priced to try with online prices starting at $8.99. Winemaker's Notes Gorgeous in the glass with rich hues of garnet, the first impressions entice with aromas of sandalwood, vanilla and black cherry. The mouthwatering entry is full of red plums and cherries, while the middle palate of the wine softens with touches of cola and a smooth and silky mouthfeel. Notes of baking spices and mocha are left behind by the 12 months in American oak, leading to a lingering, luxe finish.

@lindaler You too, Linda!

Thank goodness you showed up & all is well!

Thank you for today’s FR &D, Rich! A lovely morning with a bit of a marine layer off to the East. Lots of local deer out enjoying breakfast. Just a few fawns still showing spots. Vanessa, thank you for capturing & sharing what is happening. Hope you are feeling better. Bindi walks, chores, HIIT, prep for the next two busy days and maybe some pool time. Prayers for all who need our support. Tana, praying that you have a good day and eat better! Praying for all our caregivers. Please make sure to care of yourselves. Terry. - I loved reading that your DB was there. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @Crazy For Cats & Juan - Happy 20th Anniversary! May we each find a reason to smile today! *********** Black Box Chardonnay Another 3 liter non-vintage box of wine. If you are a member of Sam’s Club you can get it for $15.68. But you can find this box almost anywhere. Online prices start at $17.99. Distributor notes Refreshing hints of crisp apple and a touch of oak accentuate Black Box Chardonnay’s smooth finish. Upon opening, this white wine stays fresh for six weeks, maintaining its excellent depth and structure. Taste notes: Citrus, Pineapple, Tropical Mango, Oak. Pairs splendidly with chicken, white fish, and soft cheese.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Another lovely morning here! Yesterday was picture perfect until late afternoon. Though I got a tiny bit of rain, the storms rumbled around me for hours. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Sounds as if BFF is progressing, maybe not fast enough for him, though. Gym, Bindi walks, a RAPID neurofascial reset massage for my poor left deltoid - no clue how I aggravated an old strain. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Chores & pool time will wrap up the day. @cunnorl Charlene, the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure (this part is not open yet) was great. Not huge like, New England, Baltimore & Atlanta, but very well done. Kids of all ages enjoyed trying to spot well-camouflaged critters. And I fed the manta rays. An amazing sensation. I actually fed them twice the amount, since my friend could not stand touching raw fish. Even the gift shop was impressive. I usually avoid them like the plague, but this one was fun. Admission is a bit expensive, but if they don’t increase the price when the next part opens - it will be well worth it. Daytona has needed something like this for a long time. I hope it succeeds. Prayers for all who need our support. Tana, praying that you have a good day and eat! Praying for all the caregivers. May you never lose hope or strength. And please take care of yourselves! Ivan, praying all goes well at the vet’s. Take super care of Jacqui for us. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today! *********** Barefoot On Tap Pinot Grigio This boxed PG would have been a great white wine for Gerry’s Summerfest. Or anyone’s Summer day. A little lighter alcohol - 12% alcohol doesn’t make it less refreshing. Easy to find and reasonably priced - especially for its size. Online distributor prices start at $18.99 for a 3 liter bottle Distributor notes BTI89 PTS. / BEVERAGE TESTING INSTITUTE (March 15, 2010) Aromas of dried jasmine, bergamot cookie, and peach sorbet are attractive and follow through on a silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body with very good balance and acidity and a persistent, chalk, lemongrass, and white nut accented fade. A tasty crowd pleaser. WE85 PTS. / WINE ENTHUSIAST (12/31/2013) The Pinot Grigio brings its usual green apple, lemon curd, peach and mineral flavors to this zesty sparkling wine. It straddles the delicate border between dry and off-dry, and is easy to drink with almost anything.

Bless you for standing up! Had only someone stood up for that young gunman, maybe Pennsylvania’s event might have been avoided. No excuses. Ever. Just a horrible situation all around. @Haljo1935 Elizabeth, maybe it depends on the tone of voice or the situation.

Charlene It is on Speedway near the corner of Nova. Eventually it will have a Rainforest exhibit, too. I will share what I find.

