Festivals of Color

 

Lots of folks were flocking to Washington, D.C. this week and weekend to see the cherry blossoms. I would have, too, had this past week's weather been a little more cooperative. Still, there are "festivals of color" nearly everywhere in Virginia these days, so I was more than content to simply enjoy our more domestic displays.

Judge Tucker

 

There is a lot of U.S. and Virginia history (good and bad) embedded in this epitaph:

"Descended from Virginia's best blood, Judge Tucker was by birth and training a gentleman of the old school. He filled with credit and distinction positions of trust and dignity. Was judge of the U.S. Court in the Territory of Missouri, and after his return to his native State was the Professor of Law in the College of Williams and Mary till his death. His influence in developing the minds and character of his pupils was a prominent trait in his character. He was a ready, accurate, and elegant writer. He was hospitable, benevolent, and charitable. And his honor and integrity was without a stain. This eminent scholar and author: upright Judge, learned jurist, constant friend, affectionate Husband and father, died as he lived, a Sage, a Patriot, and a Christian." 

In the Air

 

Spring is definitely in the air. All you had to do yesterday was to breathe deeply and to feel the pollen threatening to choke you. Still, the sun was out and the temperatures, for a change, were actually beginning to edge up into the category of what I would call true spring. Nice! Even the birds seemed to be loving it as they appeared almost everywhere, singing and chirping--Mockingbirds, Towhees, Bluebirds, Nuthatches, Chickadees, to name only a few of them that I saw.

Tempranillo

 The first time I can remember drinking a glass of Tempranillo was while hiking in northern Spain. Ever since then, I've made a place for it at my table. According to Wikipedia, "the dominant flavors include cherry, dried fig, cedar, tobacco, and dill. Age impacts the flavors of Tempranillo significantly, with Roble and Crianza examples imparting juicy fruit flavors and heat." Frankly, I would be hard pressed to describe the flavor, but I have detected, I think, just a little of that "heat" that's described. Maybe. Just a little. :-)