Last Turn Home

It was the afternoon of Saturday, September 13, 2014 in Manteo, NC when she met him. He was doing a mutual friend a favor by accompanying her to a wedding so she didn't have to go alone. No intentions. No hidden agenda. Before that night was over, something magical occurred. It was the most unexpected, natural and genuine thing they ever experienced.

Over the last two (almost) years, their relationship naturally evolved right before their eyes and continues to do so.
Unassuming.
Free as they'll ever be.
It was nice to finally be herself and be accepted regardless.
It was refreshing for him to finally be loved as he should be.
He gets her.
She didn't know what pure happiness was until their lives collided.

Since September 13, 2014, they hadn't been more than 10 minutes away from each other and have never been apart for more than a week at a time. For the last 15 days, 249 miles and four hours have separated them. They never thought 15 days would feel like an eternity.

Unfortunately, personal illness, frustration, helplessness and depression have surfaced but, fortunately, hope and love remain on the prevailing side. Although it may be faint to them right now (especially her), there IS a light at the end of the tunnel. With patience and constant prayer, one day very soon they will never be apart again.

A very special ladybug brought them together that Saturday afternoon in the Outer Banks. A very special dragonfly oversaw the union. A very special hawk also had a hand in the magic. They have constant spirits watching over them and encouraging their every move.

It isn't over yet.
In fact, the real magic is just about to begin.

"Thank God that we don't have to be alone/The closer I get, the more that my heart knows/You're like that last turn home"

- Tim McGraw

Cheers to wine and Dad!

Well, hello, good to see you again, my friends! It's been a while.

To be honest, I have neglected this blog for most of 2016. I haven't been inspired to write.

I also have been preoccupied with my other blog which follows my dad's battle with prostate cancer and my obsession with a non profit to put an end to the wretched disease. The Father's Day race was a success and as the top individual fundraiser and leader of the top team again this year, I shall now get back to working on wine and food and all things happy.

Believe me, I have a LOT of happy to write about! Stay tuned, this is gonna get good!

Two years ago, I joined the IYI - If You Insist - membership at my happy place. I was growing bored with the regular monthly membership wines and needed a spark. Believe it or not, I was getting more wine than I could drink and what I did drink didn't excite me. Upgrading to the IYI membership was one of the best things I ever did! I went from receiving two bottles every month at $35 to two bottles every quarter at $250. Don't let anyone ever tell you that price doesn't matter with wine because it sure does!! Not that there aren't $20 or $30 bottles of wine I enjoy, but you can definitely tell a difference compared to a $100+ bottle! Every quarter, IYI members also get to attend a

members-only tasting event with a guest at no cost!

The very first IYI members-only event that I attended is still one of my absolute favorites. One of the reasons was because my dad was my "plus one" that night. Dad attended many wine tastings with me over the years until his cancer came back and the effects of chemo took over. While I still enjoyed the IYI events, something had always been missing until this most recent event.

June 2 was my last IYI members-only tasting (Yeah, you heard that. Stay tuned for a later post for the reason. I'm not ready to divulge it all just yet). Since Dad accompanied me to my first, it was only appropriate and fitting that he accompany me to my last. I was concerned that he wasn't going to feel up to going but from the moment I invited him he gave me an enthusiastic "Yes"! Up to a week prior, my dad had been feeling better and I couldn't be happier. Seeing him in pain is something that I cannot fathom, especially when there's nothing I can do about it. Having my dad with me for the Sparkman wines event was incredibly special to me. I cannot even begin to put it into words.

Before the event began, we, of course, had to open up our own bottle of wine to share. I mean, how can you just sit in a wine bar for a half hour and not drink wine? That's just nonsense!

When the weather's warm, I tend to drink white wines. It's kind of like when the summer clothes come out of hiding, the white wine does as well. I love a good Cab but I'll be ready for that when autumn comes back around. I'll give Master Cab a break for now.

Come to momma, Mr. Chardonnay!

Not having anything in mind except for a California Chardonnay, I started to peruse the selection. Then I saw it.

