Wk17: Sutter Home: Chardonnay 2009

The Sutter Home Chardonnay was not bad for a cheapo wine.  This is one of those wines that I've always seen but never tried as it seemed to be barely one step above Carlo Rossi jugs.  I found four packs of mini bottles that we hid in place of eggs for Easter.  Adult fun and the chard was better than expected.  The wine had a solid flavor that was consistent throughout the palette if not bitter at the end.  Pleasantly dry and easy to pair with drinking wine. 

Wk17: Recipe

I made some old favorites and ate out.  Nothing new this week. 

Wk17: Beer

I missed it.  I couldn't get a new brew in time.  I have shamed myself. 

Wk17: Bar

Failed again, but I did drive by a new place that is now on the list of bars-to-visit. 

Wk17: Easter with the G/F's family

The traditional Easter egg hunt was brought back for my enjoyment at Renee's Easter event.  As an added twist, we were allowed to hide mini bottles of wine for the adults. 

Wk17: Carnegie Institution for Science

Donate to the Carnegie Institution for Science
The Carnegie Institution for Science supports scientific research and researchers by funding institutes and programs within their focused fields.  These fields are: Embryology, Geophysical Laboratory, Global Ecology, Observatories, Plant Biology, Terrestrial Magnetism, and Carnegie Academy for Science Education.  I like their broad scope in fields that are undeserved otherwise.  Their focus is not just to make the next breakthrough, but to advance the field. 

Wk17: Alberto's

Alberto's is a generic Mexican food place that is just above a roach-coach.  I knew I could get a ham torta there and I was not disappointed.  The usual Mexican fair with and expected ambiance.  Nothing special and I think the name is a chain (or very popular).  I know what I can get there and I'd return for just that. 

Wk17: Little Black Sambo

Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman was unique.  First, I did not know this book was a children's book.  Second, I did not know it was illustrated.  The book is a very fast read as it is only 40 odd pages.  I read the free Gutenberg EPUB illustrated version (gutenberg.org) on my Nook and of the 11 total pages, six were for copyright information. 
I was unaware of what kind of book Little Black Sambo was going to be and I assumed it would be a novel that addressed race issues in some way.  While I am sure there are many topics and motifs that can be analyzed and studied, the straightforward and simplistic nature of this book's genre makes them dependent on the reader.  More than anything, I think the book is a child's parable that holds a life lesson.  A (very) quick read that that has taught me nothing new.

Wk16: Vino de Fratelli: Naro D'Avola

I've never really cared for Italian wines, other than Chiantis,  and the Naro D'Avola by Vino de Fratelli was no exception.  The flavor was muted and it did nothing for the meal.  Oh well, better luck next time. 

Wk16: Restaurant

Failed. We cooked in most nights this week, so eating out was not an option. 

Wk16: 15 Bean Soup

The soups was pretty good for coming in a bag.  I like bean soups and rather than just choosing one kind, I got them all.  I used leftover honey-glazed ham and it was perfect.  I used bigger pieces thinking that they would fall apart, but instead they were large chunks of deliciousness.  The whole process took two days with the beans soaking and then cooking everything together.  It was well worth it and a ton of soups was made.  Some bread rolls and wine rounded out the experience.

WK16: Insanity Workout

We started the workout because it promises results without weights or other equipment.  The moves are hard, but not impossible and rather than advancing with reps or weights, the programs tests us with intensity.  We are a week in and already feel more flexible. 

Wk16: Bar

Nope. It is hard to experience new bars when their is a keg at home and bills waiting.

Wk16: National Alliance to End Homelessness

Donate to the National Alliance to End Homelessness
The National Alliance to end Homelessness works through research, legislation and action.  The main goal of the organization is to identify the causes and issues surrounding the homeless and then working to develop programs what prevent and reduce homelessness.  I like how the group is a source of information as much as it is a voice for their cause. 

Wk16: Smoked Porter

This smoked porter from Tied House Cafe and Brewery was a disappointment.  I wanted something with a bit of bite on a colder, cloudy day.  It wasn't smokey enough and the porter was watered down.  The beer was refreshing and I could use it for beer brats, but I have had much better smoked porters.  Not undrinkable, but not a re-buy. 

Wk16: The Brothers Karamazov

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevksy is a long Russian novel that I was unable to finish within the week.  It starts out slow, but I hope the story can build on that and get some momentum. 

Wk 15: Restaurant

We ate a lot of fast food, but nothing new. 

Wk15: Child Find of America

Donate to Child Find of America
This charity works to prevent and solve child abductions.  Child Find of America has created programs to educate children, parents, and law enforcement about all aspects of child abductions.  The organization also publishes a list of missing children to aid law enforcement.  The groups seems to have their heart in the right place so that no child stays missing. 

Wk15: Bar

We were too busy moving to get out of the house to drink.

