Ascencion Malbec

Description on the bottle:  Our vineyards are located in the Alto Valle Calchaqui, Province of Salta, between 1700 and 2500 meters above sea level.  Some of the highest vineyards in the world and some of Argentina's oldest.  They include several hectares of Malbec imported from France and planted on their own root stocks in the late 1850s, with excellent exposure to sunlight yet a relatively cool micro-climate.  We nurture the vines, working with the natural advantages of our environment and harvest the Malbec grapes entirely by hand.  Their juice is fermented at low temperatures to retain maximum aroma and fruit flavor.  25% is aged in french oak barrels for 9 months and the final blend clarified in the traditional manner.  By combining traditional wine-making with local techniques developed over more than 2,000 years, we have crafted a richly flavored yet elegant Malbec, with a brilliant ruby color and a rounded palate of spicy red cherries, raspberry and subtle vanilla.  Through ready to drink it will cellar very well for another two or three years.

Sarah says:  Oh red wine, it's been awhile since I ventured into red wine territory, and I forgot how hit and miss it can be for me.  I'm trying to decide if I like it or not.  My initial reaction was "whoa, bad", but as I sip on it, it's growing on me. It's not that it's bad, it's just the unfamiliarity of the red that initially hit me.  It definitely has a raspberry taste, and to me, that makes it a bit too sweet and bitter.  It's not a bad choice for a red wine, but it's not the wine for me.

Overall rating:  Thumbs 1/3 way up.

Sarah says:  I've joined the WSJ Wine Club.  This is my first bottle from the club, and sadly, it's a tad disappointing.  I've been pondering joining a club for a few months, and just happened to pick this one, simply because they were having a sale.  I got 15 bottles of wine for $90 ($70 + $20 shipping), not a bad deal!  From this point forward, they will send me 12 bottles every 3 months.  As it is with any club you join, there are pros and cons.

Pros:  

• They'll send me bottles I wouldn't normally have picked out myself, allowing me to expand my tastings.  (because, I'm such a professional, it's time to start expanding)
• Wine appears at my doorstep without me having to go to the store. (in short, I'm lazy)
• Buying in bulk from a club allows me to get better wine at a lower cost than purchasing it in the store. (and I'm cheap)
• I get to taste wines before they've even hit the stores, allowing me to be a first taster. (but no one will know that except for me, so I'm not sure why it's important)
• I get wines that are a higher quality than the typical bottle I'd buy at the store. (I'm such a high quality person, I purchase zero brand name foods, and shop for clothes at garage sales, but only the best wines for me!)
• They send me a whole book with information on each bottle in the case.  An informed taster is a better taster.  (actually, this is quite awesome)

Cons:

• They send me a mix of red and white, I have no say what I get. (why did I get way more red than white?  Hello... I demand to be catered to!)
• I like to seek out wine with fun names, wine club wines are mostly serious. (Remember the bottle of wine I purchased just because it was called Sex?  Yup, fun named wines are just funner to drink)
• They send me 12 bottles, every 3 months, I don't drink that fast, and I fear I will start drinking them just to drink them. (I hear AA calling)
• Although it is a deal, it can still be pricey, since they are sending better quality wines.  I won't keep getting the same price that I got on my first shipment. (yup, I'm cheap, not sure how long this club will last)

Sarah says:  I guess the pro's outweighed the con's, obviously I went for it.  I am enjoying the booklet with the wines, telling me specifically what temp to serve these at, and what foods to go with.  This Malbec is 64 degrees and goes well with a hearty vegetarian dish like a spicy 12-bean chili or eggplant casserole.  (I failed, and had pork chops for dinner.  But Jon cooked, so I'm not complaining!!)  There is also additional information about the Wine, the Grape, and the Estate.  I especially enjoy the ones that include a picture of the winemaker.  I'm not sure why, but for some reason, putting a face to the bottle allows me to enjoy it more.  I think I will continue to purchase wines from the store and rotate them into my tasting, those that intrigue me with fun names make the best blog topics.

What clubs have you joined lately?

Asparagus wine Part II

Sarah says:  I'm still unsure about this wine.  It's just so different.

Speaking of things that are different, Liam... let me back up a minute and say that I have debated back and forth a lot, trying to decide if I want to blog about this or not.  It's one thing to put my own thoughts and struggles on the Internet.  It's one thing to put silly stories of my kids on the Internet.  But, putting my kids struggles out there, that's questionable.  My goal here is to put the facts, but hopefully nothing that will one day upset my kids.  

