C'est ici
I meant to share this for Labor Day, but I was too busy working like an ant in my garden~
6 Go to the ant, you lazybones; consider its ways, and be wise .
7 Without having any chief or officer or ruler,
8 it prepares its food in summer, and gathers its sustenance in harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, O lazybones? When will you rise from your sleep?
Enjoyed reading my first Robert Lewis Stevenson novel, Treasure Island. What a bright, lively story! Nothing overworked or old-fashioned- which I confess I half expected. The classics are classics for a reason. I was hooked immediately when old sea captain, Billy Bones mysteriously takes up residence in the seaside inn Jim Hawkin’s family runs. He rants, he raves, he drinks rum, and he’s gripped with fear of The Black Spot! The pirating and adventures soon move out to sea! Long John Silver is alive – and both terrible and irresistible to young Jim Hawkins. A fine, fantastic yarn, “And you may lay to that!”, as Long John would say! Do I like it even more because it is a sto
ry with a map? Of course!
[slideshow]So, yes keeping current with eat,pray,read is a challenge. That’s because life involves all of that and more! Let’s go back to February for today…the past is still with us, and to be cherished.
Visiting Steve and Dee at their home in Carlsbad California was the finale to our wonderful Cali vacation.
Steve challenged me the other day by reminding me that I had neglected to post highlights of the visit – despite the fact that we talked about books and ate wonderful meals, and walked the beautiful, peaceful beaches!
Some of the books:
The Wave, In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean, by Susan Casey
The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga
Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes
Ahab’s Wife, by Sena Jeter Naslund
We went whale watching in San Diego harbor. Hence Ahab’s Wife was mentioned. Steve was reading The White Tiger on cd while in his car on the lovely drive down the coast to the San Diego Salt Mines called his office. The Wave is another recommendation from my ‘still surfin’ cousin. And Matterhorn, which is sounding like a man-book being read by a guy who likes man-books as well as great food, wine, and family time! Wonderful people. Wonderful place! Timeless!
When my niece Angela married JD, I knew right away that the family was welcoming a great guy who will always bring Angela and their young family joy, security, and oh yeah, great cooking skills! Until our recent visit to their lovely home, I had only heard of JD’s passion for cooking. We were treated to a wonderful fish stew on Saturday evening (a secret recipe that does not leave JD’s “iron chef” grip), and some great appetizers including homemade guacamole and bacon wrapped, cream cheese stuffed jalapenos! I learned that even a “pepper-phobe” can enjoy a grilled jalapeno when the seeds and ribs are removed with good, precise knife skills. 
What impressed me further was the orderly use of what can’t be more than an 18 inch x 36 inch workspace. The man is the master of mise en place, or”everything in place”. Good prep makes the meal, and cleaning up as you go allows the chef and guests to relax and enjoy!
So, to all who whine about needing more counterspace, take a lesson from the great chefs who learn to excel in their humble kitchens while managing to make it look easy and taste fabulous!
JD, you are welcome to cook with us and our “Best West” group anytime you visit! Bon appetit!
The Hotel Yountville is comfortable, simple, classic. The stone, wood, and bright accents of turquoise fabric are fresh and inviting. But it was our hotel bartender Corey, who shared his tips for a perfectly lovely way to enjoy the valley that only a local would know. Here, I share an abbreviated version of his a simple afternoon plan for fun in the Napa sun. Drive North out of Yountville on the Silverado Trail to St. Helena. Head for Napa Valley Olive Oil Company for their homemade pepperoni, olive oils, dry sausage, cheese and bread. 
Do you see where we’re going here? **Caveat time! Orignial post was dated 2012 and the picnic spot at Rutherford Hill Winery now requires reservations and a $30 per person charge plus a bottle purchase. It is still a lovely hillside picnic spot – just not a freebie! After that, for us it was back to Yountville where we rode bicycles provided to hotel guests over to Domaine Chandon Tasting Bar . 11:00 am – 4 pm reservations required. And finally, back to the hotel for a calm, relaxing swim. Cheers!
Cheers, Corey!
Keep the faith. Finish the race. Fight the good fight.
2 Timothy 4:7
Is it Easter yet? No, seriously, I try to think about “giving things up” in a new way. Hopefully it can make me a little stronger, a little wiser. Anything you give up?
