I’ll Drink to That!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well this family picture sent to me today, was, to me worth a thousand thoughts.   This is a picture of my husband’s father and  his entire family, circa 1940, a period in history I feel inexplicably connected to.  It  shows all the aunts and uncles I first met in the early ’80’s, as they were before they married, had children,had grandchildren. The table is set sparcely for a meal, not necessarily a special holiday meal, but just a meal together - all of them, perhaps for no more reason than to just be with one another. What do you suppose is in the jug? Why is it that in old family pictures, people don’t smile? I know they were happy to be together because I know this family. They have always gathered en masse to celebrate anything and everything. Later, in the 50’s and 60’s, this group, considerably larger with many children, would congregate in the sunny backyards of their new Los Angeles area homes, and throw big barbecues for no other reason but to just be together. For the 28 years I have been a member of this very close family, there have been endless gatherings, big and small, in celebration of all things good, and to hold each other close when someone passed on, leaving a chair at the table open for the next generation to fill. Last week a new baby boy arrived and we all gathered to bless this child and welcome him to the family. Although most of the people in the picture were not in attendance physically, their spirit was  strongly felt.  The group pictures taken that day look different, but you can still see in their faces the ties to those that came before. I can’t even count anymore how many wonderful people populate this world because of the 13 people pictured here. It is truly a blessing to have a spot at the table in this family - a sense of place long after the picture curls and cracks.

I’LL DRINK TO THAT!

Family run wineries have always been my favorite to support. That’s one reason why I love the Paso Robles area wineries. Lots of families working together there. There is just a lot to be said about family members working together for the greater good - a common goal of everyone pitching in to support the family. On a visit to Paso last year, four of us were treated to a barrel tasting and tour at Midnight Cellars Winery and Vineyard, a 10 year old operation on the Westside, founded by 5 members of the Hartenberger family. Rich Hartenberger, dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt for harvest work, took time out of his day to lovingly explain the status and process of the different wines in barrel, and explained what we were tasting at that point, and how the wines might evolve by the time they were ready for bottling.  While we sipped, (and spit - a little), he explained the roles of different family members in the business and also how the neighbors all support one another, especially during the hectic harvest season. Then into the tasting room for, hic-up, more tasting. While we continued to taste the large array of big, full-bodied reds, Rich regaled us with tasting room stories and invited us back for their annual Chicago Rib night party - a must attend event he said.

Cabernet Franc, usually thought of a blending grape in Bordeaux style wines, is given its own label at Midnight. The ‘o5, which we opened this week, was lush and full bodied - elegant on its own.   Unfortunately for all of us, there’s no more available. Aargh.. However, Karen at the winery has informed me that they just took 4-star Gold Medal at the Orange County Fair for their ‘05 Petite Sirah, “Eclipse”. Congrats on that one! Perhaps we should give that wine a try. Visit this family venture winery at www.midnightcellars.com.

After hearing so many stories about so many people, it occurs to me that we, each of us, …is enough.  By that I mean, we each have  enough of whatever it is that we are meant to share. We may not always see what that “enough” is, so busy are we trying to find out how to get more of something else.  Ok - enough with the double talk. On to my story. Or actually the story of Coach Tim Lewis of Compton, California. It’s the story of a young man with talents, who, like so many, made some bad choices, and like so many, was seemingly derailed from the path best chosen. Instead he ended up in trouble and alone.Well, flash forward a good many years, and this man, clearly older, wiser and clearer, has made some new choices that include building the characters of boys and girls in a challenged community by sharing his love of baseball. Perhaps he wasn’t so derailed after all.

Please visit  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#31434372 and watch this short video on a man with so much to share. It’s a great story.

I’LL DRINK TO THAT!

You don’t have to travel all the way to Italy to find a delicious Sangiovese. This great grape of the Chianti region grows very well along the hillside slopes of Santa Barbara County’s Ballard Canyon. Rusack Vineyards offers up a beautiful California Style rendition. Well balanced and fruit forward, the 2005 I just opened was big and well rounded with flavors of chocolate and coffee.  So good with a steak on the grill. Haven’t tried the ‘06 yet, but we all should soon. This boutique vineyard and winery produced only 424 cases of this wine.

‘06 Rusack Sangiovese - $32.00

And if you live in the Los Angeles area, take the weekend off,  head north a couple of hours and visit the wineries nestled in the gorgeous oak-studded, vineyard cordouroyd hills of the Santa Ynez Valley near Solvang. Cheers!

View of hills from Rusack

June 12, 2009

Abundance is one of my friend’s favorite concepts. She prays for abundance – she creates abundance when she cooks – her salads have an abundance of different ingredients, you get the picture.