Thank you for today’s FR& D, Rich! It is the perfect morning cool, sunny, but no humidity. Not sure where last evening’s humidity went, but I am not complaining. Vanessa, sorry to read you didn’t feel well yesterday. Hope it was one of those 24 hour things. Thank you for never missing a beat, in spite of what you are dealing with. Gym, Bindi walks, a visit to the fairly new Daytona Aquarium - it will eventually have a rainforest exhibit, too. Maybe some pool time this evening. Prayers for all who need our support. Tana, praying that you get your appetite back and have a good day. Prayers for all the caregivers, may they find the strength to continue and take care of themselves. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today! ************ Rippon 2019 Rippon Mature Vine Lake Wanaka Pinot Noir (Central Otago) This New Zealand PN sounds amazing. And it is biodynamic! Consumers and critics are fans! Quite a few distributors, though the price is a bit high for me. Online prices start at $54.99. Winemaker Notes The farm voice of a distinct parcel of land: Rippon. On the western board of Roy’s Bay, Lake Wanaka, Rippon’s north-facing escarpment forms the meeting point of terminal moraines and coarse gravels, all based in schist, on which some of the region’s earliest vines were planted. Rippon is a Wine issued from all of the fully developed Pinot Noir vines growing in this land. 98James Suckling Firm and tight licorice, graphite, slate and light dried strawberry. Goes to iron. Flowers. Medium body. Creamy and fine tannins with a rather dusty finish. Fresh acidity and long and linear finish. Structured. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better after 2024, but already beautiful. 97Wine Enthusiast From arguably the most gorgeously located biodynamic vineyard in the world, this Pinot is a head-turner. Aromas change in the glass, expressing various aspects of site and variety: first succulent currant and blueberry fruit, then florals and a hint of mushroomy undergrowth, then scrubby dried herbs growing beside a lake and snowcapped mountains. The palate is elegant and juicy, with silky softness and floral delicacy. You’re almost surprised when the tannins rush in to cinch it into place.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich. A lovely morning in the neighborhood.Dinner last night was wonderful, though ruined by the event in Pennsylvania. I agree - this has nothing to do with politics. Assassination has no place in our Country. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. I have not caught up on yesterday’s Daily, yet, so I appreciate your post even more. Gym, Bindi walks, cleaning the grill after last night’s dinner, a visit from my handyman and maybe some pool time. Prayers for all who need our support. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, I was sorry to read about Ren’s injury. May it heal quickly. @smitty34877 Terry, praying that Tana has a good day & eats. Bless you and all the other caregivers for giving so much - every day. Please take care of yourself. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz A fun name for a serious Shiraz. Lots of consumer fans, easy to find and reasonably priced. Online prices start at $21.99. Winemaker notes Mollydooker’ is old Aussie slang for a left handed boxer and our Boxer always punches well above his Fruit Weight™. Did you notice he has two left-handed gloves? TASTING NOTES: The 2022 Boxer boasts a robust foundation of dark fruit, black cherries, moccha, and a hint of clove spice that comes alive in the glass. Its velvety texture delivers notes of fresh plum, balanced tannins, and a subtle touch of toasted oak, all of which enhance the richness of the fruit. This wine offers a complex experience with multiple layers that are sure to impress. TECHNICAL NOTES: The grapes were grown on vineyards in McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek. The Boxer has been Barrel fermented and matured in 100% American oak, using 38% new, 49% one year old, and 13% two year old barrels. The required Marquis Fruit Weight™ for the Lefty Series is 65% – 75%. The Actual Fruit Weight for 2021 The Boxer is 68%. Alcohol: 16.0% Residual Sugar: 0.6 (g/L)

Happy Birthday, Allen! May your new year be filled with love, laughter, great health & a cruise or two. @Seasick Sailor give home a kiss for me. I am sending a couple of my pounds to him. 😎

Darn close, but not on it. At least by my definition.

Friday - Sunday will be bad. Weekdays in the Summer - once near & on the Cape will be bad. But Uber to the Cape from Brockton? I can’t image the cost. I would try to compare the cost of renting a car vs Uber. I confess, I would be stunned if Uber was cheaper. I used to spend the first two weeks in September in Wellfleet (lower Cape). Once Labor Day weekend was over, it was an entirely different world. And if you make it to P’town (Provincetown) look to see if there is still a Portuguese bakery near the center of town. If there is, you just might want to pop in. Gee, there used to be a ferry from Boston over to Provincetown. You could see if that still operates. That might be a fun way to get there. You might be a bit limited in the area you visit, but that is a fun place to walk around. And you would not encounter any of the horrific traffic.