Wk15: Peas and Noodles

This week I made Mom's Peas and Noodles Recipe [Allrecipes] and I was disappointed.  I was hoping for something with more substance, but in reality, I should have read the recipe more closely.  Luckily this isn't my mom's dish as it came out bland because of the egg base.  It tasted just like scrambled eggs with peas, noodles, and Parmesan cheese sounds like it would taste.  The easy solution is to season it the same way you like your eggs.  I added salt and that helped infinitely.  I think garlic would play well, but mixed into the mixture rather than on top.  I'd make this again, but I'd treat more like an egg breakfast next time.  The Bear Flag wine didn't add anything to the meal, but it put me in a forgiving mood. 

Wk15: Bear Flag Wines: Soft White Wine Blend

The Soft White Wine Blend from Bear Flag Wines was purchased based on the bottle design, I admit.  I wanted a white wine and this one was fine.  As a blend, it is nothing special, but it tasted just fine and would be great as a relaxing wine.  I won't pair it with anything, though I did, as its flavor is neither complementary nor representative of foods.  I will keep it in mind, though, as a social wine.

Wk15: Poleeko Gold Pale Ale

A real good pale ale from Anderson Valley Brewing Company.  I would definitely buy the Poleeko Gold Pale Ale again.  It was smooth while being just robust enough to remind what a good beer tastes like. 

Wk15: SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE

SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE by KURT VONNEGUT turned out to be an interesting read.  I don't think I knew what I was getting into.  I will have to reread it, but it is interesting enough to warrant.  The story is odd, but in an author-wants-it-to-be way.  I can see why so many people have read this book to study as the question topics are nearly limitless.  I wouldn't teach the book, but I'd recommend it. 

Wk15: Angels Game

The after-school program at Renee's Mom's elementary school went on a field trip the the L.A. Angels game and we got to go as chaperons.  There were several other schools from the district there and we all took up most of a section.  Everyone got a ticket, promo hat, and a hot dog and soda.  The adults also got the experience of playing banker for the kids and bathroom monitor.  All the students were well behaved and think they all really enjoyed the winning game.

Wk14: Big Brothers Big Sister

Donate to Big Brothers and Big Sisters
A good charity that helps provide role models for kids that need them.  'Nuf said. 

Wk14: Bar

Didn't happen.

WK14: John Dies at the End

John Dies at the End by David Wong is interesting, but I'm not sure how.  The book is written for a college-party audience and is out there enough to be appealing.  The story doesn't really pull you in and the story gets bogged down by the author being and author.  I didn't finish it on time, but I will finish it to see what happens at the end; the story is engrossing enough for that.

FINISHED: 5/6/11
John Dies at the End is very wordy.  While the author paints a very descriptive picture, the extra details become tedious and slow the story down.  I can visualize the scene,awesome; continue the story.  The novel is broken into three connected stories that move well on their own and are complementary in way that doesn't stop and restart between focuses.  The story line was initially a web-book back in-the-day so I think the extra illustration was to bring the reader back between postings.  Great for a short story, but unnecessary with a longer book.  This book stands on its own, though I think a sequel is in the works and I can see an easy connection into that.  I'll read the sequel to see what happens. 

Wk14: Moved In

I have my printer and we have moved into a new place.  I don't know if the former owner had some money to throw around or was a "artist" but the cross in the driveway can be seen from space and is etched into the cement.  On the plus side, it does make the house easy to find. 

Wk13: Uncle Tom's Cabin

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe is one of those book I have always wanted to read, but never got around to it.  Unfortunately, I could not finish it in a week.  The story turned out to be me more than I had expected and I did not want to skim through it to just knock it out.  I also downloaded the Google Books version through Barnes & Nobles so that it would transfer to my Nook wirelessly.  Usually this method works well, but the scanning software Google used added characters and changed the formatting.  The story is still there, but it is more difficult to read.  Next time I will just use the Project Gutenberg version and transfer it to my Nook with the cable. 

Wk13: Simply Swordfish

I really like swordfish because it is sturdy enough to grill over an open flame.  The recipe is called "Simply Swordfish" [Allrecipes] and I think it is the best.  All you need is lemon juice, lemon pepper (or just pepper), and dried dill weed.  I like my fish to be the star of the dish and lemon, while it plays well, will overpower the fish if given the chance.  I marinated the steaks only as long as the grill took to heat up.  I liberally applied the dry seasoning while it cook, and it came out perfect.  We paired the fish with asparagus in dill sauce and a salad.  easy and tasty. 

Wk13: No Sent Postcard

So, it is an excuse, but I'm waiting on a power cord I had to reorder so I can print postcards at home.  My desire to make my own cards with pictures of what I'm doing is my little excuse every week.  The cord it ordered, so my fingers are crossed that I can start printing soon. 

Wk13: NARSAD: The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation

Donate to The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation [http://www.narsad.org/] distributes money to organization and groups that are studying brain disorders.  I kind of wished they actually worked on solving those illnesses, but I guess when you are studying something as diverse as the human brain, it is good to find those that are the most qualified for each area of research and help them out.  Per their website, "[they] have awarded nearly $300 million worldwide to more than 3,000 scientists. . ."  Their grants are used to fund projects that either study or work on treatments for depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety disorders in adults and children.  This organization just seems like a good, general research program that is trying to pool money to the best-of-the-best projects.