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