mnwinelover

My hubby and I recently made a trip to Menards to look at BBQ grills. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but it was a major milestone for my husband. It was his first trip there since his leg amputation last June. He felt normal again, a feeling many of us take for granted. It's been a long haul getting to this point, and he has worked hard to gain back the independence he lost along with his limb. He is an inspiration in so many ways. Instead of wallowing in self pity, he took the lemons he was handed and made lemonade. There were dark times of course, but his acceptance of "what is" helped him move beyond feeling helpless and closer to the new normal of our lives. 

I grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin in the 1960s. My grandparents lived on one end of the block and we lived on the other. The few houses in between were owned by widowed older ladies, Mrs. Madsen and Hattie Ball, and an older couple who visited mostly in the summer. I stole plums off Hattie's tree when I was a toddler. She made delicious buttermilk doughnuts and always had a few extra to share. Mrs. Madsen kept a bowl of old hard candy on hand just in case us kids stopped by. She was frail and sweet, and her house smelled like old people. I eventually wore a path through the backyards between my house and grandma and grandpas, but no one complained, at least not to me. I was a happy kid. 

In a small town it's hard to get away with much, not that I was a troublemaker or bad kid. I was related to about half of the town, and everybody knew everybody, so word traveled fast when something happened. My grandma loved gossip. She was a telephone operator back before private phone lines were a thing, so she was privy to much of the town's activity. I would accompany her to Judy's Bar every once in a while, where she'd order a shorty beer and gossip with Judy the owner on a slow afternoon. Me, I'd sip on an ice cold bottle of pop and play my favorite songs on the jukebox. The bar smelled like stale beer and a strange type of cold air. It was heaven. 

My grandparents owned a motel on Highway 2 in the heart of town. My sister and I would help clean the cabins in the summer. I would go with grandpa to Superior to pick up motel supplies. On the way home we'd stop at Red Owl and the pop shop to get a case of my favorite flavors. I loved these adventures and spending time together.

I probably spent more time at my grandparent's house than my own home, and I always felt welcome. Gram would brush my hair, clean my ears and rub my back. I'd watch their favorite TV shows. I'd sit in a chair that spun around freely (pre-motion sickness days) and just be a carefree kid. My dog Spike lived with them and had it made. He rode shotgun on runs to the dump or when Grandpa plowed the alley. I think he resented me when I took his place in the passenger seat for trips to Superior or Ashland, but he loved me anyway. He was a great companion and a very good boy. He truly was my best friend.

I miss those days. I miss my grandparents. I miss Spike. I miss my youth and innocence and freedom. I would not trade it for anything. 

For the past 4+ decades, what defined me was what I did for a living. Think about it. As a child, you are asked what you want to "be" when you grow up. As an adult, when you meet someone new and introduce yourself, their next question is inevitably "what do you do?" - as if to assign importance and definition to your life based on your career choice.

For years I was proud of what I did and who I was. Then I retired. My identity became less about the work and more about my sense of self worth. Suddenly, what I did that seemed so important and so necessary and caused such anxiety and stress no longer matters. I ask myself if it ever really did, and why I spent so many sleepless nights worrying about being good enough. The pressure at times was unbearable. Yet I survived, one day at a time, trying my best to keep my head low and my mouth shut. Internally seething. Keeping my guard up. Unbalanced and weary.

In hindsight it doesn't really matter anymore. It never did. It wasn't me that made life difficult. But I did not control my destiny and could not let my family down by walking away. Until I could. No regrets.

I love being retired! I always knew I would enjoy it, but honestly never thought I would get there. But here I am totally rocking it!

Retirement is about discovery. New habits and routines. Letting go of what was and embracing what is yet to come. Adjust. Adapt. Breathe. Repeat.