So here goes, as I mentioned in my previous post, Liam had some struggles over the past year in school.  Those struggles led to some uncomfortable conversations, which led to several doctor visits, which led to loads of testing, which led to a conclusion. 

Wednesday, July 3, 2013 - diagnosis day.  Liam has been diagnosed with ADHD.  Oddly, it doesn't feel like a diagnosis, it feels like a label.  Why are people so judge-y?!  It seems to me that people have a misunderstanding of ADHD, and to be honest, I did to.  Over the past month, I've done a lot of reading and learning, and I'm here to clear the air a little.  I am by no means trying to be an expert.  I'm just beginning to graze the surface of the issues that are involved here, and although I have a treatment plan ready to go, I haven't started it at all (waiting for the school year to start!), so who knows how it all will end up playing out.  Here's what I know:

Myth:  All little boys have a little bit of ADHD.  Wrong.  I admit that that was one of my first reactions too.  True, lots of little boys like being active, and don't like to sit still, that doesn't mean they have ADHD.  Less than 10% of kids actually have ADHD.  And while I believe that number should probably be a tad higher because I'm guessing that several kids go un-diagnosed, it's not something every little boy has.    

Myth:  ADHD is just a behavioral problem.  Wrong.  ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and it's a brain-based disorder that usually affects children (although it can impact adults too!)  It has the word disorder right in the name, it's a legitimate medical issue that is recognized by medical professionals.  It's also a lot more than just the inability to sit still.  It includes difficulty paying attention to detail, difficulty staying focused during a particular task, inability to listen when spoken to, inability to follow through with instructions, difficulty organizing activities, a dislike of things that require continuous mental effort (ie, school), easily loses items, easily distracted by noises or objects, forgetfulness... and the list goes on and on.

Myth:  Poor parenting causes ADHD.  Wrong.  I can't even... the words won't come out right... this just makes me so freaking angry!  I'm not really one to toot my own horn, but I'm a good mom.  There isn't a single part of me that thinks my parenting style has anything to do with this.  However, I do realize that my parenting style needs to be adjusted to his particular needs.  I'm still in the process of learning how his brain is wired to work, and how it's different than mine.  Understanding that will allow me to encourage him to be the best that he can be.  For now, it's all about patience.  For starters, I realize that he cannot remember a series of instructions, ie. Put on pjs, brush your teeth, pick out a book.  This has been a struggle for me, I would constantly give him things to do, and be so angry 5 min later when he'd be playing in his room... still naked.  So, I've adjusted, first, we repeat it over and over (I feel like a Dora episode all the time!).  Then I draw it out on a dry erase board so he can refer back to it.  Then, I check in with him every few minutes to make sure he's still on task... leaving him on his own is necessary to develop independence, but leaving him for too long is just setting him up to fail.  Poor parenting does not cause ADHD.  But, a parents willingness to accept, learn, and adjust can make the world of difference.

Myth:  Kids with ADHD will become one of those "Ritalin Kids".  Wrong.  First of all, for anyone out there talking negatively about a kid that's taking Ritalin, please stop.  We hear you, it's unbelievably rude and unnecessary.  Taking Ritalin for ADHD is like taking Tylenol for a headache.  For the right person, it's absolutely necessary.  Others however, would prefer Advil, or Excedrin, or taking a long shower and taking a nap.  There are several treatment options for ADHD.  There are several types of medicines that may work, but a series of behavior therapies may work too.  There is a lot of trial and error, and communication between all parties involved.  But Ritalin isn't as bad as some people make it out to be, so parents, stop acting like your kid is better than another just because some are taking some meds and some aren't. 

Myth:  Having ADHD means your child isn't smart.  Wrong.  ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence.  Actually, kids with ADHD are often extremely smart, but they struggle in school because the structure of the day doesn't work for them very well.  Figuring out how Liam best learns will be critical to his success throughout school.  I'd like to point out that Thomas Edison had ADHD and flunked out of school.  Don't be surprised if Liam turns out to be a genius inventor!

So that's where I'm at.  We're learning about our options, we're getting Liam all the extra help we can, we're distancing ourselves from those that think having ADHD makes him weird, we're debunking myths, and we're being the best parents we can be.  I'm not an expert on this disease, but I am an expert on Liam.  I know that he is freaking awesome, hilarious, sweet, smart, caring, loves animals, cares for the environment, idolizes spider-man, handsome, loves to draw, ride a bike, and play hide-and-seek.  All that knowledge, combined with everything I'm now learning, gives me the ability to make the best decisions for him and us as a family.  And that's all I can do.  That and continue to love him like crazy!

