Grape Crushing in Wine Country

While watching one of my favorite “I Love Lucy” episodes last night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw0D-Rv_vro) I decided to figure out when and where I had to be to dance in the grapes like Lucy. (This is definitely on my "bucket list" and I think it should be on yours.)

I realize I am somewhat jumping the gun on this one because it’s now only June and the “Crush” or harvest, typically doesn’t take place until September or October, but I decided you should know about this so that you can plan your trips to Wine Country accordingly. I wouldn’t want you to miss out!

“Crush” is the season when grapes are picked and crushed. At this time of year, the entire Wine Country celebrates its harvest with street fairs, festivals, and grape stomps. The largest, most popular grape stomp, at The Sonoma County Harvest Fair, is held the first weekend in October.

So although California’s vineyards have become very technologically savvy, visitors can still find a few traditional wineries and festivals that celebrate their bounty with the old-school, "I Love Lucy" style crush. Surely you wouldn't want to miss the chance to squish some grapes between your toes and unleash your inner Lucy. Just don't end up like this poor lady (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDKhZ8l1n8A).

Beautiful...

The view from dinner last night. Beautiful Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City. The "perfect" margaritas coupled with this gorgeous view and some of my favorite people made for a great night. 

Kate Hudson (my all-time fave) and Jessica Alba (eh…) are currently shooting a movie, partying, and getting into a little trouble in my hometown: Oklahoma City.

One of my friends claims to have met the two at the Riverwind Casino last Thursday night. Said Hudson kept to herself and her poker game and Alba was extremely talkative, the “life of the party.” Alba has recently come under fire for “vandalism.” The actress allegedly posted signs all over the downtown area (over bridges and United Way ads) advocating the protection of Great White sharks. Hmmm…maybe one two many drinks at the Riverwind got her environmental conscience going… Come on, Alba; you’re in Oklahoma for crying out loud…wrong venue.

For more on the story, see http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090610/ap_en_ce/us_alba_investigation

The movie, “The Killer Inside Me,” is based on a 1952 crime thriller by Oklahoman author, Jim Thompson. The novel is a “psychological thriller” about a small town deputy sheriff named Lou Ford.

Supposedly, Alba is playing a hooker and Hudson will play the schoolteacher girlfriend of the sheriff. 

The cast will be filming in Guthrie, OKC, and Tulsa over the next six weeks.

As for me, I will be picking up a copy of Thompson’s novel so that I will be ready and well-read by the time the movie comes out.  

Summer Treats

The snow cone made its delicious debut at the State Fair of Texas in 1919. 

To this day, the icy treat remains to be considered the perfect summer-time refreshment. 

My sister, Abby, works at the most popular snow cone stand in Edmond, OK. "Island Snow," at 2nd and Broadway, is constantly busy serving sweet-toothed youngsters (and others); anxiously awaiting their tasty treat.

Now, don't get me wrong-this snow cone stand is unlike the countless others. Not once have I encountered an unhappy employee at this place. (but how could they be unhappy; they work with all of their friends and are paid in cash!) The ice is perfectly shaven and the flavor is just right. I'm serious...it actually melts in your mouth (unlike than the granulated, crunchy ice that one may associate with the typical snow cone). 

Employees say their most popular cones are "Tigers Blood" (strawberry/banana) & "Silver Fox" (vanilla). However, customers can choose from over 100 flavors ranging from the feminine "Hannah Montana" to the masculine "Ninja Turtle" and the slightly more mature "Margarita" (my personal favorite). 

So if you're ever in the Edmond area on a hot summer day, swing by and try out Oklahoma's favorite "Island Snow." I promise, it will not disappoint. 

Welcome to Oklahoma: Native America

Today is the last day of the 23^rd annual Red Earth Festival in OKC.

Let me first apologize to my Texan friends for not letting ya’ll know about this spectacular event beforehand.

Each time they have driven up for a weekend in this great state, (only once: TCU vs. OU; the only event capable of persuading them to head northbound on 35) their only request has been to see a Native American in living color (statues didn’t count).

I will admit, I failed in my responsibility as a hostess to live up to their expectations. To make up for that failure, I gave one Austinite a Dreamcatcher for graduation. Remedy, yes, but am I satisfied? No. I remain determined to present them with the full “Oklahoman” experience.

And dang-it, I missed my chance this weekend. More than 1200 American Indian artists and dancers came together in OKC to celebrate their heritage. From dance competitions complete with tribal dress to an art show and market of authentic beadwork, basketry, pottery, and paintings, this would have been the perfect opportunity. Maybe next year.

