IIDD, July 7th

Hi Lurking Lynne!

Just to let you know that we are being diligent about doing our tasting homework for coming weekend. We started swotting, as opposed to sweating, for the days ahead with last night's dinner, (divine crock-pot, as opposed to crack-pot, chicken cassoulet, by the Fayre Coriandre, with bread soppage by Cactus, home baked from scratch, toasted sesame, onion-infused loaf, illegally imported from the Oakland Hills, just above the magical Claremont Hotel), last night with two bottles of Herder: a 2007 Josephine, (66% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 13% Cabage), 13.8%, and their 2008 Malbec, 13.2% both stellare, receiving a thumbs up and much appreciation from the Uppity Californians!!! Purchased last time we were up, staying with you at Il Palazzo de Lighthall, following boozy luncheon at Crowsnest. Fondestos, Bestestos and Cheers, Patrizio, of the so-called, aforementioned, mixed linguistic metaphor!


Hi Whirlige!

I'm up for 7:00am BUT Cactoosian is a lie-abed here so 8:00am is time for blast-off. If that does nor suit, ride away and we'll be in touch come Monday next. Otherwise, see you at 8:00am at HT Parkade, chompin' on the bit! 81K today, much in the pouring rain, but the distance on the post is what counts so we spit on inclement weather. Salute, Il Conduttore!


Hi Whirlygig!

Great, I've been abandoned by both of you Weasels! Cactus is afraid he might injure his shoulder, riding an unfamiliar bike on the drizzle slicked streets/seawall and you CLAIM to be on the road with your cell turned off!

We are back about mid-day Monday so if you haven't ridden by then, perhaps we can do a jaunt. Will talk. Enjoy the weekend and we will think of you while tippling, The Brotherhood, stippling, The Sisterhood! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

PS: List of hootch, wine only, from last even's soireé!

Black Widow, (how appropriate!), 2007 Gewurtraminer, 14; Black Widow, 2008 Pinot Gris, 13.3%, Silk Scarf, 2008 Viognier, 13%; Laughing Stock, 2006 Portfolio: Merlot 61%, Cabbage 16%,Cab Franc 16%, Malbec 5%, Petit Verdot 2%; (All from The Okanagan); Frick, Sonoma, Dry Creek, 2006 C3: Counoise, Carignane, Cinsault, three relatively obscure Rhone varietals, 14.6%; Shotfire, Barossa, 2007 Quartage: Cabbage, PV, Merlot, Malbec, 14%.

Four snorts of malt: Bruichladdich X4, 63.5%; Glenmorangie Astar 57.1%; Macallan Whiskey Maker's Edition, 42.8%, (anaemic, hardly worth the while!); Macallan Cask Strength, 58.5%.

Above was homework for coming weekend! Cheers, Patrizio!