Fine wines
In 1789, the deep divide between the wealthy and the poor resulted in a revolution that shook the French nation and reshaped Europe. During its early stages, not only the aristocracy was subjected to the caress of the guillotine, but also many French land and vineyard owners shared the same fate. However, in pragmatic fashion, […]
Silence of the lambs
As a youngster growing up, I didn’t know about abuse. My parents dished out a bit of voice-raising and a whisper of spanking. I can remember my Mom shouting “Just wait ’til your father gets home.” And when Dad got “home” his line was “don’t make me take my belt off.” I don’t remember the […]
Mushrooms, maple, cherries and royalty
We all know that the County is looking for a new economic development strategy now that the author of the “creative rural economy” approach has been shooed out of town. What we didn’t know, until now, is how close the County is to executing an audacious new strategy. The project has been shrouded in complete […]
Different ports
Port is a wonderful way to mark a special event such as a birth, graduation or wedding. Vintage ports can lie down for at least 20 years, for future enjoyment. There are many styles of port with different aging potential. First, there is the simpler ruby port, stored in stainless steel tanks and blended to […]
My dinner with Jacques
Senator Jacques Demers recently spoke to a group of businessmen in Belleville. Now approaching his 67th birthday, he spends a little time nowadays on the road, sharing a message or two with anyone who cares to listen. To say that he has had a fascinating trip to the present is a serious understatement. He was […]
Bunny and the commandments
I suppose I should write something about the Easter weekend. I don’t want to, except to say my house has a faint aroma of chocolate and two, real, honest-togoodness Easter Bunnies left sweet little treats on my front porch on Sunday morning. I believe in the Easter Bunny. I mean bunnies. Oh, what the heck, […]
Barrel-aged Ports
When you look at a list of producers of fine Port wine you would be amazed at the number of English names on the labels, such as Dow, Grahams or Taylors, to name a few. It shows the passion and enthusiasm the English have for Port wine. This passion has been shared throughout the world. […]
Bundle up in Beantown
The Blue Jays were in Boston last weekend for a four-game series. They are winding down a road trip that has been satisfactory, although a little bumpy in Seattle. Any time you lose a game, after leading 7-0 in the latter stages…They will remember that one for a long time. They ran up the steps […]
A tip of the helmet
I have to admit I’ve become a fan of both the Dukes and the new Essroc Arena. Let me tell you about a few things I like. I’ll start with the players. Watching the team march through the playoffs has reminded me that no matter how much flash and brilliance you might show, you can’t […]
Welcome back
I hear the birds every morning now. I’m sure you do, too. The back yard birds have returned. Most of the birds in my back yard have been hanging around for a little while, but now they’re singing up a storm and nesting in the eavestroughs. Although there have been mornings when, for a brief […]