Hostess gift shopping

Tertulia Vineyard -- had a good tasting, paired with dry fruit and chocolate and a tour

We picked up our case of wine as members of the Walla Walla Community COllege wine club. They informed us there was a Grand Opening of Valdemar Vineyard --but it was too grand-- i.e. cars out the wazoo.... so we went next door to Flying Trout and had a good time. Tasting fees vary from $5 (i.e. at the College Cellars) to $10 or even $15 a flight, but if you buy a bottle, invariably, the fee is waived.  The choice isn't that hard, pay the fee and go home empty-handed, or pay a slightly bigger fee, but go home with a bottle of wine for later.  We chose wisely.

We've been practicing retirement DEAR time  (when the kids were at China schools had DEAR time daily:  Drop Everything And Read.)  We nod off in the sun with our novels, or plan Alaska trip with our Milepost or post pictures on our blog. 

Last night we grilled our veggies and made our traditional "mommy popcorn" in the Whirly Pop but with the chili pepper/herb-infused oil that Malindi had gifted us at Christmas. WoW-- Popcorn with a little kick. Olé!  Silly me, I put vodka on my lavender and lemon herbs from Christmas!