Asparagus wine update:  Yes, it does seem to give you that famous asparagus pee smell.

St. Julians Riesling... again

Sarah says:  Remember this post where I declared St. Julian Riesling as my favorite wine?  Yup, it hasn't changed.  This wine and I, we just click.  It's perfectly delicious.  It doesn't matter how many other wines I try, this one stays constant.  It's like that old friend, that you have sort of lost touch with, but whenever you get together, it's like you just pick up where you left off.  It's the friend that when they ask how are you, and you smile and say fine, they just look at you like you are crazy because they can tell you actually aren't.  That's me and this wine, it just gets me.

 

How are you?  It's such a simple question, and such a complicated one.  There's different versions of how this question can play out.  The polite version - the I'm only asking to be nice, so I only expect a nice response; goes like this "How are you?  I'm good, how are you?  Good, thanks."  Quick, simple, expresses a friendly front, but doesn't really answer the question.  The unexpected response version - when you ask to be polite, but get an earful in return, goes like this "How are you?  Oh, not good, see my cousins, boyfriends, kid is sick with the flu and.........."  this goes on for awhile, but you don't really listen, because you weren't really interested, you were only asking to be nice.  The how did I get into this version - you didn't even start the conversation, you only responded to be nice, which is what you thought the other person was being, but now you are stuck, goes like this "How are you?  I'm good, how are you?  Well, my cousins, boyfriends, kid is sick with the flu and...... "  Then there's the best friend version, the person that really cares and gets you, goes like this "How are you?  I'm good, how are you?  That's crap, I don't know who you think you are talking to, but it's me, and I can tell you aren't good, so start spilling."  And you do, because it's time to be honest.

 

I'm infamous for the quick, short, not really telling response.  I'm an accountant, words aren't my strong suit, which seems odd since I write a blog.  If it was socially acceptable to answer that question by giving 1 - 10 rating, I would, but I fear people wouldn't adapt to that.  Can you imagine it, "How are you?  4"  Love it.  Seems odd, but it's pretty clear how I'm feeling.

 

So, today, I'm going to attempt to explain how I am in words.  First, let me take you back, and explain how I assess how I am.  A long, long, time ago, I was told about the wonderful Frank Moran (yes, of Plante Moran).  Frank had a theory that life was like a tightrope, and required a delicate balance between work, family, hobbies, church, and everything else that fought for your time and attention.  To this day, P&M promotes finding your balance, and not allowing work to become your everything.  I probably took this more literally than most, and I actually picture myself walking up on a tightrope, carrying all my stuff, trying to find the balance.  Before I take on any new project, I generally picture myself on my tightrope and try to figure out what I'll have to shift around to maintain the balance.  Sometimes, it's just a matter of tossing something from one arm to the next, sometimes I can put something in a pocket or backpack, or sometimes I realize I just can't make it work.  A similar picture crosses my mind when something ends, now there is a void that can cause my balance to shift.  Sometimes when balancing becomes too hard, it's easy to think that it might be easier to just fall.  It's not the end of the world to fall off the tightrope, there's a net to catch you, and you get to take a little rest and lay there awhile.  But the reality is, things can get broken during the fall, your items will get scattered all over the place, you'll have to gather them up again, climb back to the top, and ultimately take that first terrifying step back onto the tightrope.  It's much easier to just stay up there.

 