You could try spritzing olive oil spray on both sides of the press before putting the patties on. This also works well in an air fryer. My Aldi actually sells spray cans of olive oil.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Lots of clouds this morning. A nice breeze is growing. No rain is predicted, so these clouds may burn off. Lots of deer out enjoying breakfast. And our bucks’ racks are getting big. Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. Glad to read that you try to fit some relaxing in. Gym, Bindi walks, prep for dinner tonight & then dinner with friends. It is so hot these cats have melted! Prayers for all who need our support. Tana, I loved reading that you requested a dish! Hope you enjoyed it. Praying you have a good day. Prayers for all our caregivers. Hoping you all take care of yourselves. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @ger_77 Gerry have a wonderful Summerfest! May we each find a reason to smile today! ******** Renato-Ratti-Langhe-Nebbiolo 2021 Though “pleasantly bitterish” doesn’t sound very appealing, in the interest of research, I would at least taste this wine. 😎 I used the 2021 vintage info. Consumers like it. Easy to find and reasonably priced. Online prices start at $19.97. Winemaker Notes Not very intense ruby red colour. Fine, delicate and persistent bouquet with hints of wild strawberry and raspberry. Pleasantly bitterish taste, velvety, light and full at the same time. Wine suitable for spit-roasted and grilled red meats, game, fondue with truffles, agnolotti, white and red meat dishes of the great cuisine with spicy sauces. 90James Suckling Notes of ripe strawberries and cherries with rose petals and orange peel undertones. Medium-bodied and a little chewy. Rich and ripe fruit with toasty character to it. Drink now.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It is spectacular out this morning. Almost cool, a slight breeze and no humidity! Bindi & I had an extra long walk this morning. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. And bless you for taking such great care of your BFF. Gym, more Bindi walks, chores, prep for tomorrow’s dinner I am hosting and pool time. Should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Tana, praying you have a good day and your appetite returns. Glad to read at least the nausea has been eliminated. Praying for all the caregivers. You who give so much to others. Every day. Bless you. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** Anam Cara Cellars 2021 Nicholas Estate Riesling Sweet Riesling lovers take note - critics and consumers love this one. It almost tempts me, who does not like sweet wines. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $27.00 for a half bottle. Winemaker notes Our first dessert Riesling is a beauty! This lovely wine is reminiscent of bosc pear and golden delicious apples on the nose with sun-ripened peaches on the palate. Made in an ice wine style, the grapes are frozen immediately after picking for a lovely, lush wine which is perfect with Holiday cookies. Suggested Pairings: Stilton cheese, persimmon pudding, apple pie, English trifle Sunset Magazine: Gold Medal Winner Wine Enthusiast: 93 points, Editor's Choice

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich. Our rainy season has finally arrived. It has been raining off and on since late yesterday morning. No need to add water to the pool. I wish I had remembered to turn off my irrigation system. I hate to waste water. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. I love that you included Father David’s birthday! Gym, manicure, Bindi walks, chores, maybe some pool time. Prayers for all who need our support. Tana, praying that today is a good day, and your appetite makes a comeback! Prayers for all the caregivers. Please take care of yourselves. Cheers to all who are celebrating. @grapau27 Graham, please wish Father David a Happy Birthday! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** Totara Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Another lovely sounding SB from New Zealand. I used the 2022 vintage info, since it seemed to be the most available. Easy to find and priced to try. Consumers love this one. Online prices start at $12.99. Distributor notes Totara Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant and expressive wine from New Zealand's renowned Marlborough region.Crafted from sun-kissed Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in diverse alluvial soils and cooler Awatere Valley vineyards, this wine captures the essence of Marlborough's unique terroir. TASTING NOTES Nose: A captivating bouquet unfolds with an explosion of tropical fruit aromas, dominated by passion fruit, guava, and pineapple. Zesty citrus notes of grapefruit and lime add a vibrant touch, while hints of fresh herbs and grassy notes create a complex and alluring nose. Palate: Medium-bodied and refreshingly crisp, the palate bursts with juicy flavors of citrus and tropical fruits, mirroring the aromas. A vibrant acidity dances on the tongue, balanced by a subtle minerality and a hint of honeydew melon. The wine's textural richness is enhanced by subtle oak-derived notes, adding depth and complexity. Finish: Clean and invigorating, the finish lingers with lingering impressions of grapefruit, passion fruit, and a touch of mineral tang. It leaves you wanting another sip and invites you to explore the next mouthful. FOOD PAIRING Totara Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile food pairing partner. Its vibrant acidity and juicy fruit flavors make it an ideal match for seafood dishes, such as oysters, grilled fish, and ceviche. It also complements fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and creamy cheeses. For a bold pairing, try it with Thai or Indian cuisine.

