Shadenfreude

June 2, 2024

The dark side of my being streams joy

This imbalance hurts my composure

Compromising the safety of my mind

There is no obvious remedy to take

Beyond that, nothing rhymes with

Shadenfreude

Sidereus Vineyard and Winery

June 1, 2024

I’m a member of the wine club at Sidereus Winery for several reasons. Last year I tasted the Sidereus Riesling at Forrest Grove Uncorked, a community wine event we attended. The owner, new to the wine business, said she was sold out but would give me the special event price if I came to her tasting room. After long consideration I visited the winery. I was instantly impressed by the view. The fancy tasting room and deck have a straight shot of Mt. Hood. This elusive peak is usually shrouded in clouds. When we can see the snow capped beauty we all feel lucky.

The wine they produce is excellent. A previously hard core red wine drinker, I have now discovered the joys of rose and white wine. My current favorite is Sidereus 2023 Rose of Pinot Noir. I am making plans to pair it with something made with strawberries from the garden. Yesterday I contemplated the options by savoring a glass while Mt. Hood blessed me with a great view.

The reason I joined the club on my first visit is the charming and erudite hospitality director, Zach Mance. He knows EVERY THING about wine. He has recently completed a course of study to top off his already impressive knowledge. Zach completed WSET 3 with merit, making him one of the most qualified sommeliers in this area full of wine experts. His delivery is way less than snooty, making the information available without intimidating anyone. He says that the rose is fruit driven. I say that it’s the perfect way to toast a peek of our favorite peak, Mt. Hood.

Garden Teachers

May 29, 2024 — 3 Comments

The season arrives with flowers and greens

Bringing the whole world back to excitement

Leaving old issues behind in the process

Turning the page on the story we create

The garden teachers are never wrong

They encourage us to stay aware of energy

Startling Revelations

May 28, 2024

The flow of events is without a doubt

Beyond our comprehension

It breaks the rules of dramatic tension

It’s power subterranean, without mention

Never giving up hints of the next dimension

Unfurling Fortune

May 27, 2024

Daily practices make our world reveal

The symbolic nature of the voice we have

The solo version of artistry we came to share

The lessons we are forced to learn as an example

To illustrate to others the folly in our destiny

Remembrance

May 26, 2024

This Memorial Day I am dog sitting in Forrest Grove. I met my partner and friends at the celebration on Friday at Dauntless Winery’s tasting room on Main Street. The band was great and the crowd was happy.

I’m proud to support this business which is veteran owned and operated. The non profit organization has a mission to train and equip veterans to translate their talents from the field to the farm. The wines they produce are excellent, and they are positively active in the community.

An agricultural grant was awarded during the intermission. One of band members was the recipient of money to cover his first seeds for a garlic business he is starting. I signed up to be a customer of the soon to be in existence Gaston Garlic. The farm is in my neighborhood.

On the solemn occasion of Memorial Day we made a new veteran friend and farmer. It was a rewarding trip to town. I wish all my gentle readers a good holiday.

Retrieve Lost Treasure

May 25, 2024

Sifting through a pile of paper records

To find the missing piece of evidence

I’m sure will have power of persuasion

To make permanent the state of affairs

It’s futile to search for lasting solutions

To ever changing circumstances

The key is to forget the restrictions

But remember the liberated spirit

Chief Inspector Darwin

May 23, 2024

I’m taking care of a 15 year old mixed breed shepherd dog named Darwin while his owner is on vacation. He has a keen interest in his neighborhood and everything that happens in it. He’s famous with all the neighbors, knows everyone, and keeps the UPS drivers from getting too complacent. Darwin has extremely keen curiosity that keeps him active.

He is one of my favorite canine characters. He’s slow because of his age, but always ready for adventure. His stamina is impressive and his personality is very sweet (if you don’t drive a UPS truck). He lives in a beautiful neighborhood where it’s a pleasure to walk in all seasons.

I started pet sitting during the pandemic. It is a very rewarding job. I decided to do it because when my dog was old I had no way to find a proper sitter, and it was a strain on my lifestyle. I put my profile on Rover and started to serve pet owners. It is a super rewarding way to spend time and serve the community. Darwin is one of many sweet and loving pets I know. Essentially I have a lot of therapy animals that sometimes depend on my services. It’s a good gig.

Compared to What?

May 21, 2024

If the moment you find yourself inhabiting

Is not what you have in mind as ideal

Be sure to check out the answer to this question

Red

May 20, 2024

Bright red makes powerful statements

Calling all hummingbirds and cravers of fame

Standing out from the background crowd

This energy is ready to make strong moves

Bold and satisfying ideas are conjured up

Wearing the brightest of primary colors