Dog Years.. Not What They Used To Be

A few months ago, I was taking Phoebe on her walk.  These days, this isn't much of a walk at all but she enjoys it. She's coming up on 15.5 years old and getting a quarter mile out of her can be a challenge, often requiring a stop about two-thirds the way through. I walk the Dutch separately now, as we like to go for a brisk 2.5 miles over a hill and through a small valley, before I pick up Phoebe.

As I was reaching the last (and slowest) leg of Phoebe's stroll, I wondered about the common assumption that a dog year is the equivalent of seven human years (making Phoebe something like 110). Where did this come from? Also, if based on average lifespans, I'd think it would need some updating as the increase in human lifespan has probably outpaced the canine's. Almost as if in response to my musing, a copy of the Fall issue of Healthy Pet landed in the mailbox with an article addressing exactly that subject.

Fianna - 2011 & 2012 Photos

I did a little reorganizing of Fianna's gallery the other weekend, after noticing that I had not added any new photos for quite some time. Now she has two galleries, one for 2009-2010 and one for 2011-2012. Maybe they should be called the 'Baby Days' and the 'Toddler Days'?

2011-2012 Photos : 2009-2010 Photos

Amador Wineries: Behind The Cellar Door 3-3-2012

If you're from the Sacramento area, and like wine, you've probably heard of Amador County Wineries. If not, it will probably come as a surprise to you that Amador County (East of Sacramento County) has a Vintner's Association with 36 member wineries. Most of these are on, or within walking distance of, a 5-6 mile stretch of the Shenandoah Road in what is referred to as the Shenandoah Valley.

At one time the Shenandoah Valley was the main viticultural region of California, but along came Napa, Sonoma, and all that jazz... and now... most people I talk to are surprised to hear about it... or consider it their own little getaway that they don't want ruined by Napa crowds. Come to Amador and you will not pay for the privilege of tasting their wines, you will not stand in line for a pour, you will not spend 30 minutes to drive a four mile stretch of road, and you will most likely have your questions answered with a smile and patience. The scenery is even better than Napa for my money. Spring in Amador is something to behold, and something to remind you of the secrets California still holds outside its urban sprawl... there are no McDonalds or Walmarts in out here. There are vineyards over 100 years old though... and that's one reason why you should check it out.

Why are they not spoken of in the same breath as Napa? I'd guess it's the lack of 'serious' wines that consumers have gravitated toward. You'll find very few, if any, Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, or Merlots here. Amador is best know for its Zinfandels. You will also find plenty of Barberas, Primotivos, Syrahs, Sangioveses, Savignon Blancs, Viogniers and quite a few Ports (or Late Harvest) wines. 1 comment Read more

Some Words on Some Good TV

I've been recommending some TV/Netflix watching to the Wilsons lately and they've indicated that I have a perfect record so far. I don't watch a lot of 'first run' TV. Typically, I'll just find whole seasons of something interesting on Netflix and watch a couple episodes. If it's good I'll watch the whole season, then wait for the next season to be available. Other times, I wear my pirate hat...

Here are a few of my recommendations.

Some Words on Some Good Books

Back when the Forum was active, members used to report on what we had read, make recommendations, etc. For lack of that outlet, thought I'd catch up here on some recent favorites... just for posterity's sake. These are not the only good books I've read. Their just ones from the last couple years that stick out and that I would generally recommend, regardless of your taste in genre. I tend to prefer a lot of Fantasy, Cyber-Fiction & History, which makes for an odd mix.