2013 Jayson Chardonnay

Pahlmeyer Vineyards

North Coast, California

Obviously, my eye went right to it because it's my favorite guy's first name. Then I remembered I had missed the Pahlmeyer wine event a while back because of a stupid work meeting (Don't they know to plan board meetings around my social calendar by now?) and this would be my chance to try one of the wines.  But then the description totally sold me. You will always have me at "toasted vanilla" when it comes to a Chardonnay.

A little pricier than I usually choose on a Thursday evening, I figured it would be worth it for many reasons and had it tossed in the chiller. Wow, was I right. I haven't had a Chardonnay this delicious in quite a while!

Jayson's beautiful golden hue had aromas of honey, green apple, caramel and mandarin orange. With a rich and creamy taste, hints of ripe peach softened my taste buds first and apple, banana, baking spices and a touch of toasted vanilla rounded this mouth-watering wine to a finish!

Proud of myself, I sent a picture to my favorite guy and his quick-witted self replied, "I hope you get a discount since they spelled my name wrong!"

Dad and I were definitely starting this night out right!

At mylast IYI event, we would be tasting wines from Sparkman Cellars of Washington State. We were fortunate enough to not only have my buddy, Tom, from International Importers but Merf, the winemaker of Sparkman Cellars, join us! What a treat!

Let's get started!

2014 Pearl

Sauvignon Blanc

Yakima Valley

Ya'll know I'm not a Sauvignon Blanc fan because I hate grapefruit and that's usually how Sauv Blancs smell and taste. Well, this one smelled even worse... unless you like a mix of dishwashing liquid and Pine Sol! I seriously looked around for a cloth so I could polish the WineStyles furniture with it.  Honestly, while it didn't taste like grapefruit, it did taste just as unpleasant as its aroma. Before the next wine, I used my water to rinse out the glass and then a paper towel to wipe out any residual Pine Sol. Mind you, I was the only one at my table who thought this way but again, that's why we all have different tastes and why there are so many wines out there! To each his own!

2012 Apparition

White Blend

Yakima Valley

Well, I was on a roll because I didn't care for this next white blend either. It had some serious aroma to it but not much taste. Dad got apricot and stone (have I taught him well or what?). My friend, Shauna, got mosquito repellent. I got a sweaty, oily mechanic after working in the garage on cars on a humid August 100 degree day. It had a "nonchalant" taste to it and Shauna said it best when she said it tasted "empty". I, of course, had an appropriate add-on to that comment - "empty like the brain of my ex-husband". Hey, if the wine fits.....

While I love the name Yakima because it's just a fun word to say, I am quite fond of Columbia Valley wines and was hoping the reds from that area wouldn't let us down.

Wilderness Red Blend

Columbia Valley

Does it smell like the wilderness? I know you're wondering.

Well, our conclusion was that it smelled like dog food and bear shit mixed with wild berries.

So yeah, maybe..... if that's your kind of wilderness.

In case you weren't sure, the wilderness also tastes like you're eating a candy fireball with a bite of lingering smoky licorice.

Yeah, I'll leave you to ponder those. I came at ya hard this time!

For whatever reason, this led to a discussion about bag phones. Some of you may not even know what a bag phone is but Shauna and I sure remember. Those things saved our young lives after high school. We felt invincible! As long as we had a bag phone, we could drive anywhere no matter how far or how long it took because we had that monstrous phone in its faux leather bag plugged into our car cigarette lighter. Yep, ya never know what diversions our conversations will take at my happy place. That's part of the magic.

Upward and onward to the next......I hope.

2012 Ruckus

Syrah

Columbia Valley

Well, the Ruckus Syrah surely wanted to be a funky red wine and ya'll know I love some stinky and funky-smellin' reds! It reminded us of green moss on a wet log in the woods. It tasted of cranberry candle wax with a stone fruit peachy finish with a little kick at the end. The best wine we tasted so far....

