cat shepard

I have been following the salvage operation of Baltimore’s FSK bridge. It is such a phenomenal undertaking. This pic shows the bridge’s pier that fell across the bow of the Dali. Once removed they will need to refloat the Dali and tow it to a pier.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Sorry to read about your foot. Hope the antibiotics do the trick. And rather than thinking you are coming here and whining about your pain - think about it as sharing with a community of folk who care about you. Roy, thank you for our maps. Another glorious day in the neighborhood. These early mornings are so special. The birds are singing, the critters are wandering around enjoying breakfast and the sun is just rising. Still no rain. But the projected heat wave at the end of this week may change that. Vanessa, good grief your poor BFF. Praying that it heals quickly. Is it his driving foot? Thank you for keeping up with all of us! Gym, Bindi walks, more weed clean out, chores and a dip in the pool. Should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, thinking of you & Tana. Praying for Amber & her family. Maureen praying that Richard’s eye continues to improve. Annie, keeping you & Chuck in my prayers. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********** Croix De Labrie 2020 (750ML) Another lovely, pricey Bordeaux red. I would love a sip, though I usually prefer a lovely GSM blend. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $94.94. Distributor notes 98James Suckling This is a glorious 2020 with such pure fruit of currants and blackberries, as well as dark chocolate. It’s full and layered and opens in the glass to a lovely layer of fine, velvety tannins that are bright and citrusy. Crunchy. It really opens and shows so many layers. Spectacular. 97Jeb Dunnuck The Grand Vin 2020 Chateau Croix De Labrie is brilliant and the finest wine I've tasted from this estate. Dense purple-hued, with a liqueur of limestone-like minerality intermixed with ripe black cherries, boysenberry, spring flowers, and graphite, it's full-bodied, has a wealth of fruit and texture, sweet tannins, and remarkable purity. Its oak is perfectly integrated, and it brings richness as well as an incredible sense of precision and purity. This brilliant Saint-Emilion will be drinkable in just 3-4 years and will evolve for two decades. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Best After 2026. Rating: 97+ 95Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Deep purple-black in color, the 2020 Croix de Labrie wafts out of the glass with flamboyant notions of sandalwood, red roses, ground cloves and cedar chest, giving way to a core of stewed black plums, Morello cherries and boysenberries, plus a waft of bouquet garni. The medium to full-bodied palate has a rock-solid backbone of firm, ripe, rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, nicely framing the muscular black fruits, finishing long and spicy. Axelle and Pierre Courdurié's 50-year-old, 3.79-hectare vineyard consists of a mix of clay and limestone soils, a portion of which are in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes and another portion of which are located at the foot of the Pavie slope in Saint-Émilion. Barrel Sample: 93-95 93Decanter Glass-staining purple, plenty of violet reflections. It starts off with confidence, with sappy fruits and a whisk of mocha gourmet edging, and keeps up the pace through the palate. Nicely held together with tension, concentrated flavours and a swagger of grilled oak. Axelle and Pierre Courdurié. A yield of 25hl/ha, 100% new oak. Barrel Sample: 93

