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Month: June 2018

Frank Family Vineyards * A Celebration

Frank Family Vineyards But first some background When one runs at lightning speed for most of his career in television and movie making, it is no surprise that Rich Frank ultimately became the President of Disney Studios. At that level, it is also no surprise that he would want and need a home away from home that is far enough and close enough to allow for rest and relaxation. In 1990, Napa Valley was the logical location choice with the purchase of a mountaintop vacation home in the heart of Rutherford with fruit already growing on the property. Rest, and relaxation…

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Green Beans with Corn, Avocado, and Mint

We were having dinner last Saturday at my sister’s house. A family friend was in town, and so we were all gathering. Since it is at my sister’s house, she drives the menu. And to say, she has some favorite items that she likes to make, is an understatement. While the sauce, gravy or rub may change it is always pork tenderloin, and the vegetable is also always roasted green beans. It got so frequent that I presented her with a picture of a pig showing all the various cuts of meat and about ten recipes for green beans. Ah, Choices! …

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Thirty Years – Life Together

Thirty years ago today, Gary and I went on our first date. We have been a couple ever since. Back then marriage was not an option so we were just together and that was enough. We moved in together about ten months later when our leases expired. As time passed, that date, June 18th, became our anniversary. Like all couples, there were a few bumps in the road during our first year, but after that, we settled into coupledom with ease. I hear folks talk about relationships being “hard,” and I understood because I watched couples around us struggle. But…

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White Wine: Step Out of Your Box

If I had to guess what white wine you had in your fridge right now, I’d say Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. I would also imagine that if you drink Chardonnay, you would only drink a Sauvignon Blanc if that was your only option and visa versa. It is now time to step out on your white wine and try something new, and I am here to offer some suggestions. Aren’t you glad this is not a post on box wine? I bet that is what you thought when you read the title.  I gotcha! White Wine Varieties There are somewhere around ten thousand varieties of wine…

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Ceviche! With Shrimp and Scallops

It is about this time every year that I start to crave ceviche. Vegetables are local and fresh, and the shrimp is also from just down the road. Lime is the perfect acid to “cook” the seafood. It is bright, clean and oh so delicious. And let’s not forget, you do not need to turn on the stove other than to boil the shrimp for a few minutes so the kitchen stays cool. Now speaking of fresh. Gary and I are growing one tomato plant, and our first tomato is in the ceviche. Unfortunately, our second tomato was bitten and only…

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