So, how am I?  Well, 9 months ago, I was up on the tightrope, in my running shoes, work in my right arm (because it's my strongest), kids in my left, church was in a fanny pack (front and center), Jon sits on my shoulders (kind of watching over us all), my family was in a backpack (not at the front of my life, but close enough where I feel their weight and can't forget about them), I have a few books stuffed in my pockets on one side, my laptop in the other, and I'm kicking around a hacky-sack that represents my house (I could drop that at any minute).  And I was slowing making progress forward on my tightrope.  And then... the words that every parent fears came out of Liam's kindergarten teacher's mouth.  "Liam's not doing very well in school, he needs some more in-depth developmental testing."  At that moment, all forward movement stopped.  I was ok with that stop in movement at that time, I was letting it sink it, a normal reaction.  But then... I started loosing the balance.  Suddenly, information was being thrown at me at such a rapid speed that I could barely figure out if it was good information or junk before it flew by.  All well intended, but between the teachers, the doctors, the internet, my family members, and every other good hearted person that had opinion, I couldn't balance it.  I try to maintain a picture of gracefulness up there on my tightrope, that has completely vanished.  I no longer cared how I looked, I just didn't want to experience the pain of the fall.  I was wobbling all over the place, throwing items from one arm to the next just for a moment to free up that hand to grab onto something, only to realize it wasn't what I thought it was, and dropping it.  Or thinking I didn't need it and watching it go by, only to catch a glimpse of it at the last second, and deciding it was worth a shot, but it was too late at that point.  I wasn't just stopped and wobbling on my tightrope, my tightrope got caught on a nail and was beginning to fray.  It was only a matter of time before the whole thing went down.  And then, Daddy grabbed the duct tape, and patched us up.  There was that moment of shock, where did that magical duct tape come from?  And when I looked up, my shoulders didn't ache anymore, because I wasn't carrying a person on them, instead he was shuffling his away along that tightrope next to me.  At times I find it annoying, having a second person making my tightrope bounce around, but overall it helps balance it out.  I especially enjoy that when I drop something, there's still time for someone else to catch it.  Very recently, I was able to stop wobbling over the place and stand still again.  I'm hoping to start making forward movements again in the near future.  I guess you could say I'm not currently moving on the tightrope, I'm standing still, but at least I'm standing tall. 

 

I know that was a long, crazy way of saying how I am.  And maybe that's why I don't generally answer it when people ask.  For now, I'll continue to say "I'm good", but now at least you know there's a little more to it.

 

How are you?

Odd Fox Wine - Asparagus Table Wine

Description on the bottle:  There isn't one!

Sarah says:  Ok, there is the same info about the Fox family and the label as on my previous Fox Barn Winery post, but there is nothing specific about this wine.  I find that shocking.  The wine is called Asparagus table wine, it's green, it needs a description! Anything at all would be helpful... serve chilled or room temperature?  Serve with food or on it's own?  I had no idea what to do here, so I choose to refrigerate and drink after dinner (which was pizza).  And the results were... um, interesting.  

I'm not really sure how to describe it.  First of all, drinking a light green substance of any kind is a little scary.  This was sweet, and a tad bitter.  It's.... like nothing I've ever had before.  I'm having a hard time putting it into words.  It is kind of like drinking liquid vegetables, with a wine aftertaste.  I don't hate it, but I probably will recruit Jon to help drink the rest of the bottle, because I'm not sure I could do it on my own.  I recommend drinking it cold, and alone, maybe with something starchy.  Pizza was probably not the greatest choice, because of all the flavor that is already in my mouth.  I also wouldn't recommend trying to drink more than one small glass at a time, it's not that easy to drink.

Overall rating:  Thumbs up for being creative and different, but unfortunately, down for flavor.  There is a reason wine is made from fruit, it just tastes better.

Sarah says:  I've had this wine for a few months, it was a birthday gift, but I'm just now trying it because Jon was too scared.  So, I've had to wait for a night that I knew he'd be working. He isn't a fan of trying new things (although, since he's not here to defend himself, I'll give him some credit, he has taken great steps forward in "trying new things" area compared to when we first met).  I get that sometimes new things can make you uneasy, but sometimes you just gotta step up and do it.

Speaking of trying new things... I think it's time to try a new eye doctor.  I'm ready for a second opinion for Mary.  As many of you know by now, we've been patching Mary's left eye for 4+ years.  The length of time varied from 30 min a day, up to 4 hours a day.  Every time we went to the doc, he has had some reason for increasing or decreasing, reasons that sometimes did, sometimes didn't make the most sense, but we'd go along with it because we trusted his opinion.  Twice he has had us stop patching to see what would happen.  It was very easy to see that whatever progress Mary made while on the patch, she quickly lost while off the patch.  Within 8 weeks we were back to patching both times.  Looking back, I don't think he had any basis for the changes, other than trial and error.  So here it is, 4 years later and we are still trying the same treatment plan we started with when she was 6 months old.  Why exactly are we still trying this?  

I like this quote from Albert Einstein:

That's pretty much what we are doing right now.  I no longer expect patching to do anything for us.  If I were sick for 4 years, there is no way I would continue to try the same medicine, in different dose amounts, for 4 years. It's insane.  I'm ready to try something, someone new.  Please message me if you know of any good children's eye doctors!

What have you done that's insane?  Try asparagus wine, then you can say you've done that!

