Month: July 2007

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“You left just when you were becoming interesting!”

Kristin's web page has interesting stuff ni it!

There’s a wonderful line in an Indiana Jones movie were “Dad” (Sean Connery) tells “son” (Harrison Ford), “you left just when you were becoming interesting!”

I think that is the way things can happen when your adult children start making their niche in the world. They develop into people that you really enjoy being around.

My daughter Kristin is a private person — and I respect that — but forgive me for updating her site   ( and she has contributed some to it)… it has been a task I have enjoyed. Check it out… our tribute to Kristin.

Roger Freberg

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Midnight Showing Of Harry Potter! Excellent!

Midnight showing of Harry Potter

Well, the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix happened last night… actually, at 12:01 (midnight) this morning! It obviously was important to me as I never stay up late for anything. We’re now ten days or so in receiving Book 7 which portends Harry’s demise… but then, the stories have a true to life reality that impresses… sometimes evil wins, unless good is as ruthless.

It seems like America’s premier happened much later than in other parts of he world… which is fine… vestiges of the British Empire and all. Karen reports that the premier in South Africa was some time ago.

No matter, it was certainly Warner Brother’s finest interpretation of J.K. Rowling’s hugely convoluted book. I was sincerely impressed with how well the movie followed the book and kept some of the more meaningful aspects of the story together…

Worth the ticket!

Roger Freberg

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Ostrich — part of a healthy & fun diet!

Amazing Nutritional information on Ostrich Meat!

I have enjoyed Ostrich before, but with my daughter Karen taking some time to intern in South Africa, I have reawakened to some of the wonders of that part of the world. One of those delicious items is Ostrich meat. The chart above tells the healthy story: higher in protein, lower in fats, calories and cholesterol …and as Karen describes it… Ostrich meat tastes like something between beef and chicken for flavor, but then a lot of that has to do with the preparation & seasonings, too.

Although civilization is finally making its way into our tiny community of San Luis Obispo in California, I still have to travel to Monterey or Watsonville to pick up some Ostrich meat. Although it takes a big chunk of the day, it is well worth it. I won’t be making an “Ostriducken” ( A chicken inside a Turkey inside an Ostrich)… I do have a few great tasting ideas.

There is a  place in Watsonville  where you can buy Ostrich meat. They even provide addresses to local shops along the central coast of California.

Roger Freberg

 

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South African Night Sky

Southern Cross in South Africa's Night Sky!

The “Southern Cross” (CRUX) in South Africa’s night sky — if it is anything like Australia — should be fairly easy to see on a clear night. There are plenty of  internet programs  to show you where various  stars and constellations should be on any given night.

Karen posted  about the “Southern Cross” from her time in Cape town. I sometimes use these programs to see what the sky above people I know looks like… Iraq, Afghanistan, Hawaii and South Africa.

I feel closer to them somehow knowing about the heavens over them.

Roger Freberg

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Wine — where everyone has an opinion!

Wine for all occasions

Wine is a wonderful experience, whether it be for the daily glass at dinner or for a special bottle with special people. However, I have always smiled when I read about those wine buffs who lift their glass and condemn or praise this or that vintage because it was derived from an unfortunate year due to some volcanic eruption in some other part of the world that produced less sunlight and thus an inferior harvest.  blah blah hmmmmm

So too are so many opinions on wine. Sometimes, the opinions reflect nationalistic sentiments or the bias of the individual palate. In any event, good wines are everywhere now-a-days… great ones are still rare … but few disappoint at the average barbecue.

So, Here I am talking about  South African Wines  again… the latest great bargain since the invasion ofAustralian and New Zealand wines made the scene in America. Of course, for those who remember 30 years back or so… even French wines were relatively affordable ( some day I might write about my case of  Château Latour ’55  ( undeniably a great year!) or my fondness for  Château Margaux). As for South African wines, I am also showing above  Kumala and a wine that tells a ‘story’ on each bottle in chapters… aa probably affordably available somewhere near you.

Enjoy! … now if I could only buy Ostrich locally.

Roger Freberg