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Welcome back. I really enjoyed your “live from” - thank you for taking the time to do it. Thank you for making sure we didn’t skip a beat, Sandi! Roy, thank you for our maps. Vanessa, hope your discomfort disappears and you sleep better in your bed. Thank you for keeping up with us. Gym, Bindi walks, some early morning gardening, chores and a dip in the pool are on the agenda for today. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, Tana, Amber, Annie & Chuck, Richard, Maurice, Melissa keeping you all at the top of my prayer list. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today! ********* 2020 Spätburgunder, [02 22], Shelter Winery, Baden A grape by any other name… I learned that Germany calls Pinot Noir grapes Spätburgunder at one of my local wine bar’s wine tastings. So I did not need to use my decoder ring to figure out today’s wine’s name. Though I find it highly suspicious that @kazu’s first day back I am tested. 🤔 This PN doesn’t tempt me. It is light, and I prefer my PN to have more body. A bit elusive. Online prices start at $28.99. Distributor notes Husband and wife team Hans-Bert Espe and Silke Wolf make inspired, delicate and polished Pinot Noirs from their few hectares of Pinot Noir just north of the famous Kaiserstuhl in Baden, Germany. The vineyard is cooled by the Black Forest to the north and the soils are a mix of limestone and loess that result in wines with moderate alcohol and high acidity. No herbicides or pesticides are used in the vineyards; harvest is done completely by hand. In the cellar, a short cold soak is followed by a delicate press (normally the stems are removed, though this can differ from vintage to vintage) and fermentation in open-top vessels. Shelter's Spätburgunder is aged in used oak barrels, producing a delicate Pinot with high-toned red fruit aromas and flavors, light body and thrilling finish.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Sandi! Especially since you’re on the road. Enjoy Morgan’s graduation. Congratulate her for me. Roy, thank you for our maps. Another glorious morning. Yesterday morning was really humid until the Easterlies arrived. A hint of what is to come. Still no rain. But the days have been so enjoyable. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Happy to read that you are sleeping upstairs. Hope the discomfort soon disappears. Gym, Aldi, Bindi walks, a visit with my Sister and a dip in the pool should keep me busy. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, Tana, Annie, Chuck, Richard, Maureen, Amber & family keeping you all in my prayers. Cheers to all who are celebrating. Go Morgan! May we each find a reason to smile today. ********* Banfi-Rosso-di-Montalcino Definitely one Italian I would love to try. Lots of consumer fans. Easy to find & reasonably priced. Online prices start at $19.99. Winemaker’s notes VARIETAL Sangiovese DESCRIPTION One of the classics of Banfi Montalcino production. The mild winter temperatures and low rainfall allowed the vines to begin the growing cycle within the standard timeframe. During the night of April 8, some vineyards were hit by a late frost, which delayed the phenological phases of the vines. However, thanks to mild temperatures and sunny days in the spring, the vines were able to regain their growth and production balance, reaching excellent ripening during the following months. The harvest began slightly later than usual, but the continuous ventilation and good temperature fluctuations in August and September allowed the grapes to develop excellent acidity with very interesting aromatic profiles. The result is a complex wine characterized by a bright ruby red colour. On the nose, aromas of blackberries and raspberry meet light notes of coffee and tobacco. In the mouth the structure is wide, harmonious and well balanced by a marked acidity. Excellent persistence on the palate. Ideal pairing with game and medium-aged cheeses. The remarkable structure allows a good aging. TECHNICAL NOTES Soil: hill area of the estate under vine, with low to moderate incline. The soils develop on different types of sediments, from the clay sands of the marine Pliocene, deep soils with abundant and calcareous stones, to the gray-blue clays which are moderately deep mineral soils that tend to retain humidity. Trellising System: spurred cordon – Banfi aberello Vine Density: 4200 - 5500 vines/ha. Hectar Yield: 70-75 q/ha. Fermentation: in temperature-controlled (20-30°C) stainless-steel tanks Aging: in French oak casks (90-60 hl.) and in French oak barrique (350 l.) for 12 months Alcohol: 15,5% Suggested serving temperature : 16-18°C

Couldn’t resist. Dedicated to all us TNR folk!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Sandi. Enjoy your time with the family. Roy, thank you for our maps! Another glorious morning. AT&T has almost finished laying its new cable, so it will soon be able to compete with MetroNet, who laid its cable last year. The only one happy about all of this is Bindi. She knows workers leave nummy food scraps. 😎 Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. I hope others on the Care list can soon move to the Cheers list - as you did. Anyone seen any posts from Jake, aka Crazy Cat Man? I don’t believe I have his correct CC name. I hope all is well, it has been awhile. Gym, Bindi walks, planting, wine tasting at my favorite wine bar & then a Panera take out dinner at my place with my wine tasting friends. With wine of course. This month’s wine tasting features the wines of Portugal. Sounds like a perfect day to me. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, keeping you & Tana in my prayers- as always. Annie, praying for you and Chuck. Carolyn, prayers that Amber’s condition improves. Maureen, praying that Richard’s eye stabilizes & you get to relax a bit. Cheers to all who are celebrating! May we each find a reason to smile today. *********** Zuccardi 2019 Tito Malbec-Cabernet Franc (Paraje Altamira) I used the 2019 vintage info, since it is ready to drink! A bit pricey, but for lovers of full-bodied reds - it might be worth the price. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $42.95 Later vintages have the same great ratings and since you might have to wait a bit to enjoy them - they cost a bit less. Winemaker Notes Violet color with deep blue hues. Black and red fruit and other herbal notes. The palate has a silky entry with nice and juicy tannins, aromatic and receiving end of a long and deep mouth complexity. 94Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2019 Tito Zuccardi is a co-fermentation of approximately 85% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc and comes from the same plot in Altamira every year. They have increased the presence of concrete and lowered the oak here, some 30% in 500-liter oak barrels. I tasted this next to the 2020 and 2021, and you can see the difference between the three years. 2019 is the freshest and most elegant of the three; it has notes of herbs and spices and fine-grained tannins and is medium to full-bodied, with the fluid character of the vintage. Rating: 94+ 93Wine Enthusiast This winery in the heart of Uco Valley has produced a full-bodied and polished blend of 85% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc. The nose reveals aromas of herbs and wet stones and introduces a balanced palate. Plum,and structured, this is a good example of the quality that white wines from Chile’s coastal vineyards can achieve. Drink through 2030.

