Hurray for rain! After ~30 beautiful, warm, sun-shiny days, the rain is back. My parched plants are happy and somehow, it just is nice to have a little drizzle. And despite the signs pointing toward "no" I am hoping to harvest at least one tomato from one of the 12 plants (11 still surviving) that I eagerly bought in May.

School is out and our entry-way is littered with the remnants of a very busy 2nd grade year for Megan. She's exhausted but is looking forward to a bit of a break. Sophia on the other hand keeps asking why she can't go to elementary school. Funny kids.

On the wine front, I toured a pretty cool wine shop in Redmond, World of Wines. One of their good customers filled in and gave me quite the tour and education on favorite wines. I do plan to stop back in for some of their tastings - they have quite an exhaustive schedule.

I was looking for a local source of my new favorite, Thurston Wolfe PGV - but haven't found it in stock anywhere in the area. I did try two wines recommended by World of Wines, a Pinot Grigio (don't recall the label, but was nothing spectacular in my opinion) and a very good Tempranillo.

• ~$13 - Vilosell 2006 Segre Red Wine - Tempranillo blend from the region in Spain where Tempranillo originated. Yummy, spicy and very nice. The flavor really opens up if you warm it a little in your hand. Do be careful of the sediment in the last glass. It hides in the beautiful dark color of the wine. The wine bottle is cool too - the label is in Braille on the back!

The next few weeks are busy - will have to try and update the blog more frequently.

Father's Day will find us at the Washington Brewer's Festival at St. Edward's State Park - assuming the rain lets up. We traditionally spend one weekend day there - just hanging out with the kids, good friends and good beer.

The last weekend in June, we're heading up to Mount Baker Vineyards for another of their tasting dinners. Always a good time - though I always seem to spend more than we had budgeted. It's so hard when they offer such a good case discount and you can't find their wines at retail.

Then comes the 4th of July party - lots of planning, ideas and fun! Looking forward to it! Maybe a wine tasting or two; maybe a water rocket (or 13) project for the kids.

Ciao for now!