On the eve of my 63rd birthday, I started thinking about what I want to wake up to tomorrow morning. I would love to wake up to a world that isn't plagued by COVID or hate or racism, hunger, fear, poverty, hopelessness, despair or needless death. A world where hurts are healed and trust is restored. I want to look forward to a tomorrow that promises change that benefits everyone, not the privileged few.  Where we unite as one for the greater good. Where we laugh and hug and treasure each and every moment of life.

If only I could wake to that world. 

Without question, COVID-19 has completely upended life as we knew it. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think a country as affluent and advanced as the United States would be so poorly prepared for a pandemic. But welcome to Donald Trump's alternative reality nightmare. God help us.

I remember watching news coverage from China last December when the virus first emerged and thinking I am so glad that will never happen here. Wrong!!! Given our lack of federal leadership we were ripe for a catastrophe of this magnitude. In true Trump style he called the virus a Democratic hoax and said it would just disappear like a miracle. Wrong again!! His lies and incompetence have cost thousands their lives and threatened every single person in this country in a way we have never experienced before. And he thinks he deserves another term in office? For what? To kill us all? God help us!! Fortunately, we will have a new president on January 20 who actually has a heart and compassion for us all.

But ironic as it seems it has not been all bad. My family is still healthy, knock on wood. I was able to work from home and still make the same salary. I sleep an extra half hour every morning. I walk and still have time to putz before I log in for the day. I can do my job successfully from my kitchen table. My commute is a piece of cake. I save on gas. My stress has dropped most days to a manageable level. I can sit on my deck every afternoon and enjoy the sun. I don't need to wear makeup. I see my boys every day and don't have leave for hours on end. I can make Jello and blueberry muffins. I can feed the birds and bunny that visit my yard daily. I can walk up to the mailbox. I can just be. And come January 1, 2021, I will join the ranks of the retired, starting yet another new chapter in my life.

Wine can be intimidating, but it really doesn’t have to be. Here are 4 simple steps to make wine more approachable and enjoyable. (Warning: some “winespeak” ahead.)

Step 1. Sight – Look at the color of the wine as you hold it up to the light. The color offers insight into the intensity, opacity and viscosity of the wine you are tasting. (Viscous wines have higher alcohol and/or residual sugar.)

Step 2. Smell – Swirl the wine in your glass to let it breathe, then hold it up to your nose and sniff.  What do you smell? Citrus?  Strawberry? Blackberry? Lemongrass? Green apple? Is it Earthy? Spicy? Oaky? Smoky? Smelling the wine can also help you detect wine faults (think wet dog) that will help you avoid a bad wine.

Step 3.  Taste – Take a large sip and let it coat your mouth and let the wine sit on your tongue a bit. Then take a few smaller sips. What do you taste? Was it sweet, semi-sweet, dry, bitter? Did you taste any of the flavors you smelled? Try to pick out at least 3 fruit flavors and 3 others, one at a time.

Step 4. Finish - How did the wine “finish” – the sensation it leaves in your mouth once it’s consumed? Was is smooth, tart, acidic, bitter, fruity?  Did you like it? Not your thing? Keep in mind there is no shame in dumping a wine you didn’t like.

Be sure to cleanse your palate in between sips with crackers or a sip of water (or both). Tasting wine before you buy is a great way to find a wine you really enjoy and/or help you avoid one that’s really not your thing. Everyone’s palate is different, which is part of the joy of wine drinking. There truly is something for everyone. Enjoy! 

In early May, I finally got the chance to do one of my bucket list items - I went to California wine country! I had thought this would be a “one and done” experience, but I have since created a “do-over” bucket list as the trip was amazing and I MUST go again. Below I share some of my musings about the trip and one big lesson I learned about hydration.

Anticipation before departure

I am about to embark on a bucket list adventure I had only dreamed of - I am going to Sonoma on a 5 day wine tour.  I leave in 3 days. To say I am excited is an understatement. I am nothing short of giddy. With my motion sickness I am not excited about the flight there or back, but the part in between will be amazing.  

