I used to be Clark Griswold. None of my plants would freeze during the winter because of the heat generated from my Christmas lights. Not only did they dance to traditional AND rock-n-roll Christmas carols, but you could possibly see them from space. It was glorious.
It involved careful extension cord maze planning discussions between my daughter & me (editors note: nobody speaks in proper grammar, Karissa), electric bills that rivaled the mortgage payment and friendly inspections by the Fire Marshall. It usually ended in frustration as some cord or fuse would fail.
Inside, you would find a 9 foot tall tree right out of a department store surrounded by perfectly wrapped presents. Lighted garland in every doorway, ornaments hanging from the ceiling and small ‘themed’ trees throughout the house. Yes, it was ridiculous. And, I did most of the decorating myself. Which I realized was stupid.
In my old age I have learned to allow my husband and boys to help through subtle guilt trips. Don’t judge, it makes them feel good to make me happy. Who am I to deny them of this happiness? There may not be as many lights as before but they go up so much easier! I don’t even have to go outside.
Okay, my video wouldn’t load. Ours is just like this. (not really)
I still may or may not have multiple trees, excessive garland and ornaments around the house BUT I do not do it all by myself. My boys were much more easily tricked willing to help than I had expected.
My best Christmas advice? Plastic wrap your fully decorated tree when it’s time to put it away! I saw it on Pinterest last year, so I tried it with my Candy Themed Tree. It unwrapped perfectly decorated and dust-free!
Yeah, it does need more ornaments…
Needless to say, I had plenty of Wine-Time this year!
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Slow Dancer Chard ~ Laroche Chard ~ 2 Cocky Sisters Red ~ Vintage Ranch Cab
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(I forgot to edit this pic)
2010 Slow Dancer Chardonnay Sonoma County $6.99
Elsewhere price $ 16.99
Larry noticed the apricot aroma and Terry commented that this Chardonnay was very good and finishes sweet. Connie liked it as well, adding that it had a spicy kick to it. Scott didn’t care for it at first (he prefers wines that are not sweet), but he said he warmed up to it and Steve tasted peaches and pears. Arvin thought it would make a peachy keen after dinner wine.
Tasting notes from 1000Corks.com: From the Alexander Valley region of Sonoma County. This warmer area produces a richer style, with apple pear and pineapple notes with slight butterscotch and toast
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2010 Laroche Chardonnay France $10.99
Elsewhere price $19.99
This Chardonnay was a hit. Arvin found it to be dry and peppery. Terry gave it a thumbs-up and Larry called it dramatic. I didn’t get Steve’s comment, but I’m sure he tasted pear.
89 points from The Wine Advocate: “The qualities of the year come through beautifully in the 2010 Chablis Saint Martin. Layers of silky, polished fruit flow with gorgeous length and persistence. The 2010 is another overachiever among the entry-level wines of this great Chablis vintage.”
89 points from International Wine Cellar: “Pale, bright yellow. Dusty stone, lemon drop and wild herbs on the nose. At once rich and penetrating, with strong acidity and mineral spine intensifying the flavors of grapefruit, lemon drop and wild herbs. Classic steely Chablis with very good grip. A superb village wine, especially if subsequent bottlings are as strong as this.”
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2 Cocky Sisters Red Wine Paso Robles $4.99
Elsewhere price $14.99
I knew with this crowd, the label alone would be a big hit. I’m happy to say the wine was pretty good too! Arvin said it was smooth and really good, he called it velvety. Terry agreed that it was very smooth. Steve questioned his first taste, he said it was peppery. I guess he was surprised that it was pear. Connie confirmed for him, peppery. Arvin added that it was silky with a hint of tobacco. Scott joined us a little late, but tried to get the last taste…
4 out of 5 from Wineexpress.com: All estate grown grapes are used for this lush red blend with a quirky name. It’s 28% Syrah, 23% Mourvedre, 23% Counoise, 15% Grenache, 5% Rousanne and 5% Viognier. The combination sounds wild but the wine is supple and inviting. Ripe blackberry, cherry and cassis flavors along with a zesty, spicy note on supple tannins and a hint of sweetness on the finish. Don’t worry about pairings because it drinks beautifully on its own. Wine Enthusiast Magazine said “For an inexpensive wine, this is a pretty good investment. The alcohol is high, but it’s in keeping with the cherry, berry, currant, dark chocolate and spice richness, giving a fat, glycerol oiliness to the fruit. Easy to like this soft, dry, heady wine.”
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2013 Vintage Ranch Cabernet California $4.99
Elsewhere price $17.99
He did make it just in time for this Cab. He called it nice & smooth. Connie and Larry agreed. Terry said it rolls right down your throat. Steve noticed it had long legs and Arvin liked the oaky finish.
From the label: Vintage Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon opens with rich aromas of black currant. On the palate, deep round flavors of black cherry emerge over espresso, dark chocolate and toasty oak, with just a hint of vanilla on a long, lingering finish.
Thank you Terry for bringing your homemade carrot cake, it was delicious! Steve wanted me to know (and apparently the world too) that he loves cake.
Front Porch Wine Tasting 
Where did you find the Laroche Chard??? Grocery outlet I’m thinking, Ive seen some of the others there that are in your blog. Looking everywhere would love to try it.