Having fun with Grandad.
Hi Gram-Gram! What 'cha doin'? Let me lick you and your camera!
Is she cute or what?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Hula Girl!
Theresa and Shawn were in Reno this past weekend so David and I stopped by on Sunday to play with our granddaughter Hula Girl and let her go out in the yard. She was so excited we came to see her.
Having fun with Grandad.
Having fun with Grandad.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Look Gram Gram, I have Feet!!!
Jacob sucking his foot. What else can I say? Too sute that monkey boy of mine! Be sure to check out Jen's blog to see latest house updates; the siding has gone up on the outside of the house!
VJB Vineyards & Cellars Carnivale Italiano
Yesterday afternoon was the annual member luncheon at the home of the owners of VJB Vineyards and Cellars. Is is our third year with them and many of our friends are members as well now. There were ten of us together yesterday and had a wonderful time. Henry and his family are so gracious and humble. It's truly delightful to be part of their family. After passing through the private gates and driving by Ledson Winery on the right of us, we stopped at the level up the hill where Henry's house is located. There valet parking attendants take our cars and we were then helped into mini buses that take us the rest of the way up the hill to Henry's parents home where the Carnivale will take place. Henry had Bill drive us right up to the house in the cvan and let us out because of David being in a wheelchaor. That made things so much easier for him. They are always so thoughtful.
Once stepping off the bus we are greeted by winery staff, given a glass for the tasting portion of the afternoon that was filled with festive colorful beads to wear. We were also handed a menu for the tasting and what wines were being poured at what stations. They also had two barrel tastings available as well which I always enjoy. There was also wines in a silet auction you coud bid on.
Verona and Bill up front and some of our other friends in the background reciving their glasses and beads.
Rose and her daughter Fran.
They had a juggler entertaining us throughout the afternoon. He was a hoot. A really nice guy.
The juggler took to David and followed us around a lot and kept David entertained. While we were tasting wines butler passed appetizers circulated. A few of the choices were white bean, truffle with bacon bruschetta, apple sauge wrapped in puff pastry, smoked salmon, fried calamari, seafood and cheese mini quiches as well as spinach and cheese and carmalized onion and cheese mini calzone. There were many more which escape me at the moment. It was such a beautiful day in Kenwood, warm but not too hot, with a gentle breeze. We enjoyed chatting, meeting new people, and seeing some members we have met before and catching up with them. It was also nice seeing Henry;s wife again. She came over to me to talk about what fun Gabriella had at our house for the tasting we had a few weeks ago and how she still t alks about it and little Steven. Gabriella was having a blast yesterday with her little sister too.
The entree for the day turning on the spit; a whole roasted pig.
He found us again and we were delighted! he did make us laugh.
The pig dressed and ready to be carved. Isn't it scrumptious looking?!
We were entertained by this comedian duo after being seated for lunch. They were quiye funny. The guy thought Bill looks like Wilford Brimley and came around often to tease him and joke around.
Bill and David got a big kick out of them, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves as well.
After being individually served a salad course of Insalata Romana (Caesar Salad) paired with the 2007 Gabriella Ranch Chardonnay, and a pasta course of Pasta con Pollo e Carciofi (Homemade Artichoke and Chicken Pasta) paired with the 2006 El Dorado Syrah the main course was served family style in platters on the table. Dom volunteered to serve each of us. Along with the spit roasted pork there was a good green bean salad with mushrooms and roasted red peppers dressed with a light vinaigrette. The pork melted in your mouth and the salad was fresh as well as refreshing on a warm afternoon.
Henry's father Vittorio on the left talking with guests.
My long-time friend Cathy on the left and me on the right. Following the entree we were again served individually a to-die-for piece of Torta al Gelato (LAdy Fingers with Choclate Hazelnut Ice Cream Cake) paired with the 2005 Baci di Famiglia Chardonnay Port. The food was once again prepared by Maria Belmonte, the Excutive Chef at VJB and also Henry's mother. She is an incredible chef and used to have a restaurant in Santa Rose called Il Protofino. It was a popular restaurant.
A full and content David.
A happy Fran.
Rose.
Paulette.
Comedian Dom at his best.
Verona and Paulette in a serious dicussion.
Once stepping off the bus we are greeted by winery staff, given a glass for the tasting portion of the afternoon that was filled with festive colorful beads to wear. We were also handed a menu for the tasting and what wines were being poured at what stations. They also had two barrel tastings available as well which I always enjoy. There was also wines in a silet auction you coud bid on.
Verona and Bill up front and some of our other friends in the background reciving their glasses and beads.
Rose and her daughter Fran.