2013 Darkness

Syrah

Columbia Valley

Now we're talking!! Darkness is all about the barnyard funk, baby! The minute I took a whiff, I was hooked. Some said it had a flavor of olives but I got smooth, dark berries wrapped in oak. Shauna said it best when she said it reminded her of "being in a barn and the door is shut and its dark!"  I love a dilapidated barn! Give me a smooth oaky barnyard funk smellin' red in that dilapidated barn and I'm a happy girl!

2013 Evermore

Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Valley

Arthur typically saves the best for last and I usually agree. It would be hard to top Darkness for me though. However, Evermore was damn delicious and, lucky for me, I received a bottle in my last quarterly IYI batch!  The name instantly made me think of my favorite poet, Edgar Allan Poe. Think "The Raven".

What came to mind at first whiff? Vinyl, barnyard and dirty socks! Then second whiff was an old Victorian house that's dusty! Either way, it smelled amazing! This wine could use a couple of years laying down in the cellar and then it will really have a fantastic flavor. Fortunately, I can afford to do that! This will be a definite special occasion wine to pop open in a couple of years.

There is no better date than my dad! I am so honored to have had him by my side at my last IYI event!! Cheers to many more wine celebrations together!

In water one sees one's own face;
But in wine one beholds the heart of another.

~ French proverb

True colors run red

Sometimes it just ends. The moment has passed. The friendship is over. The memories, like those of a destroyed marriage, eventually just fall off the edge of your mind like the relationship never even existed. The partnership was never one of equality or even like-mindedness. You continually gave and they consumed every ounce like a thief  gorging on your selfless generosity. True colors are not always beautiful but they are detrimentally vivid. You don't feel good or bad about the demise. You just feel indifferent which speaks volumes in itself.  Before long, you feel absolutely nothing. Nothing at all. A sense of undeniable peace and contentment wraps your entire being like a warm blanket. A newfound freedom prevails. You realize red never was your color.

Simple pleasures of 2015

As I ponder my life and all that has happened on this last day of 2015, I find myself smiling more than crying. I consider that a success in itself! I am quite a lucky girl in so many aspects. I attribute that to my faith and perseverance in this crazy world.

I would be remiss if I didn't end this year's blogging with a summary of my simple pleasures of 2015. They all surround the simplest pleasures of all to me - family, food/libations, music, football and love!

In January 2015, I signed up to race on Father's Day with ZERO- The End of Prostate Cancer. The whirlwind quickly took over and I ended up creating the Denny's Shotgun Riders team, holding a successful fundraiser at my happy place, becoming the top fundraiser by raising over $12,000 to end prostate cancer, being asked to speak at the race and being interviewed on tv with the Marketing Director of ZERO. Before summer, my family and I were embraced by the ZERO family and it is a true blessing!

In February 2015, I lost two very special people in my life.  My heart has been stamped with their presence and I will always have them with me. I am a better person having known them.

 My Ohio State Buckeyes won the first ever college National football Championship this year AND I got to go to my first game at "the Shoe" in Ohio at the end of the year with my favorite guy (not to mention see where he grew up and meet his momma!)

I can't believe I haven't gained at least 50 pounds after all the amazing food, beer, bourbon and wine we enjoyed this year! I'd take any chance I could to jump on the Harley for a jaunt out to breweries, wineries, distilleries, festivals and food establishments!

Music is food for my soul! I was so blessed to have enjoyed a ton of concerts and tailgates this year! Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, Train, Matt Nathanson, Vince Gill, Thomas Rhett.....

Being in the pit at Nats Park for my Avett Brothers and the Zac Brown Band was a night I'll never forget!!

On Memorial Day, I was honored to ride on the back of my man's Harley as a part of Rolling Thunder. It was one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences I have ever been part of and seeing my parents on the overpass as we went by was the icing on the cake!

I attended every Redskins home game but two this season in my dad's absence and hailed my boys the best way I knew how! I'd like to say they won every game that I attended.... they are also NFC East Champs!

In November, I was ecstatic and thankful to meet Coach Joe Gibbs for the first time at the groundbreaking of a new girls' home on the Youth for Tomorrow campus! What an inspirational man! If only there were more people like him!

