Bicycles Keep Us Young

I like to think that to stay young, it really helps to have a Bike you don't have to lock and a Dog that you do have to walk.

The "beater" bike is probably secondhand and can be replaced at the Goodwill for a the price of a bottle of wine. That means you take it anywhere at the drop of a hat and don't worry about it. Soon, it becoming easier than driving for your daily errands.

As for Dogs, well, if you have a young pup you know what I mean. You will get your exercise no matter what the weather or you will have a very, very messy house. In my case, I seem to have both. How does that work?

And now, a new dimension. Young people think riding around on a bike is cool. Better than a car. Indeed the local hipster hotel H2 offers patrons a low-tech, high-design bike to find all the best cafes and wine bars. Their parents are the ones driving around town in the pricey sport cars.

I have to digest this, but in the meantime, check out this vending machine for energy drinks that takes cycle power instead of coins.

Oh yeah, my wine/food tip for August. A deep Syrah with BBQ chicken and pulled pork. Followed with great chunks of melon......cheers

Joan

Eat Play Bike

So it turns out treadmills are surprisingly big. As per my previous post, I wanted a machine to help me and my energetic pup get a better workout, and I thought a treadmill was the answer. But alas, it didn't fit in my small house. Not even close. Then I turned to a machine that I already had, and one that could stand up to the elements out on the deck.

It's my bike, of course. Now I take my life in my hands almost every day and run Einstein-the-dog up and down the less-traveled neighborhood streets. It's a workout because every muscle in my body is tensed as I speed along. Luckily, we've had no major mishaps so far, despite the best efforts of cats, skateboarders, squirrels and passing pit bulls. But I do hear a lot of giggles from drivers and passersby as the two of us zigzag down the road.
I guess I've learned--once again -- that getting a workout is where you find it. And sometimes you can entertain the town while you are at it. (The movie "Eat Pray Love" has nothing on us.)

After these shenanigans, my bemused hubby and I have been enjoying some good summertime wine with peanuts-in-the-shell on the porch. Most of our favorite bottles are made by winemaker friends and not available for sale, but one storebought success is Rosenblum's Zinfandel. Plus, a neighbor who works at Ferrari-Carrano always has wonderful bottles of Pinot Noir to share.

So stay upright and have fun in the sun.
Joan

Welcome to Harvest

The wine pros in our world are getting ready for harvest and a nervous buzz is in the air. Towns with music in the park are planning their last performance of the year next week and some kids are already in school. And it's hot, hot, hot. Dry rose wines are suddenly in demand to go with all the fruit, nuts and light meals full of greens and slices of succulent pork.
Our exercise of choice: the second-hand, three-speed bike you can use for errands (and to save gas). No need to lock them up--who would steal 'em? Plus hiking in hilly areas at sunset is a must.
The vegetable gardens are also coming in and I'll report on that soon......How about your August favorites?