Planting flowers in the front yard makes me happy. Wait. I don’t mean the actual act of planting the flowers makes me happy. Because it does not. Not at all.
Maybe if I could effortlessly dig holes in fluffy dirt and plop the new plants in, but that is not how it works. My flower bed is full of tree roots. Big tree roots that grow right where my new flowering shrubs belong. Every year I try to plant in the same place, not remembering the roots are there. Then I usually give up and plant them somewhere else which makes the freakishly large flower bed look unfinished. This year I dug holes and cut right through any roots that got in my way. Take that tree roots! It’s a stupid looking tree anyway. If I accidentally killed it, no worries, I’ll plant an apple tree in it’s place next year 🙂
(please excuse my thumb)
This year I also finally chose the proper plants. Evergreen, flowering and drought tolerant.
***fingers crossed***
that I won’t have to try to fill the whole giant flower bed anymore. Just the border. Which I’m okay with. I can handle border planting, that’s where all the nice fluffy dirt is.
Now, every day when I pull up the drive way, the flowers make me smile. It’s like a little glimpse of Spring. (Thanks for being there during my silly rant).
What else makes me happy? Wine.
I’ve learned that it only takes a small glass of wine to transition from stressed to happy. But, that rarely stops me…
Here’s this week’s wine picks:
Reynoso Sauv Blanc ~ Sonoma Landing Chard ~ Rockwall Sirah ~ Red Lie Zin
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2009 Reynoso Sauvignon Blanc $6.99
Elsewhere price $12.99
Larry commented on the citrus/pear aroma being refreshing. Steve said it had a spicy finish, but he was eating spicy pasta snacks at the time 
Joe tasted peach; he said it was very light and not too strong.
On line review: The fruit character of this wine speaks of citrus with riper, tropical notes as well. In the mouth, the acidity has a softer profile than many Sauvignon and the fruit is freshly expressed.
on line review 2:
| Suggested Setting | Freshly-cooked lobsters on the beach |
| Signature Scent | Key Lime Blossom |
She’s not shy in the least, an intensely flavored and layered Sauvignon Blanc that delivers tons of citrus and passion fruit with hints of tarragon and white pepper. Not quite as crisp or dry as some of her Sauv counterparts she’s still refreshing and pairs best with seafood. Next time you have sushi skip the sake and go Sauv instead.
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2008 Sonoma Landing Chardonnay $5.99
Elsewhere price $12.99
Terry started us off on the Chardonnay, she thought it tasted clean and clear. Steve noticed a hint of apple. He said it was a cheerful wine. Becky really liked it especially the little twang at the end.
On line review: It was on sale for $8.70 (Regular Price: $12.99). Smooth, dry and fresh – loved it! Not agree with 88 pts. Five out of Five stars.
Winemakers notes: 88 PTS WILFRED WONG. Impressive and delicious, the juicy ’08 Sonoma Landing is a beautiful wine; fresh with finely ripened, core fruit flavors; dry yet easy in the finish.
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2011 Rockwall Napa Petite Sirah $10.99
Elsewhere price $25.00
By far the winner of the night! Becky liked the fancy bottle and after tasting it said, ‘Wow, that’s good!’ She also noted that it was fruity and would go with anything. Joe said ‘Legs’O’Plenty’. Steve commented that he really liked this one and Larry & Terry agreed, saying it was very berry and really good. We all had seconds and we finished the bottle.
On line tasting notes from Williams-Sonoma: Rich mulberry and blue plum flavors form the core, surrounded by notes of spice, vanilla and seared meat. $35.00
From the Winemaker: Deep India ink in color, this beautiful Petite Sirah shows robust aromas of juicy ripe blackberry, fig, and pink cotton candy, followed by flavors of bright blueberry, Cajun spice, plum jam, white pepper and dark chocolate. Cheers to blue teeth!
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2011 Red Lie Zin Lodi Zinfandel $4.99
Elsewhere price $9.99
Joe noted the dry oakey aroma. He said it tasted tart and added, ‘I love that Zin’. Becky agreed that it was dry and noticed that it stayed on your tongue; she said this is a good dinner wine. Everyone else was still enjoying the Petite Sirah…
On line review on Vivino: Four out of Five stars
Front Porch Wine Tasting 