Thanks to my medium, Barb Mallon, and her expertise, I took a class a Pet Communication class in April and have been thrilled to learn to communicate with my sweet Prowler and two slippers, Alvin and Callie. I have also been blessed with the ability to communicate with other animals as well and look forward to continue to hone my skills.

To my surprise, I was reunited (but not in person yet) with my first childhood best friend, Brian, and his brother, Sean, after being out of touch for over 30 years.  My heart overfloweth!

My dad started chemo in February and while it is wreaking havoc on his body it is also killing the cancer! Thank God for my parents, my best friends, my world.

The moments I have spent this year with my parents, my favorite guy, and my many friends of which I consider family have been priceless. Making memories at Colonial Beach and the Outer Banks along with my wine bar have all culminated into my top three happy places. Material things aren't what matter to me - moments with my people are what matter to me and I am rich in those 2015 moments!

 I have always had a strong faith and I have always believed that everything happens for a reason. Every September for the past five years I have treated myself for my birthday to a session with a spirit medium. I have found it to be very personal, emotional, rewarding and rejuvenating for my heart and soul. This year was no different but resonated with me in a special way. It wasn't the first time my grandmother came through but this time she expressed things to me that I needed to hear and didn't even realize. One thing that she told me was, "There are no coincidences" and that she had a hand in important things that had occurred in my life this past year. In October, as a permanent reminder, I designed this tattoo to represent her words and our faith.

As you're thinking about what's happened in 2015 and what your possible resolutions and goals are for 2016, take a moment and consider what your blessings are. I bet you don't even realize how fortunate you really are in this life. If you need some reassurance or a reality check, hit me up. I'll be happy to enlighten you.



Be safe tonight if you're out and about. Most of all be thankful. Take it from my parents and me, your life can change in an instant and not always for the better. Find happiness in the simple pleasures of life. They will reward you ten times over.


May God bless you all with a loving, happy and healthy 2016.  I wish you enough!

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish enough "Hellos" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

- Bob Perks

When you least expect it...

... incredible things happen and amazing memories are made which last a lifetime

I love birthdays. I make a big deal out of my birthday and I celebrate the entire month. This year, my parents, my favorite guy, my best friend and I went to Maggiano's for my actual birthday dinner. All I wanted was to spend precious time with them enjoying delicious food; creating moments to remember. 

When I drug my fat and happy butt home that night, my favorite guy gave me his gifts. Among the many wonderful items was one huge surprise - a surprise that I could never have anticipated. It proved that my favorite guy pays attention to me and wants to make me happy. He doesn't have to work hard to make that happen though. He makes me happy every day just by being himself. Awwww.

One gift consisted of two pieces of paper. As I unfolded the papers and saw Ed Sheeran tickets, I don't know what came over me quicker - shock or pure delight! I LOVE Ed. Ok, I don't love Ed. I love his music. I love his uniqueness. I had heard months ago that he was coming to the Verizon Center for two nights and I got excited. However, I was then quickly disappointed because the two nights that he would be in town were two nights that were impossible for me to attend - one was the night of a Board meeting and one was my mom's birthday. So I just cried in silence, pushed it out of my mind and let it go.

My favorite guy, knowing that one date was a Board meeting, decided to make the second night happen and even made plans with my mom to watch Prowler so we could go. Mom, being the wonderful mother that she is, didn't mention that it was her birthday and did what she always does - puts her daughter first. He had no idea it was her birthday and felt terrible when he found out after he had already bought the sold-out tickets. I always knew she was the best mom ever but it amazes me how day after day she continues to prove it in so many different ways.

Ed. I don't even know how to put into words this incredible night. Ed's music speaks to me. Some of his lyrics are deep and moving. Some of them just make me move. Regardless, it's a feeling that I cannot explain and it was a night that was incomparable. From swaying with my man and feeling butterflies as I sang along with this goofy ginger to his song, Thinking out Loud:

"And I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways

Maybe just the touch of a hand

Oh me I fall in love with you every single day

And I just wanna tell you I am.

