Yes, it surely is. I do love the month of December. It’s been VERY cold here in Halifax, however, nothing warms the cockles of my heart like a nice glass of wine. There was no wine blog last weekend because I was in Antigonish.
Regular readers know my nephew Riley, it’s so hard to believe he is in his 4th year at St. FX University, and last weekend, he received his X ring. So proud.
Had the entire family here….. for 12 days! That’s a long time to have family staying with you. No, I wasn’t speeding out to the airport they day they went back. LOL
Love to see them come, and after 12 days, love to take them out to the airport.
I’m very grateful to have a kitty that doesn’t go near my Christmas tree. Ok, quick update on my Cancer. I saw the cancer surgeon Thursday and the Cancer is still remaining so in the new year I am having the Surgery. Even though I will have a colostomy bag for the rest of my life, I’m still one of the lucky ones. The cancer will be gone. I’ll keep you up to date when I know a date. Although the Doctor told me it’s quite a recovery time, I am looking forward to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, the cancer will be gone. I’m ready.
Let’s talk some wine.
This beauty is on sale at our liquor stores right now. Sea Sun Pinot Noir from the Wagner family of wines. The same people who make Caymus and many other delicious brands, have hit it out of the ballpark with this lovely Pinot Noir. You’ll need to let it breathe. Pinot Noir can have a higher alcohol content, and my first sip was a little boozy. You can feel that in the back of your throat, a little burning sensation. After letting it stand for 20 minutes, it was perfect and delicious. Sourced from the coastal areas of California, the long growing season makes for a beautifully captivating wine with hints of brown spice and vanilla. Sea Sun also makes a Chardonnay for my white wine loving readers.
A little bit of cuteness before I talk about the next wine. I got to spend some time with 5-month old Lexi last weekend. She’s the cutie on the left, and on the right is my Maggie. My sister had them both groomed yesterday and they are as adorable as they look. Bernadoodles have the sweetest personalities.
Ok, My friends Fred & Arla took a drive outside of Halifax and found this gem of a store.
There are so many great small towns in Nova Scotia, that all have something unique to offer. I love exploring this province. Well, they found a BBQ store in Upper Onslow, Nova Scotia and this store was unbelievable. Arla took a picture because the variety was fantastic. I will definitely be making a trip. The store is called BBQ Heaven, and you know me, I love a good piece of BBQ Heaven.
Ok, here’s another great wine to give as a Christmas gift that won’t break the bank.
It’s hard to believe this fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon from California is $20. It is so hard to get spectacular wines at that price point anymore. This is actually a blend of 77% Cabernet, 20% Merlot and 3% Tannat. Tannat is a grape varietal from France that are used in blends, that you don’t normally see in California blends. This wine is so good. Here in Halifax, I have to go downtown to get this wine, but if you see it, pick it up, it is so good.
Holy cow, it’s hard to believe Christmas Eve is 2 weeks from tomorrow. Have fun, don’t stress too much and give yourself a breather every once in a while.
Till next week, Cheers
Darlene
Wine-It’s Just My Opinion 
Hi Darlene,
I love reading your wine blogs and your sense of humour – and those dogs are super cute. I’ve tried some of the wines you’ve suggested and will continue to do so! Before reading your blogs I just bought my wines based on the shape of the bottle or cute labels. ( I still do that sometimes) haha
Sorry to hear the cancer is still there, but I will tell you there is light at the end of the tunnel. When my dad (retired teacher from vocational school, Corner Brook) was 69 he had colon cancer and went through chemo, radiation, surgery and more chemo. It was an awful year and my parents had to temporarily move to St. John’s as that is where his treatment and surgery was. My sisters and I took turns going in to help out and provide support to them. He’s now 81 and has lived with a colostomy bag since that surgery. He’s also had heart surgery and bladder cancer treatments since then. This fall he finally got the all clear he doesn’t have to have more treatments. For someone who wasn’t sick much and never spent time in hospitals until he was 69, he’s been a trooper.
Best of luck with your surgery and recovery and Merry Christmas to you!
Jo-Ann
Hi Jo-Ann, thank you so much for your kind note. Your Dad sounds like a real trooper. My mom used to work in the canteen at the Vocational school. Thank you again for reading the blogs… I really appreciate hearing from you.