Terry - they are still my fave.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Yesterday afternoon’s rains almost made up for the lack of rain lately. Bindi wasn’t happy, but she finally went out once the deluge moved on & we were left with a lovely gentle rain. The frogs were singing loudly. 😎 Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. I marvel that you could maneuver around your house during all those months of pain, lack of sleep & numbness. Bindi walks, chores, HIIT and maybe some pool time - weather permitting. Prayers for all who need our support. Tana, I appreciate the difficult decision you need to make, but if you do not try this option, what? I confess to being somewhat of a risk taker. I will be interested in hearing what your sponsor’s thoughts are. Prayers for all the caregivers. You are there every step of the way. Every day. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** Domaine Serene 2020 Rockblock Viognier (Applegate Valley) This Oregon Viognier sounds interesting. But the only place I found that sold it was the vintner’s website. So ultra elusive. And before I spent $45.00 on a bottle of wine, I would want to try it. It would have to knock my socks off for me to buy it, since that is close to the top of my budget. Vintner’s notes Feeling playful? Wake up your taste buds with our Oregon Viognier. This is a sunny, seductive blend of fresh fruit and flowers and is the perfect way to dive into your drinking day. A juicy, bowl of ripe fruit aromas that burst across the palate; it has a crip and sophisticated finish. This is a wine that makes you feel like a kid again as soon as it touches your lips. It’s soft and silky, and perfect for when you want to start your drinking day with a splash of excitement. 91 Wine Enthusiast Vineyard Info The organically farmed Quady North vineyards are located in the Applegate Valley AVA, nested within Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley AVA. Committed to small production, Quady North grows some of the most interesting Rhone-style grape varieties in the United States. Dramatic temperature swings, with hot, dry summer days and cool summer nights create ideal conditions for high-quality Viognier.

Praying that you find there is nothing to be anxious about!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! Our breeze woke up early this morning and last evening’s T-storms helped clear out the humidity - for now. I was surrounded by storms, but none passed overhead, so no rain. I need to water a few things this morning. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. I could not handle your house. Stairs are a real problem for me. Long story. So I would need to relocate the laundry or move. And I saw that you are lifting BFF’s scooter, too. No pain? What a recovery! Gym, Bindi walks, chores, and pool time. I need to follow up with my lawn service of my pest control company. Again. Prayers for all who need our support. Tana, praying that you have a good day. Prayers for all the caregivers. You make it happen. Every day. Cheers to all who are celebrating! @RMLincoln Maureen no eye drops! A true reason to celebrate! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Chris Ringland Shiraz Shiraz lovers may have heard of this Australian vintner. Though not elusive, the latest vintage of any of his three labels I could find for sale was the 2019 and it was offered for $150.00. Earlier vintages’ & his flagship label prices increased exponentially. Distributor notes Chris Ringland is one of the foremost winemakers in Australia. He produces Shiraz-based wines from both his own Barossa vineyard and from those managed by the North Barossa Vintners company; both bear his name. The flagship wine is the Chris Ringland Dry Grown Barossa Ranges Shiraz, which is one of the most highly priced wines made in Australia, and is produced in tiny quantities. It is known for its rich texture and weight, and has received 100-point ratings from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate on five occasions. Since 1995 the wine has come from the unirrigated Stone Chimney Creek Vineyard, a 2 hectare (5 acre) block of very old vines in the Barossa Ranges. It is typically fermented in new French oak open top vats and aged in new French oak hogsheads (300 litres) for 48 months. It is then matured in bottle for several more years before release. The Dry Grown Barossa Ranges Shiraz has been known to reach as much as 17 percent alcohol. A second wine from the property, Randall's Hill, is made from parcels deemed less ageworthy, and is only released in certain years. Just a handful of barrels of each wine are made.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It feels like rain outside. The humidity is back with a vengeance. You know that clammy feeling on your skin. Ick. We do need rain. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us! Gym, Bindi walks, chores & pool time. Planning a few farewells for my neighbor. One for the neighborhood at a neighbor’s house. One at my place with friends & Limon Drops (50 - 50 Limoncello & vodka in a martini glass with lemon sugar rim) and appetizers. And then the final farewell at her favorite restaurant. Prayers for all who need our support. Tana praying that you have a comfortable day. Praying for our caregivers. I marvel at what you do. Every day. Please take care of yourselves, too. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile! ********* Educated Guess Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 This Cab sounds lovely. Easy to find and reasonably priced. Not sure I know what a powdery tannin is. Anyone know? Online prices start at $21.99. Winemaker Notes This Cabernet Sauvignon leaps from the glass with rich ripe flavors of sweet black currant, juicy blackberry, and cherry liquor, intermingled with hints of shaved chocolate, earth, and fresh tobacco leaf. The layers of flavors are balanced by hits of tasty oak. Silky soft yet structured tannins coat the palate and contribute to a long lasting finish. 91Wine Enthusiast Darkly fruity and chocolaty, this full-bodied wine is a good value for Napa Valley. Not too tannic, the wine wraps a smooth texture around the ample dark plum, cocoa and cinnamon flavors. Enjoy now through 2028 with roast beef or Korean barbecue. 90James Suckling Ripe and mellow character of dark berries, plum skins, blue flowers and sweet spices. Full-bodied, deep and succulent with powdery tannins and a fruit-forward, supple finish.