My plan is to document my experience every day so I can remember it forever. Not that I will ever forget a trip of a lifetime. Stay turned. 

Day 1 The flight to San Francisco was uneventful, which was just fine with me. We boarded the tour bus to head to Sonoma County, popped open some wine and ate our box lunch. We stopped at the overlook to view the Golden Gate Bridge, city and Alcatraz, then headed to Kendall-Jackson, one of my long-time favorite wineries. As Roberto described the rose he was pouring and the history of the vineyard and winery, I started to feel lightheaded. Next thing I knew I was on the ground surrounded by a number of people saying my name and asking me if I was okay. I had fainted. How embarrassing! 

The winery manager wanted to call the paramedics to check me out. I very reluctantly agreed just because I had no idea what had happened. My blood pressure had dropped like a stone and I was dehydrated. Not exactly the tasting room experience I was hoping for. Everyone was so kind and compassionate. I felt very blessed to be with such good people. By the way, everything you heard about California firefighters/EMTs is true - they are gorgeous! No wonder calendar sales are off the charts. :-)

Although I missed the rest of the tour and tastings at Kendall-Jackson, others in my group told me how outstanding the Pinot Noir and Cabernet were. I recall Roberto saying how important it was for K-J to ensure the quality of the wine from year to year, how consistency is critical and a priority for the winemaker. They pride themselves on sustainable farming practices and are proud of their water conservation efforts with respect to wine making. According to their website, Kendall-Jackson wines are produced with one-third less water than industry standard. Since 2008, they have reduced their water intensity 41% by investing in conservation technologies like barrel washing, recycling and precision drip irrigation that saves over 28 MM gallons per year. 

I know a quality product when I taste it, and Kendall-Jackson is truly one of the best. On my next visit I plan to make it through the entire tour and look forward to seeing them again. I highly recommend a visit if you are in the neighborhood.

Something magical happens when you combine wine and music. Local musician Rob Meany, a regular performer at several Minnesota wineries and crowd favorite, shared his thoughts on the connection between wine and music.

Rob is a singer-songwriter and keyboardist best known as the leader of jazz-rock quartet, Terramara.  As a solo pianist/singer, Rob also performs popular music, jazz standards, and even ragtime and classical.  

Born and raised in Duluth, Rob was drawn to a wide range of music at an early age while studying classical piano and listening to Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder and the Beatles.  He continued his studies at college, playing french horn, singing in choir, and playing in jazz band.  

It wasn’t until a few years later that Rob would find his muse as a songwriter and singer.  After short stints as a sideman in various groups, he formed Terramara as a vehicle for his jazz-funk, piano-driven songs.  Over the past fifteen years, Terramara has released three full-length albums, garnering a loyal following among smart-pop and jazz-rock lovers around the world.

When did you start performing at wineries? How did you get started? Did you seek them out or did they approach you?

I started performing at wineries about four years ago as I was ramping up my solo act.  I approached them as many of them seemed to have a very vibrant live music scene and were having live acts on a regular basis.

Do you enjoy this type of venue?  If so, why?

I love playing at wineries. They combine some of my favorite elements: a feel-good, relaxed, classy atmosphere, an attentive clientele, and they are the perfect size for a solo musician like myself.  Plus the gigs are in the afternoon or early evening — great hours!

How many wineries have you played at? Can you share the names and locations?

I have regular shows at Cannon River Winery in Cannon Falls, and Sovereign Estate Winery in Waconia.   I have also played at regional wineries such as Summerset in Indianola, IA, Vino in the Valley in Maiden Rock, WI., and Chankaska Winery in Kasota, MN.

Do you see a difference in the types of audiences at wineries vs. your other performances? If so, please elaborate.

Winery audiences tend to be a little more sophisticated in their tastes, and are a fun-loving group of people — how could it be otherwise with all that wine around. ;)

In your opinion, what is the connection between wine and music?