The Art of Manliness

There’s hope yet. Someone else out there shares my question: What happened to the “manly man?” Where are our Clark Gables?

You know the type I’m talking about – the man who can fix anything, build anything (w/o instructions from IKEA), change a tire, change the oil, open a ranch gate, etc. Sadly, I know a few whose solution to a flat tire would be, simply, “Call Triple A.”

It is unfortunate, but true, that, while there are exceptions, the vast majority of our generations’ men don’t compare to our grandfathers and fathers; the men of the “Greatest Generation” who understood sacrifice, the value of the dollar, and the merit of hard work.

The McKays, a young couple in Tulsa ask the same questions in their blog, “The Art of Manliness.” “I thought men were kind of pansies sometimes,” Kate McKay said to the Daily Oklahoman. “They just didn’t seem real hardy and resilient.”

Their blog includes information on “manly topics” that range from the 5 classic cocktails every man should know how to make, reviews of ideas of great men from Socrates to Warren Buffett, relationship advice, financial advice, tips on dressing and grooming, health advice, how to make your yard look like Wrigley Field, how to talk like Frank Sinatra, and even how to shave like your grandpa.

So where are those men like the ones in the 1940s movies: suave, decisive, and confident. Some may call it unrealistic, but I disagree. They’re out there. Judging by the over 33,000 that subscribe to the McKay’s blog, more and more are coming around. They're just hidden by an abundance of graphic tee wearing, protein shake addicts whose ultimate goal is to have the biggest pecs in the bar. Priorities, people.

Think ladies, these are the men who you will depend on to move the smelly road-kill out of your front yard, fix your leaky faucet, and raise your children with – so if you haven’t found him yet, look harder and if you have, hold on to him. 

P.S. I know I’m no Grace Kelley, but I’m trying. (Anyone want to start a blog on the art of womanliness? Our gender could use a little help, too. Maybe that will be the subject of my next post.)

Artofmanliness.com

http://newsok.com/couples-blog-encourages-men-to-be-like-males-of-greatest-generation/article/3374328

Motivational Tunes

Along with all of the perks of summertime - relaxation, lounging by the pool, sipping on beer-itas, and those glorious weekends at the lake - comes the bathing suit; that dreaded, yet often necessary, item. 

The two-piece inevitably mandates the occasional workout which is why I decided to share with you my favorite motivation for those hot, afternoon jogs: new music. In my mind, nothing is more terrible than the moment you find yourself able to correctly identify the next song on the playlist. BORING... 

The solution: sit down and change up your ipod to something that will make you 'get up and go'. Here are a few of my favorite newest additions to help prepare myself for that "yellow polka-dot bikini" (ya, right) :

“Electric Feel” – MGMT

“Express Yourself” – Madonna

“Groove is in the Heart” – Deee-Lite

“Doo Wop (That Thing)” – Lauryn Hill

“California” – AB O’neill

“Animal City” – Shakira

“F**k You” – Lily Allen

“Everybody Got Their Something” – Nikka Costa

“Don’t Bother” – Shakira

“Brick House” – The Commodores

“Early in the Morning” – The Gap Band

“(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again” – L.T.D.

“Flash Light” – Parliament

“Can’t Behave” – Courtney Jaye

“Black Betty” – Ram Jam

Enjoy!!     -ah

Kendall vs. La Crema

Today I learned an interesting little tidbit of information. My two favorite wines (La Crema and Kendall Jackson, duh) are

 owned and produced by the same people! Well now doesn’t that explain a lot about my obsession…Kendall-Jackson purchased the rights to La Crema in 1993 and KJ now 

produces the wines at their facility near Geyersville, CA.

I think it’s safe to say that La Crema is simply the upper echelon version of Kendall. I hope to enjoy the “distinguished” La Crema throughout my summer days at home on Mom and Dad’s tab, and later switch back to my first love, Kendall, when I embark on my cramped law school budget in Tulsa.

Both are equally enjoyable wines and, when chilled, the perfect antidote for those long, hot summer days. KJ has one up on its “more sophisticated” sibling, however : you can’t name a kid La Crema, but you can name one Kendall.  

Toby

is this not the cutest puppy you've ever seen?? Burns, they don't have any of this caliber in Canton...

San Francisco

One of my friends will soon be headed to San Francisco. It will be his first time to the city and was inquiring about what all it has to offer/what he should do to impress his lady friend.

I have been once (and absolutely loved it) so I thought I’d share a few of my “San Franciscan favorite things.” I had the opportunity to spend a few days there while vacationing with my parents and a friend in California’s wine country for my 21^st.

