Tag Archives: oursommlife

on moving, being moved, and moving on.

To say that I could sum up my blogging absence in a few paragraphs would be futile, for those who know me understand that nothing I write will ever be just a few paragraphs, nor a summary.  The truth is, I have had many inspirations flowing through my mind; mostly in my dreams, the words often form perfect sentences in my misty thoughts, only to be forgotten as soon as I wake.  Alas, here I am, with no pre work conjured for my own blog request.  So here it goes.

For those who did not realize, our sommfamily took a giant leap this Fall when I accepted a new position in Houston.  We packed up, hired realtor(s), enrolled in new early education schools, and found new lives.  As with any new venture, change can be exiting: exploring new cultures, learning new skills,  making attempting to make new friends.  Admittedly, it has been a lot of change at once.  We had become settled into our quaint San Antonio ways; surrounded by those who enjoyed us for who we were, our circle of friends had grown to include some of the most interesting people we have ever met.  We miss them terribly.  Looking back, I often have to remind myself that the Universe has granted us this unique opportunity in order to change lives.  Our lives. Our families lives.  Strangers lives.

My decision to take on new challenges prompted the sommelier to make changes as well.  As a result, he branched out with gusto into the wine retail world, where he has already turned heads with his detailed knowledge, and surpassed forecast sales with his easy-going style.  You really could say that the sommelier has made the transition quite nicely, at least here in the beginning.  Even he admits, though, as with any new position, it takes at least a year to grasp certain skills.  I am in awe of his evolution, and am moved to be inspired by the everyday.  In the meantime, he brings home all kinds of samples every night.  And because he represents such high quality portfolios, I don’t mind one bit.  One of my favorites is a 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico from Michele Castellani.

castellani-colle-l

With the apparent changing of the seasons, Amarone is a perfect wine to have around for those cold, windy Texas nights.  A rich, Italian dry wine, it is known as an old world red, and very distinct.  The 2006 Castellani contains the classic Amarone notes of toast, dried fruit, and spice; an intense varietal, it is normally paired with heavy meats, wild game, and strong cheese.  For those who know our little sommfamily, how could we not love this wine?  We love stinky cheese!  Even better, this particular Castellani scored 93 points with Wine Spectator:

“Shows dried berry, spice and cigar box notes, with dried fruits. Full-bodied, with round, caressing tannins and lots of ripe fruit and toasty oak, yet balanced and juicy. Why wait? But patience will pay off. Best from 2011 through 2018…”

Find it at Specs for $52.

Sommbaby absolutely loves her new school and has literally exploded with an assortment of language skills we are still trying to decipher.  Still as sweet as ever, but on the verge of becoming terrible, we have elicited the use of my nephew’s time out chair.  Unfortunately, I see a lot of myself, as well as the sommelier, instilled in her.  Mischievous.  Manipulative. Rugrat. Payback right?  Needless to say, I am still learning patience as my parenting skills are challenged on a daily basis.

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(photo by the amazing Serina Sparkman)

So, what have I been up to? Why haven’t I taken the time to carefully craft pen to paper, making my blogging dreams a reality?  Well… I packed, decluttered, repaired, listed, sold, and lovingly said goodbye to the first house we ever bought in less than 60 days.  In my dreams I wrote a letter to the new buyer, articulating how special our little cottage house was.  We fell in love in that house.  Married in that house.  Fought in that house, and subsequently made up in that house.  We brought a new life into that house, and raised our very special rugrat in that house.  It was our home.  I cried when we finally left.   How could I not?

We procured a rental home in Katy (after five applications, and renting sight unseen!) in less than 10 days, hired movers,  wanted to fire movers, but finally moved door to door;  traveled to California, Florida, then back to California; celebrated the sommelier’s birthday, Thanksgiving, and the Coalson Christmas celebration.  We attended the Specs Vintage Virtuoso, which was quite the opportunity to drink mass amounts of deliciousness.

virtuoso

(just a few Grand Cru and Premier Cru Burgundy, 2009)

All this while working a new position, discussing neurological disease states, patient care, and caregiver concerns.  Driving 1000 miles a week, on average, and waiting in Houston traffic, in which you really need to add an hour to your time to get anywhere.  Admin like there’s no tomorrow. So, let’s just say I need a spa day.  And a friend or two.

It has been hard to move.  I admit it.  However, it is cleansing.  To rid your house, your home, your soul, of all the clutter that crowded in closets.  The cobwebs were so thick  with memories, I knew it was time to move on.  Speaking of, have you seen all the beautiful food that comes out of Houston?

