Chateau LaTour Pauillac 1995

So on Monday night we opened the most expensive wine (~$370) that any of us in the room had ever tasted. We'd had this bottle for about 2 years, waiting for the right time to open it, and since Uncle Peter hasn't been over to visit us, we decided to open it anyway. ;)

The reviews that we'd read said that it was fruity with a heavy oak aftertaste, which mellowed after 2004. It was very nice, and enjoyable to drink, although maybe we should have had a better meal to go with it than Joe's Pizza. I could definitely taste the raspberries, violet and oak, with most others in the room saying the same thing.

Last Saturday we did go out in the VA countryside and do some tasting. The plan was to hit 4-5 wineries, which was narrowed down to 2 after the first winery - Pearmund Cellars - had us taste what 13 different wines for $5. The second winery we hit was one of our favorites- Gadino Cellars - so we did end up purchasing a couple of bottles, none of which cost close to $370 :)

Back from vacation

So I've spent the last week showing Bryn & Susan around the area, and dropped them off last night in Philly, taking a nice slow ride back today. They'll be back in town on Monday, before heading off back to Swansea on Tuesday. Here are a couple of the sights from the week...

The new WW2 memorial in DC


Horse & cart in Colonial Williamsburg
(note the Union Flag in the background)

A trip to the vets ends in bloodshed

Poor sweet Lizzy had a follow up appointment tonight, I took her to the vets for the vet to listen to her heart and lungs. I started off holding Lizzy by her paws, she ended up holding my hand by her teeth, literally hanging by her teeth. I have a couple of nice holes in my hand, one in the knuckle, one in the side of the hand.



The vet walked out and returned with some bandages and a pair of thick gloves to finish off the exam. Everything worked out ok, she's doing well. I just need to call the doctors tomorrow to find out when my last tetanus injection was...

Toastmasters Award

Tonight I did my 2nd Toastmasters speech. The topic I decided to go with was "Religion and Fanatacism". The big twist was that the fanaticism I was actually speaking about was sporting. Anyway the speech went well, although there was no vote for best speaker of the evening because one speech ran over, and another under, so I was the only qualifier for the award and was awarded it by default. Still I have it, and I'm sure the next time I hopefully win it it'll be a proper competition.

The Easter Bunny cometh

Yep, it's that time of year when the Easter bunny makes a quick trip to the British store in Aldie, VA. So naturally Gwyneth wants to visit and get some chocolate :)

Boothferry park remembered

So as a present to myself I got a limited edition print of the last game at Boothferry park, the stadium I used to go to to watch the tigers play. The first time they framed it they put a rather large hole in it, luckily I was able to order another (that the store paid for), and on my birthday I got the call that it was ready.

I'm still deciding whether to hang it at work or in my office at home. Either way I'm happy with it.

36...

It's hard to believe that 1/2 my life ago I reached the legal drinking age (UK). Now here I am at 36 (ok, I'm about 4 hours early with this post), with a BA, a Masters, a wife and a child... So the important question is, what did I get?