Terry, my Sister found the first step very difficult and decided not to go in. I had pavers installed on the patio a few years ago & they made the first step into the pool & hot tub a couple inches higher than they were. Even with a great railing she didn’t dare. One of the few times I wish I had a walk in pool. So we moved a chair out further near the pool, so she could enjoy the amazing breezes that blessed us yesterday. And then we ate. 😎

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A bit warmer this morning, and a bit more humid. Yesterday was one of those perfect Summer days. High 80s, no humidity & the strong onshore breezes made it special. I finished off the night at my neighbor’s experimenting with vodka & Limoncello for our own version of the “Lemon Drop”. Perhaps we should call it the “Limon Drop”. She has sold her house and is heading to Utah in August. Her daughter & son-in-law have created an apartment for her that gives her her own space. She will be sorely missed. Vanessa, thank you for doing all you do. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, chores, and pool time. Thought of you @smitty34877 Prayers for all who need our support. Tana, praying for you. Praying for all the caregivers. I know how exhausted I was the month that my Sister was in the hospital and rehab, and I did not half the responsibility that you do & you have been doing it for years. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Outnumbered Sauvignon Blanc 2022 I used the 2022 vintage info for this New Zealand SB. Lots of consumer fans. Easy to find & priced to try. I love the idea of the sheep roaming freely through the vineyards. Their label even has sheep on it. Online prices start at $11.00. Winemaker notes This vibrant, aromatic wine displays aromas of gooseberry and citrus, with a refreshing lime and passion fruit finish. At Matahiwi Estate we let our happy sheep roam the vineyards as they take care of weeds and keep the grass short over the winter months. Using sheep lowers fossil fuel use, and therefore carbon emissions, by reducing the number of passes with a tractor. We may be outnumbered by our woolly companions, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hope this helps, Lenda. 😎 P.S. you can reuse this image for all future storms.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! A gorgeous morning - not a hint of humidity. But we are back to “needing rain mode”. A brush fire broke out in the county North of me early yesterday morning not too far from where friends live. Possibly started by people setting off fireworks on the 4th. Luckily it was quickly contained. Vanessa thank you for keeping our lists. I really appreciate your efforts. Gym, Bindi walks, chores, a visit from my Sister & Brayden, & pool time. Should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Tana praying that your appetite comes back, and a treatment is found to eliminate your condition. And perhaps most of all the caretakers, who selflessly support others in need - Terry, Melissa, Joy, Annie, and Terri, and others who may not have shared their stories with us. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************* Palencia Wine Company 2020 El Vinador Petit Verdot Fairly elusive, though I found a couple of distributors who would ship this lovely sounding Washington Petit Verdot to me. But before I bought this, I would want to taste it. Online prices start at $40.00. Winemaker’s notes While some Petit Verdots may be overly tannic and in need of long-term cellaring, this one carries a voluptuous, silky quality that makes it instantly enjoyable. At its core, you’ll find blackberry and Ligurian cherry fruit with gentle touches of black tea and plum skin on the finish. Coupled with a splash of acidity in the background for added balance, this may be one of the most approachable, ready-to-drink Petit Verdots you’ve ever tasted.100% Petit Verdot sourced from Wahluke Slope. Best of Class 91 Points Savor NW 2023. Gold 93 Points - Pacific Northwest Wine Competition 2023. 90 Points - James Suckling.com 2024. This has aromas of dark chocolate, walnuts, roasted herbs and baked strawberries. Rich, ripe and gently jammy with a full body and rounded tannins. Soft and plush. Drink now.