Strawberry Wine..

 As an avowed wino, my illustrious history goes way back.  As an underage imbiber, my girl gang and I awoke our palates with none other than Boone’s Farm and probably sipped it on an actual ‘strawberry hill.’  We thought we were the epitome of class and quite possibly the inspiration for a country song.  When TJ Swan introduced ‘Easy Nights,’ our fickle selves paid the additional 25 cents a bottle and enjoyed some very easy nights. (Mornings-not so much….) The next step-and it was a big one-was the land of white Zinfandel.  Even the name sounded exotic and I felt totally sophisticated sipping the pretty pink swill.  With a brief foray into Zima,  I have settled on Pinot Grigio as my drink of choice.  It’s light and easy and again, has a bit of the exotic sound.

So basically I enjoy white wine, but when friends treated us to a bottle of Caymus, I was all in.  Luscious, smooth and velvety, sort of like a liquid chocolate, it pairs well with seafood, pork or veal.  

Or crunchy cheese curls….What can I say-I’m Strawberry Hill girl at heart.

Thank you to Jim and Debbie for the fabulous taste sensation.  You are friends as fine as Caymus! XO

Rebel Rebel…

 I’ve been called a rebel all of my life.  Not in some civil disobedience kind of way, but more as a personal way of life.  If my Dad were here today, he’d surely corroborate!  Much to his chagrin, I was the defender of everything he was not.  I spouted naive half-truths and interrupted his logic with my sassy mouth and always had to have the last word.  (Sassy was also my nickname.)  I fought hard for equality and women's rights and would have burned my bra if only I had one on.  I pushed dress codes and curfews just because I could.  I took all dares and expressed my opinions whether you were interested or not.  I love a good debate.  But…so….does that make me a rebel? Well, these days with my adult tact in place, I like to imagine myself as aware, strong willed and free spirited-and not nearly as sassy.  

I’ve learned the lessons I was trying to be taught.  Shut up and listen.  Think before you speak, or sass.  Walk a mile in another’s shoes.  Be compassionate and considerate.  Don’t take things so seriously-or personally.  Do the best you can.  I’m still an old school rebel and I always will be.  

How am I doin’, Dad?  I’ll let you have the last word.   Signed:your sassy rebel.   XO

Two Pink Lines…

I’ve always had a fascination with flamingos.  Their vivid pink color with the crazy body porportions make such an exotic look.   A few years ago, after many years of searching, I spotted a flamboyance in the wild.  My brother and I both gasped as we noted the hot pink color against the aqua water and green mangroves.  It was truly a beautiful and rare sighting. 

At Cheeseburger in Caseville on Saturday, I hooked up with with these little birds.    Did you know that a flock of is called a ‘flamboyance?’  Isn’t that the coolest?  Flamboyance was in overload as we saw people turned out in all the finery for the event.  Decorated golf carts, cars, and many doggo’s sported the tropical theme.  Lots of good viewings as we munched our cheeseburgers and sipped our libations.

  Cheeseburger is a fun event and I recommend going if you ever feel the need to ‘flamingle, ‘. (I think I just added some ‘cheese’ to the festival!). That’s the Case(ville!).   Have a flamboyant, exotic and pink filled week!   XO

The Motto…

 It's National Book Lovers Day and you don't know a bigger book lover than yours truly!  I started out young as a total bookworm  and haunted our little towny library regularly. I loved Nancy Drew and got a hardcover every Christmas and could be found curled up all day devouring the latest mystery along with a handful of Christmas cookies.  Books will always be my favorite gift.

These days I cannot stop hoarding books.  I have them stacked all over the house with every intention of reading each and every one.  A good story is my stress relief, relaxation and escape and given my druthers, (what the heck is a druther?) I'd sit all day and read my heart out.  I once said 'never' on an e-reader, but I admit to loving it.  I can blow up the font and adjust the light for those nights I can't sleep-or would rather read.  I still buy the old school books, too.  Mysteries, True Crime, Biographys, Memoirs, Fiction and Non- I love them all.

I love to chat with fellow bibliophiles and share us our latest reads and if I wasn't such a commitment phobe, I'd join a proper book club.  Sigh....

So, has anyone read any good books you'd like to recommend or discuss?  You know where to find me- with my book and a glass of wine-hey! Gotta honor this special day! 

Pressurelicious…

Hi Dolls!  Just a quick update on the state of the Dale life!  As pictured, I have suffered ‘boxer’s fracture.’  In order to avoid a car/deer crash, Randy hit the brakes and I braced myself for the contact.  So, I’m in a soft cast for awhile, hence this hunt and pick blog!

Recently, at a Tigers game, Randy came out to discover his truck had been stolen.  His Ford app located the truck, so we got it back, missing all valuables as well as a smashed window.  How irritating, expensive and inconvenient!

Summer is flying by and that’s the third bummer I’m dwelling on.  But, as they always say-things could be  worse.  Hope all is well in your world(s)!   XO