Worth the Wait

Continuing a long-standing tradition, last night my group of six friends celebrated the semi-recent birthday of one of our group. My final thought before falling asleep was simple: bliss! Good food, good wine, good conversation, fragrant lilies, terrific friends, and even a wee bit of technology (took a moment to watch Operation Migration's Crane Cam); does anyone need much more? Coordinating a time for our busy group of to be together is never easy.

This time seemed especially challenging - our schedules were filled with travel (Istanbul, New York, California, Florida, South Carolina), family events (weddings, birthdays, funerals, house guests), and work (seminars, late office nights, broken water heaters). Pictured to right: Gail and Paula.

But, we are a persistent bunch, we like to have fun, and a missing friend was not an option. When we finally did meet tonight, certainly, it was worth the wait. We always enjoy each other's company and usually laugh a little bit too loudly to suit any of our mothers. Tonight was no exception. I think that most of us would agree: we should celebrate more often, even if it means invented birthdays.

For Carole's birthday/wine tasting, I hosted the meal and designated Syrah (Shiraz in Australia) as the wine varietal for our study. We had quite the spectrum: a 2006 Ravens Wood Petite Syrah (Sonoma), a South Australian Sparkling Shiraz - Naked on Skates (yes, it created the most interest!), a 2006 Canterbury Vineyards Syrah - Bell - from the Sierra foothills, and Windmill Estates 2003 Syrah from Lodi, California. While we did have a wine rating scale available for comparing aromas, colors, flavors, tanins, complexities, and finishes, we ignored that protocol and savored each. All were good...and different.

Top Left: Cindy

Top Right: Diane

Bottom Center: the Birthday Girl Herself - Carole and Sarah Beth's Preserves - memories of shared good times in NYC, 2000!

You may enjoy reading the menu, taken directly from Sunset magazine (August, 2008). The only change that I made was the addition of asparagus and rolls...oh, and Gail's wondrous cheese pumpkin. Here's the video. (Thanks to Tiffany Broda for helping me refind video editor in Blogger!)