Ten Things

In no particular order, ten things I've done over the holiday season instead of work on my thesis:

• taught my daughter to play Uno
• made a huge Christmas turkey and then made lots of good things with the leftovers
• played board games with friends
• read several novels
• watched movies with my daughter
• watched "Yes, Prime Minister" with my wife
• converted my old how-did-I-ever-get-a-job resume into a great functional resume
  
• played a lot of "Scrabble" on Facebook
• went to "thesis therapy" sessions at the pub with fellow GLSers
• procrastinated some more by blogging about ten things I've done instead of working on my thesis...
  

Marc Tempé Gewürztraminer Rodelsberg (1998)

For my birthday dinner, to complement the scallops with orzo and caramelized carrots, we had a bottle of wine - a 1998 Marc Tempe Rodelsberg Gewurztraminer.

I've had some really tremendous white wines before, and this one definitely qualified. It's a common misperception that you cannot age a white wine.

This one had a beautiful golden colour, wonderful smooth mouth feel, heady aromas you typically expect in a Gewurz, and on the palate had an extremely long finish and hints of minerals.

A lovely wine. I wish I had 10 more in the cellar.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today's been a truly nice and relaxing day.

For dinner tonight - pan seared scallops finished with lime and dill, orzo with a nice light tomato cream sauce, and caramelized carrots. Paired with a 1998 Marc Tempe grand cru Gewurztraminer from Alsace.

My 40th birthday party

This coming Wednesday, the 12th, I turn 40. Since a mid-week party isn't really reasonable, I had my party last night.

Almost forty people came and wished me well and shared food and wine and laughter.

I am truly blessed with good friends.