Healthy ? Living

Just got back from a trip to Costco. Love that place.

We're trying to eat healthier.


So we bought some fruit.



And some veggies.




And some chia seeds.


Instructions for the chia seeds say to put a tablespoon into your favorite drink, wait 15 minutes and consume.


My favorite drink is wine.


Is that a problem?

Avoiding the news

Tonight I'm sitting at the computer because there's a part of me that wants to avoid the news. Not that I don't already know about the bombs at the Boston marathon (I know, because a coworker was at the finish line when it happened; see his account in the Washington Post via the link above). But I don't really want to see the news.

We had a really nice weekend (not weather-wise, but fun activities), so I don't want to lose my good mood.

Saturday, we took a nice walk with the dogs.

Sunday, we went to Hood River since they were having their open studio tour of local artists.

Found these earrings by Kathy Watne. Enameled lily pads! How cute are these!?!

And this amazing painting by Karen Watson. I'd like to get lost walking along this turquoise water.

There must be something about having the initials "KW" in Hood River that breeds talent. 

We also did a couple tastings at two of our favorite wineries: Marchesi and Naked.

Also had a fine pizza at Double Mountain!

Tonight, I pulled from slot #1 in the red wine zone of our SubZero wine fridge. (Best estate sale find, evah!) Out came a bottle of Ty Caton cabernet sauvignon. Score!

The cab has a beautiful dark plum color. The nose is faintly warm and woody, with black cherry notes. On the tongue, I get more dark berries and oak, and wow -- is it ever velvety while it grabs the tongue. It departs with a minerality and strong tannins. Very long finish.

Appellation: Sonoma Valley. We are overdue for a visit to California. This will keep me happy in the meantime.

Average Tuesday Night Leftovers Made Extraordinary

Hubs made some beef brisket over the weekend since family was in town. (Always nice to have lots of leftovers for easy breakfast and sandwiches!) We decided to make some twice-baked potatoes with it for dinner tonight ~ cheesy goodness!

Then, since we'd (ok, I'd) finished the Cathedral Ridge Syrah last night, it was time to make a new selection.

Enter the Marchesi Vineyards'
Barbera ~ 2011 Achille

Beautiful plum color, with dark red fruits on the nose, including cherry. Sweet with nice acidity, grabs the tongue in a sneaky way.

From Marchesi's website: "We built this winery around this particular varietal. So far, this vintage has been the best expression of Barbera we have produced at Marchesi Vineyards. Lovely sweet fruit on the palate, nice acidity, smooth and has a great mouth feel.

Barbera is king in the Piemonte region of NW Italy. Here in Northern Oregon, we share the same latitude, climate and hours of daylight. Achille's Barbera is loaded with bright ripe cherry fruit, balanced by mouthwatering natural acidity to complement most food, especially duck, beef, or just about any meats that's been braised on it's own juices."


Huh ~ looks like we made the perfect choice to go with our beef brisket! Awesome dinner, delightful wine.


Harvest Notes:

Appellation: Columbia Valley / Harvest Date: October 2010
Varietal: 100% Barbera / Vineyard: Columbia Valley
Cases Produced: 138 / Alcohol: 13.5% / pH: 3.25


If you haven't been out to visit Marchesi, they're in Hood River. Small tasting room, but super-friendly.