1. Unashamedly copying from Jen's wine recommendations. We didn't drink wine or any alcohol until a couple of years ago and now Terry and I have become quite the wine enthusiasts. Our #1 goal in choosing wine is to find a great one for $10 or less. Terry likes dry reds. I like slightly-less-dry reds and whites. My current favorite red is Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel. This complex, not-too-dry and certainly not sweet, hearty red wine goes well with spicy foods like Italian, Mexican, or is delicious to sip on the patio at the end of a summer day. I've found a couple of other Old Vine Zins, but Gnarly Head consistently delivers for under $10, and I can find it at our local Wal-Mart!
My favorite white, alas, is much harder to find. I happened on this one at a wine superstore in Lousville last summer and bought two bottles. The next time I saw it, I bought four more. It is a French wine and I can never remember the name so I look like a fool trying to ask for it at small wine stores in the midwest. (Pause while I google to find the name of the wine.) See? I told you I cannot remember it! OK, it is Picpoul de Pinet and my favorite vintner is Hugues Beaulieu. This wine is the perfect balance of crisp and light without having the acid bite that some dryer white wines have. Well-chilled, it is as refreshing as lemonade or the perfect sweet tea. If you can find it, it will sell for $10.
2. The death of an estranged in-law, J., who was the mother of some loved ones brings fresh heartache this week. Her life and death were tragic and only by the grace of God are her children fine, upstanding, delightful young adults ranging in age from 28 to 43. I'm trying hard to paint the picture while not speaking ill of the dead and I'm coming up blank. J.'s physical beauty opened many doors in her life. Unfortunately, she burned everything and everyone she ever touched. I'm praying for her children today and I'm praying for the grace I need to pray for her soul. Then the Holy Spirit whispers and reminds me I am no less wretched without God's grace. Lord have mercy.
3. I went thrift store shopping in St. Louis yesterday and found a wonderful Coldwater Creek jacket for $3. (I'm pretty sure it was in last year's catalog for over $50) Today, I found a pair of good-as-new Steve Madden shoes, a baby-blue Talbot's sweater set and an off-white evening clutch. We've got a fancy dinner to attend in Lake Tahoe next week and I will be wearing "new" shoes and carrying a classy clutch. No one will ever know where I got them or what I paid for them!
4. Dad and I continue to have a very nice visit. This morning's breakfast conversation: the Civil War. Dad has an encyclopedic memory of anything he ever read and it's amazing to listen to him provide details, names and dates of the Battle of Gettysburg.
5. It seems I am missed at home. While I've been gone our internet modem quit working and had to be replaced and Terry mowed over a hose, breaking the outdoor spigot and flooding part of the basement. Luke says, "you leave for a week and all essential services cease." Actually, they have been eating extremely well as Terry has taken the week off and cooking is his favorite means of relaxation.
6. Luke is becoming a die-hard Cardinals fan this summer. We text each other throughout the games while I'm away. It's so much fun. Yesterday's game was a close one (6-5) and we shared the nail-biting via text-messaging. Ah, the joys of the historic sport combined with technology!
7. Luke and I are going to mass at the Basilica of St. Louis, King, aka the Old Cathedral in St. Louis on Sunday. This cathedral is the oldest west of the Mississippi and sits in the shadow of the Gateway Arch. After mass, we will walk a few blocks to get an Imo's Pizza which we will eat on the grounds of the Arch and then we will begin our journey home. I am very anxious to see my family and my home for a few days before our trip to California.
Happy June weekend!
Sandy
Gnarly Head photo by kittygutz
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