Random February

February 2019

This was such a fun evening!  Marvin and I thoroughly enjoyed having dinner out with Bryan, Deb, Anne, and Scott.  We had yummy food at Mi Casa and great conversation.  Can't wait to do it again!!

You can see the big snowflakes falling behind us (maybe) in the pictures.  It started snowing near the end of our time together and it was really coming down hard!

Bryan, Deb, Anne, Scott

Anne, Scott, Laura, Marvin 

This was a beautiful sunset!

Our old coffee pot died and we searched around for a replacement pot.  We chose this Bonavita Connoisseur coffee pot.  We have been very happy with it so far.  The only downside is it only brews 8 cups.  But it brews quickly and we have another thermal carafe so that hasn't been a problem.

I also made this purchase this winter and LOVE it!  I spend way too much time at my desk working on the computer and this has made it possible for me to get some exercise at the same time.  It is a Desk Cycle Ellipse and is designed to work under desks as low as 24 inches.  Daddy ended up getting one just like it and he also loves using it.  Highly recommended!

I am still so happy to report that Mama and Daddy are doing our family history recording project.  We have had a wonderful time with this project - videoing them telling the stories of their lives.  What a treasure in time spent and the content captured!  :)

February Wine Night

February 21, 2019

It was wonderful of Dana to host February Wine Night since our road was so snow (and still ice) covered.  We had a big group and tons of yummy food for Cabernet Sauvignon night.  It was a great evening and I was sure glad Donna was able to drive up for this one.

Melinda, Janet, Laura, Donna, Lisa, Jennifer, Hannah, Andrea, Dana, Judy, Megan

Look at this cute little wine case that Lisa found at Marshalls for $3!

Adorable!

what a feast!

Cucumber Feta dip with pita chips

cucumbers with veggie/ranch dip

steak bites

Bananas Foster Tartlets

Hummus - one regular and one spicy

Blue cheese grapes and proscuito wrapped peaches

steak - Judy brought from Wooden Nickel!

meat and cheese plate

chocolates

Yum!

We all thought this photo was pretty epic!  Dana had a great place to display the wine!

This particular wine night had an interesting aspect.... we did a Vertical Flight of 3 wines from the same vineyard in 3 different years.  It was astonishing to us how different those 3 wines tasted even though they are the same grape grown at the same location!  Weather and vintage/year really makes a huge difference and this was a powerful way to have that demonstrated.

2016 Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon #1 on wine tasting sheet
#1 in vertical flight

2014 Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon #2 on wine tasting sheet
#2 in vertical flight

2017 Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon #3 on wine tasting sheet
#3 in vertical flight

2016 Paso Creek Cabernet Sauvignon #4 on wine tasting sheet

2016 Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon #5 on wine tasting sheet

2016 Longchase Cabernet Sauvignon #6 on wine tasting sheet

2016 Insurrection - Australia - #7 on wine tasting list

2016 Veramonte - Chile - #8 on wine tasting sheet

Barefoot #9 on our wine tasting sheet

Cepage Merlot - the ringer - #10 on wine tasting sheet

we tried this one as #11 - Finca Las Moras bourbon barrel
aged from Argentina (Dana already had open)

Donna, Megan, and Lisa

:)

My wine tasting sheet for Cabernet Sauvignon

Here are some videos that we watched to learn more about Cabernet Sauvignon.

Everything you need to know about Cabernet Sauvignon




How Cabernet Sauvignon is made




The best red wine for beginners - Cabernet Sauvignon




Wine Folly: Tannins in Wine




The ultimate guide to Cabernet Sauvignon

Skillet Beef, Potatoes, and Carrots

This is goooood comfort food.  We have made this a few times on cold winter nights and it really hits the spot.

Skillet Beef, Potatoes, and Carrots
1 pound ground beef
1 ½ cups water
½ tsp. poultry seasoning
¼ tsp. pepper
1 envelope brown gravy mix
1 medium onion, sliced and diced
2-3 carrots, sliced
2-3 potatoes, sliced
1 cup shredded cheese (we used cheddar)

In a large skillet brown the ground beef until cooked through and crumbly.  Drain.  Stir in the water and seasonings and bring to a boil.  Stir in the brown gravy mix.  Cook and stir until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

Arrange the onion, carrot, and potatoes over the beef.  Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables are tender, 10-15 minutes.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Cover and cook until all cheese is melted.

*Note - I cooked the ground beef with the onions, then drained.  Then I added the potatoes and carrots to the skillet and browned them up a bit, too.  I added the water and seasonings and stirred well, allowing all to cook for a few minutes.  (I added about 2 cups water) Finally, I added the gravy mix and stirred till thickened.  I sprinkled the cheese in and covered the skillet to allow the veggies to finish cooking and the cheese to melt in.

The transformation begins

This was an exciting day.  It was the day Jackson and Brianna took possession of their new house.  They started right in on working and by the end of that weekend had already removed all the popcorn ceilings throughout the house.  They are now working on priming and painting.  Exciting!!

I love the view out their living room window!

brothers...  :) 

Jackson, Marvin, and Jonathan

She's home!  :) 

Tyler and Taylor came by to congratulate Brianna and Jackson

Welcome home, Brianna and Jackson!

And then the next day...

the hard work begins!

Tyler and Jackson removing the popcorn ceilings

a big work day!

Jeremy and Tyler

Since we are stuck in this 'ice prison' out here at Willis Creek Ranch, I am especially grateful that Jackson is sending us photos of their progress with painting.  It is making the house look like a completely new home!  I can't wait until I can get out of here and go see it myself!

Ceilings are cleared and primed

First coat going up in the master bedroom

I love it!!!

beginning work on the fireplace in the dining room
(Tyler and Taylor are wonderful friends to Jackson and Brianna!)

I love it!!!!!!  Doesn't even look like the same house!