The perfect end to the week :)
An impromptu trek to our local car show for the day with my youngest and his girlfriend/fiance/beloved/leprechaun.
Up early...fixed a big country style breakfast for all of us and then it was off to The Show. The impending rain holding off until the judging was done and the show was over.
It was a little like this
and this
and a lot of these
But, the ones that really capture my heart are the works in progress like these:
The latter looking a great deal as though it might have been recently fished out of the Wabash...but when I look at these unfinished "rust-buckets", I envision the hours that will be spent restoring them. Loving them. The smell of sanding dust and bondo. The layers and layers of lacquer.
The Potential.
Did I mention I've always been The Patron Saint of Rustbuckets?
Anyway, had a wonderful time kids! Thanks...and yes...I will be looking for those off-road walker tires...soon.
My white wine now curing...and started a vat of (what will eventually be) blush. Was fortunate enough to get a pound of those dark black Concords to start this batch!
Learning that small batch wine-making is not only a study in tastes..but also an auditory and olfactory adventure as well. The fermenting process not only being pungent..but quite noisy at times. The crackle and fizz of budding yeast beasts.
And, recently learned that a great many of the best "blush" wines out there (including several French varieties and most of the Californias) are basically just a "mixture" of a decent white and a little of a good red.
I stand a bit disillusioned. Maybe a LOT disillusioned.
SERIOUSLY????
I mean, it is like the comedian who did the whole routine about brown paper bag wines...
"Add ketchup and blow, and it becomes a fine Rose'"
My- mystical illusions -crushed.
Still avoiding the campden tablets and using the basic
Grapes...Sugar...Yeast
approach. If my white is any indication...it has worked. When I bottle a larger batch I will use the Campden to retard spoilage.
I was admittedly worried about the egg white clarification business...but it worked very well.
And, Yes.
I did back off the yeast in this batch...lol! No more wine-shine...
The Novel this week: John Sandford's latest Field of Prey.
Written in his fast paced, action packed, got to apprehend the killer, style. Well developed characters. A serial killer who has spent years and years perfecting his crime (and being unnoticed) until the day 21 bodies are discovered in an abandoned concrete-capped cistern. One abducted and killed each year since he started.
Not War & Peace. But an entertaining action/thriller. If you've read any of Sandford's other PREY novels you will like this latest. If you've never read him before be prepared for a wild ride.
And a quick recipe for Chicken Caprese which I am baking tonight!
Split pre-grilled chicken breast...layer on bruchette or slice of baguette with 1 Portabella mushroom each...slices of Roma tomato...Buffalo Mozzarella...and fresh basil. Broil until cheese bubbles and is starting to brown.
Pairs good with Pinot, or a good white/blush Zinfindal...and fresh fruit of any kind. And maybe a serving of that Tiramisu Gelato...
Just Sayin'
Have a Wonderful Relaxing Weekend :)
And my finished Rosemary Herbed Loaf!
Thanks for the recipe, Mark!
And a Happy Ending to the "Lovey-Cat" saga...
With the arrival of Tess' sister, after learning she had been left behind, scooped her up and has given her a forever (indoor) home :)
Tucker seems relieved.
Spoiled cat!