They had a juggler entertaining us throughout the afternoon. He was a hoot. A really nice guy. 
The juggler took to David and followed us around a lot and kept David entertained. While we were tasting wines butler passed appetizers circulated. A few of the choices were white bean, truffle with bacon bruschetta, apple sauge wrapped in puff pastry, smoked salmon, fried calamari, seafood and cheese mini quiches as well as spinach and cheese and carmalized onion and cheese mini calzone. There were many more which escape me at the moment. It was such a beautiful day in Kenwood, warm but not too hot, with a gentle breeze. We enjoyed chatting, meeting new people, and seeing some members we have met before and catching up with them. It was also nice seeing Henry;s wife again. She came over to me to talk about what fun Gabriella had at our house for the tasting we had a few weeks ago and how she still t alks about it and little Steven. Gabriella was having a blast yesterday with her little sister too.
The entree for the day turning on the spit; a whole roasted pig.
He found us again and we were delighted! he did make us laugh.
The pig dressed and ready to be carved. Isn't it scrumptious looking?!
We were entertained by this comedian duo after being seated for lunch. They were quiye funny. The guy thought Bill looks like Wilford Brimley and came around often to tease him and joke around.
Bill and David got a big kick out of them, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves as well.
After being individually served a salad course of Insalata Romana (Caesar Salad) paired with the 2007 Gabriella Ranch Chardonnay, and a pasta course of Pasta con Pollo e Carciofi (Homemade Artichoke and Chicken Pasta) paired with the 2006 El Dorado Syrah the main course was served family style in platters on the table. Dom volunteered to serve each of us. Along with the spit roasted pork there was a good green bean salad with mushrooms and roasted red peppers dressed with a light vinaigrette. The pork melted in your mouth and the salad was fresh as well as refreshing on a warm afternoon.
Henry's father Vittorio on the left talking with guests.
My long-time friend Cathy on the left and me on the right. Following the entree we were again served individually a to-die-for piece of Torta al Gelato (LAdy Fingers with Choclate Hazelnut Ice Cream Cake) paired with the 2005 Baci di Famiglia Chardonnay Port. The food was once again prepared by Maria Belmonte, the Excutive Chef at VJB and also Henry's mother. She is an incredible chef and used to have a restaurant in Santa Rose called Il Protofino. It was a popular restaurant.
A full and content David.
A happy Fran.
Rose.
Paulette.
Comedian Dom at his best.
Verona and Paulette in a serious dicussion.
Henry and David talking.
Bill, Henry and David. It was a wonderful time with a wonderful family. Salute!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Summer Fresh Pasta Caprese
Last night I made something new for us, Pasta Caprese. This dish is full of fresh summer flavors combining ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil plucked from my garden. The dish is not hot when served, but warm. I found that I enjoyed some of the leftovers cold today . It makes a delicious and refreshing summer pasta salad as well.
1/4 cup EVOO
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 small shallot, minced fine (about 2 tablespoons)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
12 ounced fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 pound gemelli or any other curly or tubular pasta
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Juice of 1 lemon, if needed
2 teaspoons sugar, if needed
Whisk oil, garlic, shallot, salt and pepper together in bowl. If tomatoes are not ripe add the juice of 1 lemon and 2 teaspoons sugar. Add tomatoes, gently toss and set aside. Do not maronate for for longer than 45 minutes or the tom,atoes will turn to mush.
Meanwhile place cubed mozzarella on a plate and freeze until slightly firm, about 10 minutes or so.
Bring 4 quarts water to rolling boil in stockpot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta and cook until al dente. Drain well.
Add pasta and mozzarella to tomato mixture and gently toss to combine. Let stand 5 minutes. stir in basil; adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
1/4 cup EVOO
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 small shallot, minced fine (about 2 tablespoons)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
12 ounced fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 pound gemelli or any other curly or tubular pasta
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Juice of 1 lemon, if needed
2 teaspoons sugar, if needed
Whisk oil, garlic, shallot, salt and pepper together in bowl. If tomatoes are not ripe add the juice of 1 lemon and 2 teaspoons sugar. Add tomatoes, gently toss and set aside. Do not maronate for for longer than 45 minutes or the tom,atoes will turn to mush.
Meanwhile place cubed mozzarella on a plate and freeze until slightly firm, about 10 minutes or so.
Bring 4 quarts water to rolling boil in stockpot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta and cook until al dente. Drain well.
Add pasta and mozzarella to tomato mixture and gently toss to combine. Let stand 5 minutes. stir in basil; adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Evita - An Afternoon at the Theater
David feels up to going to the theater now, so yesterday he went with me to see Evita form our summer season series. It's always fascinating to see how they will stage a production in the round at the Wells Fargo Pavillon. We have not yet been disappointed. We had seent he original touring Boradway production staring Patty LaPone years ago. She started the role on Broadway and she is a very hard act to follow.