So honey now

Take me into your loving arms

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars

Place your head on my beating heart

I'm thinking out loud
Maybe we found love right where we are"

....to belting out every word to the haunting "The A-Team" and being transported back to two years ago when my grandmother was unresponsive in the hospital and I sang these words to her, "It's too cold outside for angels to fly"

.....to trying to keep up with Ed's rhythmic genius by dancing and singing to "Don't" and
"Sing!"

My surprise Ed tickets with my favorite guy was one of the best birthday presents I have ever received and I had absolutely no idea it was coming!!

Along the line of "not expecting," prior to the show, we had dinner at our favorite BBQ joint in the area, Hill Country. Then we sauntered around DC because it was a Friday during happy hour and we had time before the show.  Not wanting to join the DC socialites, we were looking for something more our style. A hole-in-the-wall, quaint place, not too many people. Hell, even a dive bar would do.

Thanks to Google, we found Denson's Liquor Bar. Literally across the street from the Verizon Center and down a creepy flight of stairs into the underground, we happened upon a dark and swanky bar! Even the bathroom was cool! Who has been hiding this gem from me?!!!

Zebulon (yep, that's his real name), our bartender, was the epitome of entertaining and a wealth of knowledge! While Denson's is quite expensive, it was the 23rd day of my birthday month and we were celebrating! It's not like we'll go there every day (phew). I have such a comprehensive list of whiskey and bourbon to try now!

If a room had an aura, then this room had the best aura of all. There was a presence that surrounded me and while it's hard to put into words, as I'm remembering and writing this blog, I feel it again. I knew my grandfather's spirit was there with us. Denson's had a sort of speak easy, step-back-in-time feeling to it. I could easily see my grandfather hanging out there with us, talking to Zeb and sipping on some good bourbon. While Granddad had his favorite bourbon I am more of a try-em-all girl. I know we'd make a perfect pair.

I tend to lean toward rye whiskey and also have a love for peated whiskey.  As I explained this to Zeb, he then asked if I liked scotch. For some reason I have always turned my nose up to scotch and refuse to like it.  However, after an hour with Zeb, my opinion started to change.  However, when he exclaimed, "You're a scotch whiskey girl!" I quickly quieted him and told him not to tell anyone and stated that I'll never admit it.

The absolute winner of the night though was the

Ouroboros Heavily Peated American Single Malt Whiskey.

Burnt rubber. Delish.

The ancient Egyptians were the first to use the image of an ouroboros - a dragon eating its own tail - which represents the cyclical nature of life. This whiskey is 100% California barley dried in a small handmade kiln over a California peat flame. The peat is sourced from a private island in the delta beneath the San Fran Bay which gives this whiskey the integrated notes of smoke and tangy salt. It is aged in Hungarian oak casks which have previously been used for Napa Chardonnay. Well, of course, I love it!

Oh yeah, and my favorite guy, also has the Ouroboros tattooed on his arm. Coincidence? I think not. There are no coincidences. I felt my grandfather's presence at Denson's and my grandmother obviously brought forth this whiskey for us. They always loved celebrating my birthday obviously and still do!

When you least expect it, incredible things happen and amazing memories are made which will last a lifetime. Thanks to the love and sacrifice of my mom and my favorite guy, September 23, 2015 was one of those nights for me!

“I mulled over what he had told me as I savored the Scotch. Not bad, really — like a beer that’s been in a brawl.”

― David Justice

Let them eat cake!

Cake pops. You’ve all seen them. Round balls of cake with icing coated in melted chocolate served on a stick. A lollipop-type cake dessert. I decided this past summer to try to make them for my favorite guy for his birthday. He loves red velvet cake. I’m not a baker but I figured I could do this, right?  So I found a recipe and I made them, but I didn’t put them on a stick. As a result, I call them cake balls instead of cake pops. Red velvet cake balls with cream cheese frosting mixed into the batter, dipped in melted white chocolate. It was a huge hit.

