February has finally arrived...

Well, this year's month of frugality has come and gone, and here are the results. First, I'm reminded again of the importance of the choices we make regarding the things we purchase and consume. Second, I marvel at how quickly you can spend money unnecessarily when you're not paying attention. Third, I'm surprised that I didn't really miss drinking wine/alcohol the last half of the month. Fourth, I dropped 4 pounds.


All that being said, it's nice to have all the self-imposed spending/drinking restrictions lifted. I'd been thinking about what I'd have for my first glass of wine on Feb. 1st... scanning the crates, I saw a half-bottle of 1999 Corison that we picked up the last time we were up in Napa. A truly elegant, balanced cabernet (tipping in at just 13.6% alcohol) with beautifully dark color and well-integrated flavors of fruit and dusty earth, backed by faint wafts of savory herbs. That first sip was spectacular.


Rather than going out to dinner, we stuck with a simple but decadent meal of rich and meltingly tender syrah-braised shortribs with a potato-parsnip puree. A sip of wine, a bite of food... magic on the palate. Savor it... now I remember what I've been missing!


Sigh... I should still try harder to eat less meat...