Safe travels Jack!

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Sandi. Gee while you & Dennis are in Florida, you might want to consider this… And I hope your DD didn’t encounter anyone like this at the airport yesterday. I mean who would do this? Seriously, enjoy your family time. Congratulate Morgan! Roy thank you for our maps. Another beauty. Yesterday was delightful. Almost hot, but still very dry & windy. We are all on the alert for wildfires. Be safe my fellow Floridians. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. I look forward to reading your daily posts. Your days are beginning to be filled with normal activities. 😎 Gym, Bindi walks, chores & pool time! Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, praying for you & Tana. Annie, praying for you & Chuck. Carolyn, praying for Amber, her family & your BFF. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Maureen, thrilled to read that Richard’s eye is more stable. Gerry, Debbie described it perfectly - that hot wind we all felt when you posted Maurice’s surgery date was us all letting out a sigh of relief! Debbie so happy that the test injection was successful! Full speed ahead. May we each find a reason to smile today. ********** Vietti 2019 Lazzarito Nebbiolo (Barolo) This is one amazing sounding Italian wine. Too bad it is outside of my budget. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $164.99. Heck, a glass would almost outside my budget! Winemaker Notes Intense ruby-red colour with garnet hues. The nose is alluring and profound. Notes of hay, cut grass, tobacco, white pepper and wild mint emerge. On the palate, it is robust and potent, with a taut, mineral finish. As is typical of Serralunga, the tannins are stark, sharp and very profound. The sweet persistence of the finish is delightful. 98Robert Parker's Wine Advocate With fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, the Vietti 2019 Barolo Lazzarito is a historic cornerstone wine of this mighty portfolio. It is also one of the Vietti Barolos that consistently delivers extreme quality and pleasure with each new release. Like the other wines presented here, winemaking is straightforward, with submerged cap fermentations lasting 30 to 35 days (although those times were reduced in 2019 because this vintage was not suited to long maceration times). Serralunga d'Alba always delivers power and richness. There are aromas of dried tobacco leaf, perfumed tea, crushed rose and iron ore. The bouquet is extremely expressive. 97Vinous The 2019 Barolo Lazzarito continues a trend seen in recent years in which the focus has been more about finesse than raw power. Intense red fruit, iron, dried herbs, chalk, dried rose petal and white pepper all run through this deep, virile Barolo. The power and intensity of Serralunga really come alive on the heady, explosive finish. Bright saline notes linger on the deep, resonant finish. A Barolo of raw, unbridled power, the Lazzarito demands patience. 96Jeb Dunnuck Another pale ruby Barolo, the 2019 Barolo Lazzarito is from a 2.5-hectare parcel of the cru and reveals a hint of purple flowers, with a mix of red and blue fruit berries. It has more expansiveness on the palate, with more broadness, although it is not weighted. It offers a light balsamic tone, with rosemary and fresh herbs, and is persistent on the long finish. This will benefit from more time in bottle and drink. 94Wine Spectator An enticing expression of cherry, plum, licorice, earth and spice flavors, this red delivers both poise and power, showing breadth and harmony. Lingers on the finish with plum, spice and mineral notes. 94Wine Enthusiast This is the Barolo we have been looking for! Black cherry, warmed spices, crushed stone and dried herbs flow from the glass. The palate is firm and states its purpose to take some time in the cellar. The core of fruit is present but reticent while the black tea, anise, pepper and mineral edge are present but want more time. 94James Suckling Orange peel with raspberry, crab apple and violet aromas follow through to a medium body, with sage, lavender and raspberry flavors. Firm and racy tannins. From organically grown grapes. Vegan.

Woo hoo!

It is an embryo, Jacqui!

@marshhawk Annie, I second Maureen’s suggestion - at least for Mayo Clinic. I have no experience with MD Anderson, but I know two people who had exhausted all local health options and went to Mayo. One would have died had she not gone. The other had been told her only option was palliative care. Both were given the care they needed to recover and thrive. And Mayo Clinic is not quite as far for you as MD Anderson is.

