Yearly Archives: 2009

What is with my dessert wine obsession of late? Something about chatting with friends over a spent table and a glass of something sweet just seems right for a cold March night. This French muscat ended our dinner out at Chez Spencer last Friday. The adorable bottle and classic label are an added bonus.

Spring fever has hit me hard this year. With an absence of yard, I had in mind window flower boxes full of blossoming jasmine and tea roses. However, I don’t think the management would appreciate my drilling holes in the building’s siding from three stories up. Instead, I found two sets of these windowsill herb…

Fun and very busy weekend! We took full advantage of the fact that it finally stopped raining. Sunny – even bitter windy and cold sunny – is better than rain. On Friday night, Rob and I were taken to dinner at Chez Spencer. I have professed my looooove for this restaurant before, and it only…

I’m exhausted from the busy weekend – including a 54 mile bike ride in Capay Valley on Sunday. Combined with technical difficulties, I need an extra day to get up to speed. I’ll be back tomorrow.

I saw this ad at the theater last night when we went to see Slumdog Millionaire (I know, I must be the last person on the planet). Love the vintage style and, of course, the tandem bikes. Team stoker!

Scanning in these old photos from our trip to China has made me so nostalgic. I need another trip to the “east” asap. Or at least, to start shooting real film again.

Wow…Did you see Michelle Obama at last week’s Stevie Wonder concert at the White House. Amazing. I’m tempted to buy a green dress and a black sash. But there is just no way to compete!

Jean tracked down a caterer in Berkeley that will make fresh corn or flour tortillas on site. No date or location yet, but we have the tortilla connection. She has the right priorities!

The subtle teal of these antique ball jars could be a fantastic foundation for wedding centerpieces. Just a hint of color in a recyclable, reusable container. Take a look at similar jars full of garden roses, amazing peonies, lights and lovely lilacs. You can find them on eBay or even cheaper at yard sales and…

This 2003 port wine from Justin in Paso Robles was a big hit at Saturday’s dinner party. Rob and I had the bottle for over 4 years, but never got around to opening it. And it just happened to be the right timing for Open that Bottle Night. The six of us drank the whole…