San Francisco has so much to offer! We practically walked everywhere we went and definitely got a good workout. The city, very hilly, is a challenge for anyone – in shape or not. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Our first stop in San Fran was the Fisherman’s Wharf where we had ‘brown bag beers’ and fresh seafood on the pier. Then, happy hour at The San Franciscan. An old restaurant that is designed like a boat right on the water. We had a beautiful view of Alcatraz. We didn’t have time to make it out for a tour of the island, but from what I’ve heard, I would definitely recommend it. The Pier is huge and there is so much to explore. The Ferry Building on the Embarcadero at Market Street is the perfect place to go for your morning coffee, farmers’ markets, and cute little shops. Another “must-see” is the famous Lombard Street; a very steep, zig-zagged street lined with absolutely gorgeous homes.

Sausalito, a small town across the Golden Gate bridge, nestled away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, is a true gem. Sausalito, known for its’ laid back atmosphere and small town feel, is an old fishing village on the northern end of the Golden Gate bridge. Home to many artists and writers, the picturesque waterfront community is home to open air cafes and wonderful art galleries. Residents of the quaint town boast that Sausalito is “…the reason they built the bridge!” If I ever get another chance to go to San Francisco, I plan to spend the majority of my time across the bridge in Sausalito. (http://www.sausalito.org/)

After our 2-day layover in San Francisco, we left with a unique appreciation for the beautiful city. It is definitely a place I would love to go back and explore further. Have a great time Bloch!

Beer-itas!!

In honor of weekends at the lake and afternoons by the pool, I thought I would share my beer-ita recipe for your drinking enjoyment. Not only is this little concoction tasty, it is extremely easy to make. That way, should you be slightly over-served, your friends will never notice the difference.  Plus, you’ll spend less time mixing and more time enjoying.

The Famous Beer-ita

1 can sprite

1 (12 oz.) can frozen limeade

1 can/bottle Mexican beer (corona, tecate, whatever…)

Tequila to taste (I fill the empty limeade container with tequila - that seems to do the trick)

Put all of the ingredients in a large pitcher and mix with a spoon. (No blenders allowed…it will explode-trust me). Serve over ice while wearing your favorite Mexican mumu. Delicious.

Warning: too many of these and you might end up looking like my “tequila terrorist” friend.

 

Today is my parents’ 25^th wedding anniversary.

So for the purpose of this blog, I thought I might relay a little relationship advice from my dad. Now it's obvious that men and women don't typically see things the same way (relationships in particular). Therefore, I thought it would be best to pick the man’s brain and get his side of the story. So here goes: 4 things (from Bill's perspective) that lead to long-lasting, happy relationships.  

1.       Choosing wisely from the beginning

2.       Perseverance

3.       Maintaining a relationship with her parents that is just as strong as your relationship with her

4.       Good food and good wine

Congratulations and thanks, Mom and Dad, for being such a great example of love and commitment. Here's to another 25!

Curveballs

Isn't it funny how no matter what sort of plans we make and no matter how foolproof and concrete those plans might seem, life has a funny way of changing directions on you just when you become complacent. Talk about frustrating. But life's little curveballs are what keep it interesting, right? 

I've had a few curveballs hit me lately... graduating from college (maybe not a curveball b/c dad's checkbook had been expecting it for a while now, but a drastic change nonetheless). I've just recently left my best friends in Fort Worth to move back to Jones, OK and live with the family for the summer. It will be interesting to see who makes it out alive... survival of the fittest anyone?

Yes, I did have alternate plans for the summer. I had planned to go to Spain to nanny for a family, but that little extravaganza fell through at the last minute. (I would like to especially thank Student Universe for charging me $200 in cancellation fees because fickle Spaniards are not covered by Travel Guard Insurance.) So, yes, due to life's curveballs, my summer plans have changed significantly, although perhaps for the better. Potential plans include a kayaking trip to Lake Powell with Dad, putting together a cookbook of Gram's famous recipes, and spending some well-deserved relaxation time at Possum Kingdom. Despite life's little curveballs, things are going to work out - just have to regroup a little. 

As far as this blog goes, I started it to keep all of ya'll posted about my experiences in Espana. However, as that has turned into a "no-go," please expect a slight change in content. I will still keep you updated on my experiences with food, wine (duh), and life's random excursions and detours and I promise to keep it interesting! 

In the spirit of graduation, I wanted to end my first post by sharing this quote; a few words of wisdom from a man whose words were never wasted. 

"To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived... this is to have succeeded."    ~Ralph Waldo Emerson