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Sandi! Safe travels today. Roy, thank you for our maps. It is another exquisite morning, though it is getting warmer. Luckily the Easterly winds have kept the humidity at bay. For now. Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. I love reading how well you are doing! Gym, a much needed haircut, lunch at a friend’s, Bindi walks, chores and a dip in the pool. The water temp is a perfect 89.4.😎 Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Terry, I am so proud of you for asking for help. It is often the most difficult thing to do. ❤️ Praying that Tana has a good day. Gerry, thrilled to read that Maurice has an unofficial surgery date. Maureen, praying that Richard’s eye improves. Annie, keeping you & Chuck in my prayers. Praying that Amber’s condition improves. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ************** Bodegas Godeval 2022 Godello Godello (Valdeorras) This Spanish white wine sounds interesting. I would love a taste, since I know I have never had it before. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $16.99. Distributor notes Vina Godeval was founded in 1986 and is one of the leading artisanal wine producers in the Valdeorras area of Galicia in north west Spain. Only the Godello grape is grown here on the estate's 15 hectares of vineyards. It is indigenous to Galicia but can also be found in northern Portugal and makes particularly fine, vibrant and minerally whites. Valdeorras is a Spanish wine appellation in an area of Galicia also known as 'Green Spain' and means 'Valley of Gold'. As well as Godello, Valdeorras is renowned for its red wines produced from the Mencia and Garnacha Tinto grapes. This particular 100% Godello is unoaked and was vinified in stainless steel tanks. A clear pale-lemon in colour. subtle aromas of citrus fruits, beeswax and wild flowers. On the palate, crisp with a pronounced mineral backbone leading to a lively yet lengthy finish. Great with boquerones en escabeche (Moorish pickled anchovies), artichokes with clams, bacon and piquillo peppers or a chunk of aged Manchego cheese.

I think it is really active already, Charlene. There are two nests in Flagler Beach and I believe a third has been discovered along the Ormond Beach - Daytona coastline. The Flagler Beach buried sea wall project has a doubly difficult task to protect the nests.

Visiting Florida’s beaches? Please keep in mind…

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Sandi! Roy, thank you for our maps and being our historian. Another lovely morning. Bindi & I had a super long walk and had a close encounter of the fawn kind. 😎 This years twins posed for a great pic. But even my most trusted weather sources warn that Florida Summer will be here soon. I knew it couldn’t last. Vanessa, thank you for sharing our happenings. Praying that you never go on the Cares list again - at least for your right leg, numbness or lack of sleep. I am thrilled you slept for 9 hours! Bindi walks, chores, HIIT and a dip in the pool are on my agenda today. Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, the loss of a loved one, trauma. The caregivers. Maureen, I hope Richard’s eye is better. Gerry, praying that Maurice hears SOON. Annie, keeping both you & Chuck in my prayers. Terry, as always, keeping you & Tana in my prayers. Cheers to all who are celebrating. May we each find a reason to smile today. ******* Le Gay 2020 I would love a taste of this Bordeaux red. Just reading the descriptions tells me I would enjoy this one. But it is out of my price range. A decent number of distributors, but you won’t find this one at CVS. Online prices start at $99.99. Professional Ratings 98James Suckling So much black mushroom to the dark fruit, such as blackberries and bramble berries. Extremely aromatic. Full-bodied, yet refined and polished, with lovely tannins and fantastic typicity and complexity. It’s so multidimensional and structured, yet there’s a weightless character and personality to it. Thought-provoking and sophisticated. Real Pomerol. 96Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Deep purple-black colored, the 2020 Le Gay erupts from the glass with scents of molten licorice and dark chocolate, giving way to a tantalizing core of baked black cherries, prunes and blackberry preserves, plus a hint of cardamom. The full-bodied palate is rich and decadent, featuring layers of black fruits and exotic spices with a firm yet velvety texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. A hedonic powerhouse! Barrel Sample: 94-96+ 94Jeb Dunnuck A surprisingly up-front, soft, almost mid-weight effort from this chateau, the 2020 Chateau Le Gay offers a pretty perfume of both red and black fruits as well as loads of flowers, spice, leafy herbs, and incense. Medium-bodied, balanced, and elegant on the palate, it has polished tannins, terrific balance, sweet oak, and outstanding length. This exceedingly elegant, seamless beauty lacks the density and concentration of the top wines in the vintage but is nevertheless a gorgeous, classic Pomerol that will evolve for two decades. Best After 2025. 94Decanter Careful and seductive oaking, this develops and builds in power and finesse over the palate, and is a seriously enjoyable Pomerol, just packed full of appellation typicity. A yield of 35hl/ha, vinified in new oak barrels, and will stay in barrel for 18 months. Barrel Sample