Spring on the horizon

Days are getting longer and the sun is coming back. I'm expecting those bulbs I buried last October to begin pushing their buds towards the heat and the first of spring blooms to surprise me one fine morning. However, my attempt to have a winter harvest of chard and spinach just didn't succeed. Guess those few but brutal rain storms just pounded the little seedlings too hard and they never got started. Upside...the bed is ready for spring planting when the time is right.

My sweet best friend, Penny, suffers through the early darkness and rainy days each year, so like me I know she is anxious for the longer days, nightly walks in the state park, and more outside fun. Meanwhile, she is holding on and hibernating by the fire.

This was a beautiful morning last weekend while strolling at a nearby park and horse ranch. She's pretty, isn't she? Such a love.

A new trend that is really taking off are the blends that many wineries are producing, particularly blends of cabernets, merlots, and other reds. I have had several that are delicious and bold, great with strong cheeses and meats, and inexpensive. One of the good ones is by the Bridlewood label that they call BlendITs. Wine prices seem to be creeping upwards. Now is a good time to savor some of the bargains available in our unique wine country. Salute!