Rain, Rain, Go Away. Come again another vacay.

Admittedly, I've been slacking. Life has been rather status quo lately, and I haven't felt much worthy of blogging. On second thought, while I claim I haven't had much to blog about, I realize that's not exactly accurate...

I went back to the ENT this morning for another post-op visit. Doc is still pleased with my healing progress, but noticed some residual congestion sitting in my sinuses. So, with his handy dandy, stainless steel, pipe-shaped vacuum cleaner, he conducted a little housekeeping inside my head. It didn't feel good, but I'm breathing better than I have in three weeks.

Speaking of my sinuses, I got the bill for Doc's services during surgery: $8,483. When I opened the bill, I gasped in sticker-shock, and then had to walk outside for some fresh air. I proclaimed aloud, to my front yard, "they'll never get that out of me. They'll never see their money." Frantically, I called the doctor's office to inform them of my decision, but they were closed for the day. So, instead, I called Mom. She talked me down off the cliff, reminding me that I failed to notice insurance had not yet been filed. Panic over. Good thing, 'cause I've still got bills coming from Baptist Surgicare and the anesthesiologist.

In other news, I signed up for a Wine 101 class sponsored by Vinea and hosted at Fido. The course is six weeks of wine history, vineyard studies, winery tactics, an exploration of the fruits, the structure of the drink, and the art of varietal blending. In addition, Fido will complement each class with a "Food Focus," a mini-lesson on fusion, flavors, and cooking with the beverage. My first class is tomorrow evening, and I'm very excited. When I got the email from Vinea, I considered asking friends to join me, but then decided to sign up alone. Maybe I'll meet someone interesting. Tomorrow night's class is named "The Evolution of Wine":

5,000 years ago - Middle East (Persia, Egypt, etc)
2,000 years ago - Roman Empire, wine expansion across Europe
1,000 years ago - Middle Ages, monks reinventing wine
300 years ago - European colonisation, wine to the world
30 years ago - Euro-centric industry
Today - Global industry

Wines:
Jouard Bourgogne Chardonnay (Burgundy)
Kenny Chesnaie Muscadet (dry style, Sauv Blanc like) (Loire)
Gunn Estate Sauvignon Blanc (NZ)
Six Foot Six Shiraz/Viognier (blackberry and white pepper) (AUS)
Tour du Moulin Bordeaux
Baqueano Cabernet Malbec (ARG)

Food Focus: Traditional heritage inspiring today's modern industry. The concept of fusion in food has the same foundations, evolution through traditional inspiration.

Chorizo Stuffed Medjool Dates with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Salad of Organic Local Lettuces, Radishes, Oranges, Beets, and Walnuts
White Bean Cassoulet with Grilled Duck, Fennel, and Organic Shitake Mushrooms
Cous Cous with Grilled Yogurt & Cumin Marinated Beef

My class ends at 9 p.m., and then I'll head home, nap for a couple of hours, and then load up the car. At midnight, I will pick-up Siebe, Aubree, Mandy, and a triple-shot of espresso for a long weekend at the Gulf. We're headed overnight to Seagrove Beach, Florida, nestled between Seaside and Watersound along the scenic stretch of 30A. Rain is forecasted through Memorial Day, but hopefully they'll be true beach storms, moving inland and away from the coastline. The sunny side? I'll get to spend some long-overdue time with the Diva.

I just got off the phone with dad a few minutes ago. The Cubmobile sold. Bittersweet. Looks like it's just you and me, Rick James.