 

For Thanksgiving, I decided to make cake balls again but this time I would be a little more creative. The possibilities are endless, plus I’m not a fan of red velvet. So I made two different kinds. The first was devils food cake with dark chocolate frosting mixed in, dipped in melted semi-sweet chocolate and topped with chocolate sprinkles.  The second variety was lemon cake with classic vanilla frosting mixed in, dipped in melted white chocolate and adorned with toasted coconut. Both were a huge hit with my man and my parents.  I enjoyed the dark chocolate ones with red wine and the lemon ones were perfect for breakfast.

 

For Christmas this year, I decided it was time to try yet another concoction. Fudge marble cake with classic vanilla frosting mixed in and dipped in melted semi-sweet chocolate.  I also figured it was time to share the recipe because while it may be incredibly messy and time consuming, the delicious factor is totally worth it! One cake mix makes a ton of cake balls depending on the size you create and they even freeze well!

 

Ingredients

Cake mix of your choice (choose one that mentions moist)

Can of frosting

Sprinkles, toasted coconut, any type of adornment

Largest bag of chocolate chips you can find – white, semi-sweet, dark - you choose!

 

Directions

Make the cake according to the box directions. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes – preferably longer.

 

While the cake is cooking/cooling, line two cookie sheets with wax paper.

 

After the cake has cooled, rip up the cooked cake into a large mixing bowl. Yep, that beautiful cake you just made - tear it up and put it in the bowl.

Mix it up with your hands until all the clumps are out.

 

Take ¾ of the can of frosting (do not use the entire can – it will be too mushy) and mix it in to the bowl of cake pieces. Blend well with your hands or a flat backed spoon. Do not use a mixer.

 

Roll the mixture into balls with your hands. There are molds for these but why spend money on molds? You have two hands. You can roll the mixture into balls, right? How big, you ask? That all depends on your liking.  I could easily get 48 balls out of one box of cake but I have also rolled them bigger and made 24 balls.

 

Place the rolled balls on the wax paper. Once all the balls are rolled, put another layer of wax paper on top of the balls and place the trays in the fridge for at least two hours. I like to put them in overnight. You want them to firm up before dipping.

 

On the back of the chocolate chip package will be directions on how to melt the chocolate. I like to use a double boiler to melt my chocolate on the stove. Microwaving can work too quickly and burn the chocolate. Put water in the bottom pan but make sure that the bottom of the top pan doesn't touch the water. Hint - you don't need much. You want the water warm but not boiling so heat it on medium heat. Pour the chocolate chips in - I think the more the better even though the bag says no more than two  cups. You need the melted chocolate to be deep enough for the entire cake ball to be covered easily.

 

Once the chips start to get shiny, start stirring with a wooden spoon. It won't take long for the chips to melt into a smooth luscious melted chocolate.  

Once it's melted remove the top pan and put it on a hot plate. Put a cake ball into the melted chocolate. Roll it in the chocolate and gently use a fork to lift the ball out of the chocolate, letting the excess drip off into the pan. Place the ball onto the wax paper.  If you want sprinkles or any topping, do it immediately before it cools and the chocolate hardens. Otherwise, the adornments won't stick.

 

Once all the balls have been dipped and on the wax paper, put them in the fridge and let them firm up. Depending on how thick you've coated them with chocolate is how long it will take for them to harden. After two hours in the fridge they should be ready.

Carefully, peel them off of the wax paper and place them in a tupperware or serving dish.  I made these bigger than usual and of course if you want to use lollipop sticks make the balls smaller. Totally your choice.

 

 

 

Keep in mind these are REALLY messy to make so give yourself tons of time! One thing that helps relax me when I make cake balls is whiskey! This time I decided to imbibe on some Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. No, I didn't put it in the mix!

 

Cake balls are fun to make and absolutely delicious to eat! For a different treat for your kids or even for yourself, try them! I'm sure yours will be prettier than mine. But I'm not trying to win any awards. They taste delicious and isn't that what really matters?

Stories aren't the icing on the cake. They ARE the cake!

-Peter Gruber