No?   Oh, you will :)

Cheers.

patiently holding on to a 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape

I was fortunate enough to be invited to a dinner party a few weeks ago, at a gorgeous remodeled home located deep in Olmos Park.  The hosts had impeccable taste, from the local art that hung in their dining room, to the lace table linens, Laguiole cutlery, and Tiffany stem ware.  Even the dinner plates were garnished in a stunning mustard yellow pattern designed by Versace.  The food, deliciously prepared by Cascabel in Southtown, was amazing.  My favorite room in the house was the formal sitting room, where author works such as Mark Twain, William Shakespeare, and Friedrich Nietzsche lined the walls.  A special vicinity housed Dr. Suess and Brothers Grimm, and from which family pictures cascaded.  Although a casual affair, this get together was well planned and detail oriented.  I could see why the sommelier was attracted to this particular couple; like I mentioned: flawless taste.

There were a variety of guests, ranging from corporate executives and attorneys, to housewives and oilmen.  The collection of conversations was no doubt unique.  The sommelier and I had been sitting on some news for a few weeks, gently explaining that I was unable to partake in my favorite varietals due to antibiotic use or upset stomach.  In reality, we had discovered that we would be adding another member to our sommfamily, due sometime in February.  At this point, we felt like I was far enough along, symptoms in full thrust, that we were safely able to tell our friends why I didn’t taste the Barolos, Amarones, and Chenin Blancs.  So out the broadcast came.

After an immediate flurry of congratulations and best wishes, and a number of “way to go” pats on the back for the sommelier, my thoughts turned to the reality: two under two.  Both working parents.  Hazy finances.  We were in for a lot of work, and my anxiety started to kick in.  It was at this time that I noticed my all time favorite varietal sitting on the kitchen counter: Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

(image taken from fromgrapestowine.wordpress.com)

Hailing from the southern Rhone region of France, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, named for the papal vineyards that supplied Rome in the 14th Century, has been considered rustic and of limited appeal in the US.  Historically, much of the regions production was blended into several different labels or sold into bulk.  In last few decades, however, there has been a surge of estate takeovers and improved winemaking techniques, creating a more appealing wine known so well to my palate.  Particularly, I find the rusticity, earthiness, and long finish of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape a welcomed breeze from our Italian themed collection.  It pairs well with strong dishes, like lamb or beef donned with  mushrooms, onions, and spinach.

 

(image taken from 123rf.com)

After voicing my love for the wine, my passion hanging on my sleeve like a sparkling ornament, one of the dinner guests offered me the bottle.  “Please take this as a celebratory vintage, enjoy it when you can drink the entire bottle, after your little one arrives,” he said.  A 2009 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe “La Crau”, the oilman could not have gifted a grander cru.  Known for their legendary terroir, the Brunier family has been perfecting the Chateauneuf-du-Pape since 1898.  Now represented by Kermit Lynch, this particular varietal is reaping the benefits of it’s longed labors.  Since Chateauneuf-du-Pape really needs at least 4-5 years in the cellar (better after 10 years), I was truly looking forward to opening this bottle of wine after the birth of our next little one.  I even concentrated during Prenatal Yoga to develop the consciousness of our mini-somm’s palate.  I am big believer of sensory development, after all.

 

Weeks passed and I toyed with posting about my experience in Olmos Park.  Then we visited my doctor this past Monday, and found that I had a blighted ovum, an empty gestational sac.  While my body showed all the signs and symptoms of pregnancy,even forming a placenta, my womb was barren.  The immediate response was to undergo surgery right away, not because this was the norm, but because my schedule would not necessarily allow me to naturally miscarry.  With a surgical option, there would be more control.  The sommelier and I did not argue.  The very next day I would be no longer dreaming of a larger sommfamily.

Of course there are strong feelings about our loss.  The Universe has plans for us, although I dare to challenge what they may be.  It seems as soon as I accept changes to my personal future, my world is turned upside down and forced to acknowledge a new fate.  Needless to say, I am still struggling with the turn of events.  First I was anxious; then I understood; then I accepted.  Now I am empty.  And sad.

I think about finding a medium style Chateauneuf-du-Pape to enjoy now, like a Clos St Jean Vieilles Vignes 2006, which can be found at Specs for $55.  But it hardly seems fair.  I somehow feel like it is not yet time to enjoy my favorite wine.  It is as if no one told my body that our little one no longer exists, or rather, never existed. My breasts still hurt and my body aches.  It is strange, and I am still besieged with the concept.  Instead, I opt for my go to house wine, the inexpensive, yet drinkable Chianti that I have learned to love over the past year.  Things change so quickly in our household.

A lot has taken place this week.  As our family heals, my hope is that the gifted 2009 Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe “La Crau” ages beautifully, so that in a few years, regardless of our family size and situation, we can enjoy the vintage with gladness and ease.  It is worth holding on to.  Time transforms all (that’s what they say, anyway).    In the meantime, drink well, be merry, and cheers.