Return to the wine country ......

[Stumpy]

What nationality is her mum?

Their Mom is Filipino

[david44]

Just caught up congrats to you and your families , great pix and clean air!!

Plus late Happy Birthday BLD compared to me and Norts you are still a young shaver

[Stumpy]

Just caught up congrats to you and your families , great pix and clean air

Thanks David. Been great to be back and see family and friends.

[Stumpy]

So with my daughters wedding complete, the balance of my visit is to get things squared away for my Mom and Dad. 3 years ago she was diagnosed with stage 3 Pancreatic cancer. At that time the care process for my Dad was relatively easy as my Mom was fully capable to care for herself. Fast forward and the curse of modern medicine has reared its ugly head. While yes my Mom is still alive and cognizant, she is totally incapable now to care for herself and this has put a huge burden on my Dad. I have been taking over some of the duties he has been doing to give him a break and we sit and watch sports and I cook dinner every night for them.

Speaking of cooking...






Cooked up some Italian spiced Zucchini, garlic butter shrimp and 2 outstanding Beef tenderloins for dinner.





My Dad and I enjoyed the meal with a Rye whiskey old fashion. Then retreated to the TV room for the Warriors Game 1 which they lost....

[DrWilly]

I love the simplicity of that plate! Simply outstanding!

[Joe 90]

My Dad and I enjoyed the meal with a Rye whiskey old fashion. Then retreated to the TV room for the Warriors Game 1 which they lost....

Precious moments.

Although that meat could have done with some gravy

[PAG]

Precious moments.

Although that meat could have done with some gravy

The Italian zucchini, depending how cooked, would have been slightly wet, and of course the garlic butter from the shrimp would equally moisten the steaks.

[Stumpy]

The Italian zucchini, depending how cooked, would have been slightly wet, and of course the garlic butter from the shrimp would equally moisten the steaks.

Joe,Mendy and Hal seem to think that any meal cooked needs "Gravy". As PAG commented. depends on how you cook and prepare your meal. If you overcook or torch your food, adding a liquid substance is required to make it soft, mushy and easy to eat.

[Mendip]

Steak isn't really my thing but I have to say that one you posted above looks delicious, and I wouldn't add gravy to that. Maybe a smidgen of English mustard and a portion of peas would have been good though!

I hope you're enjoying being home and that your mum is as comfortable as possible, mate. Savour this time with your folks.

[Stumpy]

Steak isn't really my thing but I have to say that one you posted above looks delicious, and I wouldn't add gravy to that. Maybe a smidgen of English mustard and a portion of peas would have been good though!

I hope you're enjoying being home and that your mum is as comfortable as possible, mate. Savour this time with your folks.

Hey Mendy. I am very much enjoying my time back here, especially to see my mom. She is nearing the end so some quality time with her is priceless.

Food has been excellent and those steaks were really good. I am also enjoying the endless variety of beer available. It goes well watching the NBA playoff sharing a few with my Dad.

5 more days until I hop the big bird back home. I did my Costco run and stocked up on some supplies, my wife had her cosmetics delivered so she is quite happy

Few more home repairs for my Dad and mission complete.

[Looper]

Their Mom is Filipino

in 4 months I am going to connect with his parents in Vietnam for a week

So the happy couple's kids will be an exotic Katie-esque fusion mix - nice

[Stumpy]

So the happy couple's kids will be an exotic Katie-esque fusion mix - nice

There are no plans for children. They love their careers and freedom. Maybe later but the mix if they have children would be interesting. My daughter is half Sicilian and Filipino. Her husband is Vietnamese.

Children is up to them. I told them I do not need to be a grandparent.

[Stumpy]

Walked the vineyard this morning on the way to the coffee shop. Grapes are already coming out.



These are old vines. 7 - 10 years. They produce a lot of grapes however the grapes are what is known as "Old Vine" and they can be hit or miss. they will be pulled out maybe next year or the year after. Depends really on the taste.



These older vines will likely be sold for Merlot or Shiraz wine.



Came across a really nice imperial IPA. ABV 9.5%. . Game 2 Warriors vs Lakers tonight.

[DrWilly]

That IPA has a lovely depth of colour. Bet it tasted good.

[Stumpy]

That IPA has a lovely depth of colour. Bet it tasted good.

I gotta say DW, It is a very enjoyable IPA. Usually high ABV beers have a pretty strong taste but this one is not the case and will definitely sneak up on you if you aren't watching how many you have poured.

[bsnub]

Joe,Mendy and Hal seem to think that any meal cooked needs "Gravy".

It is madness. Something is clearly wrong with them. Gravy would just ruin a nice steak like that.

If you overcook or torch your food, adding a liquid substance is required to make it soft, mushy and easy to eat.

Bingo! Nail meet hammer!

[Stumpy]

Daughter and son in law arrived in Croatia for 12 days. first 3 days were inland. Few pics







They went by a few parks. Sure looks pretty and clean.



Today arrived on the coast. I sure love the Adriatic ocean. The view from their Villa looking towards Italy.

[Joe 90]

Gravy would just ruin a nice steak like that.

You've never lived till you've had bisto on a meal.

[Joe 90]

Croatia looks great JP!

Keep hearing a lot of positives about it, shall try and venture across there one day soon before it gets ruined by the tourist package tour hordes.

[Stumpy]

Today is Cinco De Mayo here in the US. Downtown is cracking busy. I stopped off to see Ana at her Cantina to add some Vietnamese Dong money to her wall. I always brings some back and add.



Been around for years.



You can get a tack and poke it through a bill and they have a little sling shot and you stick it to the roof. Lots of money up there.



Friday it is.

[Norton]

Been around for years.

Sure has. Opened long before St. Helena became the go to tourist spot it is now. Been there a few times.

[Stumpy]

Sure has. Opened long before St. Helena became the go to tourist spot it is now. Been there a few times.

Yeah Norts. It has been passed down many generations. Amazing how St Helena remains relatively unchanged. Lots of old money in these parts as you know.

Getting ready for some NBA. Big ol Pizza on the way and feet up in the Barko Lounger.

[Stumpy]

Walked the older Cab Sauv vines today and thought Hmmmmmmm. only a few days left before I leave and being I love to BBQ and Grill that I would have a few of my closest friends come on over. wanted to keep it easy and simple.





Grill fired up. Few folks dropped by to help set up the tables and we are good to go...

[bsnub]

[happynz]

^^ Holy smokes! "Pass the salt" may require a phone call.