UP

Hi there,
If you want to see a great Pixar movie, I would recommend "UP". It's so very cute, animated, colorful and light-hearted. I had a chance to go see it this week in 3D and it really cleared my mind, warmed my soul, and made me laugh.
Just get "UP" and go see it.
V

Chokes

I love the fact that summer has yummy, fresh veggies to offer. Lately I have been addicated to artichokes. They are rather large this year but quite tasty. We have been having them at least once a week. We devoured some last night. (I couldn't resist taking the above photo in the grocery store.)

Castroville, CA is the artichoke capital of the world -- that is only 124 miles from home. This year Castroville celebrated it's 50th Artichoke Festival (held in May). Below is a little history on artichokes and two yummy recipe for you to try. Enjoy!

Climate
Artichokes are a marine climate vegetable and thrive in the cooler coastal climates. The artichoke does best in frost-free areas with cool, foggy summers but will grow almost anywhere there are at least 100 frost free days. Freezing temperatures will kill the buds and hot, dry conditions destroy the tenderness though artichokes do, however, like full sun.

Soil
Artichokes will grow on a wide range of soils, but produce best on a deep, fertile, well-drained soil. The plant is deep rooted and should be planted on soils that afford adequate area for root development.

Spacing
As a perennial: Artichoke plants can reach a height of 3 or 4 feet and a spread of up to 6 feet in diameter so allow plenty of space for them to grow. In Zones 7 and above, plant the artichokes to the side so that the more frequent planting of annual vegetables won't disturb them. Space the artichoke plants at 4'-6' feet within the row with 6 to 8 feet between the rows.

Storage
Artichokes may be stored for 1 to 2 weeks at 32°F with a relative humidity of 95%. Artichokes have a low sensitivity to ethylene gas.


ARTICHOKE CRAB DIP

1 c. crab meat
1 c. fresh Parmesan cheese
1 c. Hellman's real mayonnaise
8 oz. can artichoke hearts, diced
1 sm. can water chestnuts
4 oz. sour cream or yogurt

Bake in shallow dish at 400 degrees until cheese bubbles. Serve hot. Toast - to go with dip: Sliced French bread (sliced finely), toasted; or English muffin, toasted in oven on both sides, cut into squares. Serve dip on toasts.

CREAM OF ARTICHOKE SOUP

4 cups water
1 tbs. lemon juice
1 tbs. oil
4 garlic cloves, crushed
3 lbs. artichokes (3 to 4 medium, trimmed of thorns)
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup half-and-half
1 tsp. ground pepper
1 tsp. salt sprig of fresh thyme or
1 tsp. dried thyme

Bring water to a boil with oil, lemon juice, and two garlic cloves. Add the artichokes and cook 45 minutes. Remove hearts and puree in food processor with some of the stock, remaining garlic, salt, and pepper. Slice 1/2 to 1 cup of the tender end of the leaves into thin strips. Reheat soup with leaves, half-and-half, and thyme.

Rain Drops

Can you believe it's raining today? What a refreshing change! The atmosphere smells so fresh and clean. Nothing like a quick rain in June.

Enjoy the rain drops today and know that the blazing heat is just around the corner.
V

Cross Paths

On Saturday we ventured off to one of our many day trips to Napa. This trip included some stops to a few wineries we had never visited.
- Silver Oak
- Clos du Val
- Pine Ridge

We always end our loop with visiting our member winery which is Alpha Omega. We are always treated like royalty here. They always give us copius samples of wine, slip us in the back for private tastings, and always are happy to see us.

This visit had a little twist. There were two couples in the tasting room that were from out of the area. Greg quickly made them feel at home; Amy and Stan were from San Antonio and Elizabeth and Jeremy were from Minnesota. We all sparked up conversation and soon found ourselves on the porch sipping wine, eating salami and cheese and exchanging stories. We hit it off well enough that we all decided to go to dinner together at The Market. The floor manager at Alpha invited us to a tasting party at his house afterwards. He is starting his own winery (David Fulton Winery) which is located within the city limits of Napa (the first of its kind).

Although it was a very long day, it was a memorable meeting of new friends, new wine, and great laughs. We will all reunite again soon.

Another Kodak moment in Napa,
V

For a Cause

Hi all,
Friday night had a purpose. We went to our local wine bar to support the American Cancer Society with donations, purchasing of goods, and a raffle. There was a great turnout.
The band was super fun and everyone was in the mood to give.
Every June there are many fundraisers in our area for this special cause and the support is outstanding.
Thank you for giving.
V

Technical Difficulties

Hi all,
I'm having trouble posting photos today but I promise it will be cleared up by tomorrow.
I will post my weekend events separately.
V

Caution: Glass

Today was not an ordinary day. Today I have spent time organizing and storing glass beakers, vials, and lab equipment. It's a little creepy knowing that these items are used with hazardous chemicals and human blood samples. This chore gave me another meaning about my work. I often like to think about all the millions of job duties that individuals have. One day I want to farm myself out and volunteer to do some of these jobs. Just think about it! What would it be like to be a:
- janitor
- mail carrier
- x-ray technician
- a farmer
- high rise window cleaner
- movie theater attendant
- a nursery expert
- a stay-at-home mom
- a P.E. teacher
- a personal trainer
- a grocery clerk
- a superstar
- a zookeeper
The list is endless -- oh the possibilities! Be thankful for the job you possess -- hopefully it's something you take pride in and adore spending your long days each day.

Enjoy this day,
V