Sadly Julia Murbey though acted the part well, didn;t have a strong enough voice to carry off the songs her part had to sing in this role. Much of the time she sounded like she was screaming the lyrics and it was annoying.
Eric Kunza who played the role of Che was I feel the best in the show. He shined in the production and was well deserving of his standing ovation. He was amazing to watch and listen to. Scott Blanks who performed as Peron did a very good job. Evita was really a piece of work to say the very least in regards to her ambitions. How she climbed the ladder one man at a time until she got to the top in her eyes. It never ceases to amaze me how a whole country loved and adored her so deeply that their grief when she died at a young age held no bounds. She manipulated what the people saw and heard. She is still a beloved lengend in Argentina.
David wasn't up to our normal after theater dinner out downtown, so we headed on home and had leftover turkey breast that I had roasted the night before. We have recorded the entire John Adams series that were on HBO and have been making our way through them. Last night we watched one after dinner. We have benen enjoying them thoroughly; very well done. I highly recommend them if you haven;t already watched them.
Sadly Julia Murbey though acted the part well, didn;t have a strong enough voice to carry off the songs her part had to sing in this role. Much of the time she sounded like she was screaming the lyrics and it was annoying.
Eric Kunza who played the role of Che was I feel the best in the show. He shined in the production and was well deserving of his standing ovation. He was amazing to watch and listen to. Scott Blanks who performed as Peron did a very good job. Evita was really a piece of work to say the very least in regards to her ambitions. How she climbed the ladder one man at a time until she got to the top in her eyes. It never ceases to amaze me how a whole country loved and adored her so deeply that their grief when she died at a young age held no bounds. She manipulated what the people saw and heard. She is still a beloved lengend in Argentina.
David wasn't up to our normal after theater dinner out downtown, so we headed on home and had leftover turkey breast that I had roasted the night before. We have recorded the entire John Adams series that were on HBO and have been making our way through them. Last night we watched one after dinner. We have benen enjoying them thoroughly; very well done. I highly recommend them if you haven;t already watched them.
The Memory Keeper
Theresa spent 6 days in MN recently at a Creative memories conference. Her long-time friend Audra joined her on the trip. As most of you know, Theresa is very talented at memory/scrap booking. They started off their first day roaming downtown Minneapolis and enjoyed dinner at Itchiban, a Benihana-like restaurant. Day two they took the rail to The MAll of America. Her reaction was the same as her Dad's when he visited there, "WOW, that was a huge place!"
By 9 that evening they had walked the whole mall and enjoyed shopping with no sales tax on shoes and clothing. They were limited though, because what they bought had to fit in their exisiting luggage. You just have to love this shot of Audra being Mary Tylor Moore for a moment, next to a statue of the same.
The next three days were the conference. They took a tour of the main plant where all the scrapebook pages, and cloth covers are made, as well as where they do custom framing and house all their products for consultant orders.
She was able to meet one of the co-founders Rhonda Anderson as well as so many others from the core company and consultants from all states. That's Theresa on the left. (No that is not RA below)
Theresa left with a whole new outlook on the company. She said she is no longer going to call it scrapbooking.
That our memories are what we have and preserving them is what is important. That's Theresa on the left and Audra on the right below.
Theresa, Audra and a few of their Creative Memories friends.
By 9 that evening they had walked the whole mall and enjoyed shopping with no sales tax on shoes and clothing. They were limited though, because what they bought had to fit in their exisiting luggage. You just have to love this shot of Audra being Mary Tylor Moore for a moment, next to a statue of the same.
The next three days were the conference. They took a tour of the main plant where all the scrapebook pages, and cloth covers are made, as well as where they do custom framing and house all their products for consultant orders.
She was able to meet one of the co-founders Rhonda Anderson as well as so many others from the core company and consultants from all states. That's Theresa on the left. (No that is not RA below)
Theresa left with a whole new outlook on the company. She said she is no longer going to call it scrapbooking.
That our memories are what we have and preserving them is what is important. That's Theresa on the left and Audra on the right below.
Theresa, Audra and a few of their Creative Memories friends.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Do You Listen to Nicolas Gunn?
I've been a fan of Gunn's for years. He is a fantastic flutist/multi instrumentalist. My favorite is his Sacred Fire CD, though he has had many great CD's since then. His music was always a favorite of my customers at the eatery in Stanford in the day. You can check out his music and learn more about Gunn at http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/card/0,,439461,00.html
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