Good question. In my opinion, wine-tasting is best when the other senses are stimulated as well.  The music adds to the experience in a magical way.   People forget their worries and get lost in the music.  Maybe the songs are taking them back to a childhood memory or a special moment in their past.    People get very emotional about certain songs.  Music can do that like nothing I have seen.

Is it profitable/worthwhile/fun for you to play at wineries or just good exposure (or all of the above)?

I would say both.  Wineries, for the most part, have a decent budget for music and are willing to pay for professional acts.  And of course, it’s great exposure for me as well.  I can play mostly whatever I want and sell CDs, etc.   I think there is a lot of synergy there.

Do you see people attending your other performances as a result of your winery gigs? Have they contributed to the number of your followers?

Yes, every show at a winery or otherwise helps grow my fan base.   I can also help bring new people to the wineries who wouldn’t normally go there.

Would you recommend this type of venue to other performers, especially those just starting out? What is the vetting process for getting a gig?

I would highly recommend wineries to any musician.  The rewards are great and the people are very friendly.   For the performer just starting out, just be aware you will be asked to perform several sets of music, mostly provide your own sound equipment, and normally keep the volume down to a decent level.   The choice of music is yours, but I have found that what works best is the softer, singer-songwriter material, and the classic pop songs of the past few generations.   It’s great to do original material too, but work it in with the songs people know.

Anything else you’d like to add?

A wine megastore recently opened in our community. Many local liquor store owners voiced concern when the out of state superstore was allowed to locate here, and understandably so, since their businesses will feel the greatest impact. But we wine lovers are ecstatic.

So, being the dedicated wine enthusiast that I am, I went to check it out. It was like stepping foot into paradise – more bottles than I could ever hope to consume in a lifetime, neatly categorized and displayed by type, origin and price, in rich wood cabinets as far as the eye could see. There’s a tasting station a few rows down and ample bottles of wine to sample, whites, reds, sparkling – you can try one or try them all. If you buy any of the wines you taste, you get a coupon for 10% off at the register. Not a bad deal since the prices are already reasonable. Even Minnesota wines are cheaper than buying them at the actual winery, and the selection is good.

I love to read labels and look for new and different wines to try. I love to talk to employees and other shoppers and share my thoughts on the wines I enjoy. I think I have found the perfect place to do just that. I could seriously spend hours in the store, but that might look a bit suspicious. So perhaps the best solution is to visit more often.

I got the call every woman dreads. We’ve spotted something on your mammogram and want to send you for more scans and a biopsy.

I sat in silence trying to take it all in. I’ve endured 3 hip replacements in 20 years, chicken pox at age 40, a c-section birth and 52 hours of induced labor to avoid another. I am no stranger to medical issues, but this stopped me cold.

I made the appointment and took the day off just in case the results were not good. I arrived at the clinic early to check in. Within minutes my name was called and I followed the tech back to the changing area. She showed me which robe to wear and where to wait till it was my turn.

After another short wait I was in the exam room. The tech took more scans and asked me to return to the waiting area while the radiologist took a look.

I found the latest issue of Food & Wine magazine and started reading a great article on the woman who selects wine for Queen Elizabeth.  I was half way through the piece when my name was called again. The tech handed me a letter stating the results were normal/benign. I got dressed and headed back to the waiting area. And then I cried.

A close relative got married last weekend in one of the most scenic parts of the state. The outdoor ceremony nothing short of perfect - a beautiful bride, handsome groom and picture-perfect weather.

The reception was equally nice - made even more so by our placement next to the open bar.

Those of you who follow my blog know I am not one to turn down a glass of wine. If someone is pouring, I am drinking. Period. What I have never done before is sit next to an open bar, where wine is plentiful and free.

So, 6 glasses later, I am on the dance floor, free as a bird and just as unpredictable. I even saw Elvis (seriously) performing outside the reception hall.

What I also discovered is 6 glasses of free wine will leave you with a wicked hangover the next day. I should have known better, but clearly I didn't.