Thanks- I did look at your link. It did not have the same head. It was more like a plain green caterpillar, but very tiny. Like a cabbage worm. I am sure I can find something to send them on their way. Last year I found a great remedy for my cabbage worms - you put tin foil in the beds with sliced cucumber laid on the foil. It works extremely well. I was amazed. Maybe I will try that-;) G

Whoa! I'm ambling in a bit late on this swap. My horse pulled up lame and dab-nabbit, I couldn't make the round-up sooner. A litte Texas spirit from Bubbe here! (No, I'm not drinking yet). I love the regional stuff too. How excellent are those condiment dishes and the deliciousness to go with them? I love these swaps, so original, hardly an item repeated ('cept maybe a weeny prong or martoonie glass). I am loving the Fonda San Miguel Restaurant book. Terrific package, Brenda. Enjoy it all, Bizzo, Ya--hooo!

Ha.. yes, we used to do Delaware runs too. It's just too far now (I am in the Harrisburg area). I did get your point, Sushi.. and I have gotten good recommendations at other times but you have to catch the right person on the right day. I wanted to walk in knowing what I was looking for. I went to one of the specialty wine stores today-- I am so glad I did because I ran into a guy I grew up with and we talked for 45 min! What a wonderful surprise!! When we parted, I realized all three lines went all the way to the back of the very large store.. and wrapped around. It was chaos and going to be 20 min wait after making my selections. I put everything back and went to another little state store down the street. I has a much more limited selection but there was no way I was going to maintain any kind of holiday spirit if I stayed there! I had a choice of a few-- the A to Z, one of the MacMurray's and Meiomi. I went with the Meiomi. When I checked out, the store clerk said it was my best choice in their store so I was pleased. Thanks to the guidance here, I was able to pick up the wine and my other liquor items and I was in/out (including parking) in less than 10 minutes!

I think switching to cognac at the end sounds great. And stinky cheese. Taste buds will be dulled, anyway, and something that requires little sips and more just glass holding sounds good. Re the heavy reds, sometimes you have to serve your menu. With the progression you have, a good cab with the meat sounds great. Even with small servings and sorbet, people's tasters will be tired and mellowed. Something bold is called for. This might be a time to try modern tech kinds of glasses, but if not, definitely aerate the wine. It makes a huge difference. If they will just pass, rather than giving it a chance, maybe try an old vine wine, like a Spanish granacha? Very full bodied and flavorful, very "red", some tannins but not heavy with tannins like a cabernet. Excellent with beef.