Harvey’s Bristol Creme Sherry Ronda Bowen, September 26, 2012 “Sherry, Niles?” “Why yes, Frasier.” Sherry is one of those under-explored after dinner drinks. Harvey’s Bristol Creme sherry is quite a treat, and it is mentioned in the television show. As far as cost-effective, after-dinner drinks come, this is quite the treat. We enjoy drinking this sherry after dinner as… Continue Reading
What’s in Your Home Bar? Ronda Bowen, September 25, 2012 What sorts of spirits do you have stocked in your home bar? We have a collection of wine, but we also like maintaining a full bar in case we would like a decadent cocktail at home. Generally, one has vodka, gin, rum, tequila and whiskey on hand – but what other alcoholic… Continue Reading
Commentary: Talking to Chairs and the War on Women Ronda Bowen, September 24, 2012 So…the Republican national convention…and Clint Eastwood, talking to an empty chair…happened. I’m concerned. I’m concerned for a lot of reasons, the biggest reason is that the Republican party seems totally out of touch with what we need as a nation. That doesn’t necessarily mean the Democratic party gets it… Continue Reading
Office Makeover Part II – Fabric and Patterns Ronda Bowen, September 23, 2012 I have a LOT of sewing patterns. I also have a LOT of fabric. I currently have almost all my fabric hanging in our office closet, and my sewing patterns in binders in the closet. Of course, the binders are overflowing. I’m trying to figure out what the best way… Continue Reading
To Zin or Not to Zin? There is No Question! Ronda Bowen, September 22, 2012 This week’s wine tasting at Creekside Cellars featured a selection of Zinfandel wines. It’s always fun to do comparisons of wines, since each has its own unique qualities that it brings to the table. Here’s a list of the wines that we tried. NV Codorniu Cava, Spain ($10)… Continue Reading
Relaxation After a Long Week Ronda Bowen, September 22, 2012October 11, 2025 When you’ve had a long week, nothing feels better than to relax. So often, our lives are hectic and we don’t allow ourselves time to just veg out in front of the television with a baseball game (or tv show, or movie) on. Instead, we begin filling our heads… Continue Reading
Food: The Pasta That Made Sarah Cry Ronda Bowen, September 20, 2012October 10, 2025 If you’re looking for a pasta that will bring tears to someone’s eyes, this is it. Back in grad school at NIU, I served this dish to a friend, and she literally cried. This would go well with a bold Zinfandel. The base of this sauce requires that you… Continue Reading
Movie Classics: The Birds Ronda Bowen, September 19, 2012October 10, 2025 One of the movies that really was memorable for me as a kid was Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 film The Birds. This film, set in a small Northern Californian coastal town, scared me. I attribute my dislike of large groups of birds to this film. It’s brilliant the way the movie… Continue Reading
Cheeseburger and French Fries Ronda Bowen, September 18, 2012October 10, 2025 Remember that lovely Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon I talked about a couple weeks ago that paired well with lasagna? Well, it also pairs well with burgers. I’m a fan of a good burger, and I’ve got a recipe that is (at least in my family and friends’ opinions)… Continue Reading
Causes & Community Organization: Feeding America Ronda Bowen, September 18, 2012December 11, 2021 If you want to work to help eradicate hunger, especially child hunger, Feeding America is an organization worth looking at. On their mission page, they describe themselves in the following way: “Feeding America is the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Our mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of… Continue Reading