Oddly enough, even in this “economic climate”, (so tired of that phrase), abundance is everywhere. So much abundance is there that we very often take it for granted. Make a cursory examination of your surroundings and you will find an abundance of abundance. In my home I am so grateful for the abundance of books I have to read, different kinds of pasta to cook, photos of friends and family, clothes, toiletries, running water, choices of wine, the infinite amount of tutorials on line. Let us not forget to celebrate our abundance of freedoms.

But, yes, for many, abundance is not the term they would pick for the status of their current situation. Many people have lost their jobs and are having to turn to community food pantries to augment their home food supply. As a result the pantries are experiencing critical deficits of their own, with the cupboards literally going bare. Luckily, there are an abundance of people stepping up to meet the needs of their communities. And happily, the next generation of givers is taking an interest now in helping as well. Such is the case with 11-year-old Taylor Graham of Florence, Oregon, who, 5 years ago, came up with the idea to sell used books to buy food for the hungry. His “Read for the Need”, two part program now consists of a community supported book sale, and the “Need for Speed Shopping Cart Derby” where the money raised is used to purchase food for the Florence Food Share pantry. Check out this kid’s video at http://web.mac.com/shannongraham/iWeb/Site/Video%202009.html . If you feel the need to share your abundance with others, please consider dropping off a grocery bag or two of canned goods to your neighborhood food pantry. You could even start a book sale in your neighborhood. Or donate your used books and DVD’s to your local library. Today there is an even greater demand for our libraries as many homes can not afford computers, buying books and going to the movies. Thank you Taylor for setting such a great example for the rest of us with your abundance of compassion.

I’LL DRINK TO THAT!

Instead of a wine review, this time I’d like to tell you about a book - sort of keeps the theme going. “Passion on the Vine”, by Sergio Esposito is in his words, “A Memoir of Food, Wine, and Family in the Heart of Italy”. For you foodies and winos, this is a must read. Mr. Esposito takes the reader into his family’s dining room and kitchen and delectably describes the food, the wine, the chaos and the passion. Then acting as an “insider” tour guide, he relates the heart and soul of Italian winemaking while introducing us to some of the colorful characters whose lives are centered around the vine. Put aside your “to do list”, as I did, and savor this book while sipping something red, yummy and completely Italian. Salute!

June 10, 2009

Why horses? Because they live in the present moment and inspire us to to the same. How many of us girls were in love with horses when we were young? There was something about their grace, beauty, power and glistening coats that mesmerized us. Perhaps for some they symbolized freedom, for others  the cowgirl frame of mind. And for some they were most certainly a refuge from the “ugly” things in life. Being with your horse was a quiet place where your “best friend” didn’t judge or scold or hurt you - just gave you unconditional love,  respect and a feeling of being safe.  One of those girls, all grown up now,  remembered those lessons with her horse and created a place where others could experience those feelings of emotional grounding and healing. Created to honor 3 people in her life who succumbed to cancer, Robin Rapaport created El Dustberry as a non-profit organization where those challenged with cancer and other chronic conditions, and their families, could come for  therapeutic activities. Youth at risk came too. And all were shown how to connect with horses and nature with the end result being a sense of self-empowerment and a reclaiming of some control in their lives. An outdoor classroom came next that took kids out of the traditional environment and into nature. Most of the kids have never seen a horse and are so excited to touch them and hear their stories (all are rescue horses). The El Dustberry experience gives these kids the opportunity to learn things they could never get in a schoolroom setting. So many people’s lives have been enriched by their experiences at El Dustberry, but true to the times, lack of funding threatens its future. These programs are just too vital to loose. So many people count on them. And so many more still don’t yet know they exist.  Well Robin and her staff have “cowgirled up”, and have started a massive social networking program to bring awareness to our communities. I’ve asked for your help before, and you’ve rallied before. Today I invite you to visit El Dustberry’s blog and feel for yourself the heart there.  ( http://eldustberry.blogspot.com/)  Please spread the word! Thanks and…

I’ll Drink to That!

Right in the heart of what used to be considered “horse country” but is now clearly “wine country” as well,  sits Paso Robles’ Tobin James Cellars. A can’t miss stop on your wine tasting tour, Tobin James offers an extensive selection of big, award winning red wines, plus some great whites as well. What TJ also offers is a saloon style tasting room and 100 - year old bar that looks like it was a favored movie set way back when, and where the only rule is - have fun. And we have - many times, especially when I took a group of 15 of my closest friends there for a tasting. But the James Gang likes to party - they throw big ones for their wine club members, often. While you’re there, don’t forget to try their “Liquid Love”, late-harvest Zinfandel. On our first visit there they poured this with a bite of chocolate on the side - Wow! what a pairing.  Deep, rich and intense, this wine, poured  after a hearty steak dinner and served with some luscious truffles is the perfect dessert ending.

2006  Late Harvest Zinfandel - “Liquid Love” $18.00