Fox Barn Harvest Rose

Description on the bottle:  The Fox family has been farming in Oceana County for five generations.  We are "Where the north begins and fire fruit grows."  Our wine label is an adaptation of the 1950's label that was used on fruit crates.

Sarah says:  YUM!  I am really loving this wine, and for some reason that surprises me.  I'm not sure why I'm so surprised, maybe it's because I haven't really been LOVING much of the wine I've been drinking lately, so I was loosing hope.  Maybe it's because the color of this wine has a very slightly orange tint to it, making me think bad thoughts about it.  Maybe it's because the label on this wine looked a little old fashioned.  Whatever it was, I didn't have high hopes for this.  I'm pleasantly surprised, it's awesome!! 

Overall rating:  Thumbs extra high, because it's also a Michigan wine!

Speaking of surprises.  To celebrate the recent return of Hostess and Twinkies, I'd like to introduce to you "The Twinkie Surprise".  The easiest, poorest, yummiest, strawberry shortcake you'll every try.

Step 1:  Cut 10 Twinkies in half length wise and place in a large dish.

 

Step 2:  Place strawberries over Twinkies

Step 3:  Mix one package instant vanilla pudding mix, 1 1/2 cups milk, and one 8 oz. container cool whip in a bowl.  Beat until lumps are gone.  Pour over Twinkie/Strawberry dish.

Step 4:  Some would say to cover and refrigerate overnight.  I don't have patience for that.  I say let sit 10 min to let pudding set.  Cut, eat, enjoy!

 

Surprisingly delicious... and I recommend you drink it with this yummy wine!

On a totally unrelated note:  somehow I ended up in a recent conversation about if it's appropriate to re-gift wine or other beverages.  I'd like to put it on the record that I think it's totally acceptable to re-gift bottles of wine.  I an comfortable with both giving and receiving these types of bottles.  If you know you won't enjoy a bottle of wine, there is no need to suffer through it, or worse, let it just go waste.  I will take your re-gifted bottles of wine.  How do feel about re-gifting?  Try pondering it over a glass of wine and plate of Twinkie surprise.

Flip Flop Chardonnay

Description on the bottle:  Medium-bodied, rich Chardonnay with pineapple, soft vanilla and a long lingering finish.  Creamy, toasted oak notes pair well with wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, mac & cheese or chicken Caesar salad.  Serve chilled now or store away from direct sunlight for up to 1 year after purchase. 

 

Sarah says:  Two of the same brand?  They must have been having a "Two For" deal.  Unlike the last Flip Flop wine, I actually like this one!  I can totally taste that pineapple flavor, but it's not so strong that it overpowers the wine and makes it too fruity.  It tastes kind of cheap, so I probably wouldn't serve it at a party, but it totally perfect for relaxing on a Friday night at home.

 

Overall rating:  Thumbs mostly up.

 

Sarah says:  Speaking of flip flops, they are my most favorite of shoes.  Comfortable, easy to put on/take off with arms full of stuff and kids, casual or classy depending on style, and pretty much don't go out of style from summer to summer.  Flip flops aren't my only favorites, I love lots of shoes.  I currently have 30 shoes, but I've had upwards in the 50 range during some points in my life.  I now have a rule that when a new pair comes in, an old pair has to go out.  I stick to that rule about 60% of the time. 

 

My second favorite type of shoes... running shoes.  Good for those long days on your feet.  Sandals and heels are cute and awesome looking, but sometimes you need the support that running shoes offer.  Speaking of running, I just signed up for my umpteenth 5K, except this one is awesome because it's at a winery!!  I know 5K's are lame for some people, it's the shortest race you can run, but for me it's still a big deal.  Anyways, I've been thinking about my running goal.  When I first started these things a few years ago, my goal was simply to finish the race.  Now that I've done it a few times, simply finishing doesn't really seem that challenging enough.  There is no question that I will finish.  Since I don't have the time to commit to increasing my distance, my only other option is to increase speed.  My average speed is a 10 min mile, and my current 5K personal record is a pace 9:29... my goal is to get that pace under 9:00 for this race.  Not an unrealistic goal, but it will require me to step it up a bit.  I have two months to get ready for it.  I also need to prepare for running on the grass, through what might be a bumpy trail.  It's through grape vines after all!  I generally run on pavement or gravel. 

Tonight I raise my glass to 5K training!

FYI, here's the link to the winery 5K, free glass of wine at the end!  http://www.fennvalley.com/vine-wined/