It's been a couple of weeks of food and wine as we continue with our commitment to try new spots around the area. We have some longtime favorites, and have created a rut by always going to the same places. The goal is two new spots each month through fall and winter. Can you do this in your own home town (or region)?

We went to a Lambrusco wine dinner at Tavolata Stone Way (website here), which provided us an opportunity to learn more about an oft maligned red wine as well as try out one of Ethan Stowell's restaurants. The Lambrusco featured in our six paired tastings were from Cleto Charli Winery in Modena, Italy (website here). We had a great conversation with the couple sitting next to us. In the small world department, we were amazed at how many intersection there were in our lives.

A few of my favorites from the menu: Ricotta-Cracked Pepper Agnolotti and the 2021 Chiarli Lambrusco del Fondatore. Tony's favorites: Braised Beef Shortribs and the Chiarli Centernario Lambrusco Amabile.

Like many of you, I’ve been watching with horror at the current events in Israel and Gaza. I’ve visited Israel twice, and the thing that I remember most from my visits (the second of which included a visit to Bethlehem, located on the Palestinian controlled West Bank), was tour guide answering our questions with, “it’s complicated.”

Looking at the history of the region, and hearing stories from people living there, I understand - it’s complicated.

But what’s not complicated, is that terrorism is evil. And that innocent people are dying.

If you're interested in helping with humanitarian aid for Israel and Gaza, here is a starting point for places to donate. Do your due diligence before sending money to anyone or any organization.

• ​IsraAID - Coordinating humanitarian activities in shelters housing evacuees from the Gaza border region.
• ​Doctors Without Borders - Delivering round the clock medical care.
• ​ICRC - An independent humanitarian organization working in Israel and the occupied territories.
• ​Jewish Agency for Israel - Its Fund for Victims of Terror is emergency aid for those in dire need and to help survivors in the wake of tragedy.
• ​Magen David Adom - Supporting paramedics, EMTS, first responders, and first-aid providers (staff and volunteers) in Israel.
• ​Middle East Children's Alliance - Providing emergency assistance to families who have fled their homes and procuring emergency medical supplies for hospitals and clinics.
• ​Palestine Children's Relief Fund - Humanitarian organization in Palestine, delivering life-saving medical relief and humanitarian aid.
• ​UNICEF - Working to ensure the world’s most vulnerable children get the nutrition, water, protection, education and health care they need to survive and thrive
• ​ActionAid - Supporting Palestinians in crisis.
• ​Anera - Working to meet the large humanitarian need in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
• ​Israel Gives - Providing assistance with immediate needs, encompassing shelter, food, clothing, security, and social services. (This referral comes from a respected friend and colleague who knows the family who has turned over their hotel property to shelter refugees and survivors in Southern Israel.)

Till next time,

Mary Jo & Tony

Have You Read:

23 Spooky Spots for a Haunted Halloween in London The spooky, eerie, and downright creepy, take center stage in October as interest in the paranormal peaks for Halloween-time. If visitors are not too nervous to leave their London hotels, it’s a good time to explore the spookier side of London. ​ ​ Read story ​

Vampire Travel: Planning a Trip to the Dark Side Let’s talk about the lines between fact and fiction, and explore how vampire travel relates to culture – that is, how its origins come from culture and history, as well as the issues of respecting local cultures and avoiding cultural appropriation. Read story

How to Make Ajiaco: Bogota's Most Popular Dish (with recipe) Ajiaco is a traditional Colombian soup made with chicken, potatoes, and corn. It is flavored with a variety of herbs and spices, including cilantro, capers, and guascas, and is usually served with a dollop of sour cream and rice. This is a great cold weather meal. Read story

Here's what else is going on:

Traveling: West Coast cruising

We've booked a last minute repositioning cruise on Holland America as the Koningsdam relocates to San Diego for the winter season. It's four days from Vancouver, B.C., to San Diego, and is great value for anyone near the west coast looking for a last minute getaway. It departs October 24th. Itinerary, information, and pricing here.

Reading: The Long Way Home by Louise Penny

Happily retired in the village of Three Pines, Armand Gamache, former Chief Inspector of Homicide with the Sûreté du Québec, has found a peace he’d only imagined possible. Together with his former second-in-command, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, and Myrna Landers, they journey deeper and deeper into Québec. And deeper and deeper into the soul of Peter Morrow. A man so desperate to recapture his fame as an artist, he would sell that soul. And may have.

I finally listened to recommendation to give this series a try - I love a good series - and this is the 10th of the 18 Inspector Gamache novels published. I'm about half way through, and while I've learned a lot about art, it's starting to drag. Hope it picks up soon, but regardless, I have the next in the series (The Nature of the Beast) on hold at my library.

By the way, did you know the my annual reading challenge is now in its 6th year? Find more information about the challenge and what I'm reading here.

I have completed all the prompts now, so that list if fully complete with what I read for each reading prompt, along with the dozens of others I've read so far this year.

Watching: Lupin (Netflix)

A retelling of the classic French story about Arsène Lupin, the world-famous gentleman thief and master of disguise.

We've just started this French mystery series, now in its third season. It's dubbed into English, which can sometime be disorienting as your watching close ups of dialogue, but we've found enabling closed captions helps ease the way.

It's been nominated and won some international awards, so I'm looking forward to the journey through the three seasons. No word on if there will be a season 4.

Listening: Time to Talk Travel

This podcast was started by a travel creator and entrepreneur friend, features four female friends putting a practical spin on information. Whether they are talking about practical travel trips, aspirational destinations, or cheering one another on with their next trip, this podcast is about building a community of your people.

You can find more information about the podcast here, and queue it up on your favorite podcast app.

Till next time --

Mary Jo

SPONSOR: Leo's Loo Too

Developed by a cat lover, every detail has been thoughtfully considered in this connected version of the original flagship product, including industry leading UV technology that kills up to 99.9% of bacteria, automatic sifting after each visit from kitty, triple-layer safety protection, odor-reducing UV light, and modern design. The app monitors usage frequency and allows for custom settings. It's even Alexa and Google Home compatible!

​

4946 SW 329th Way, Federal Way, WA 98023
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​