Home » Author Archives: Claire Ziamandanis (page 3)

Author Archives: Claire Ziamandanis

62

grapes

… the number of cases of wine you usually get from a ton of grapes. My Wine Business class has ended, but I will remember 62, as well as numerous other interesting facts related to the business of putting that lovely liquid on the table to be shared with one or many. So many interesting things are percolating in the ... Read More »

RETURNING TO MY ROOTS

red sauce

While I would prefer to return to my ethnic roots and talk about Italian foods, instead it is time to return to the roots of this blog: wine. Vino. Nectar of the gods. SAUCED IN NEW YORK source code. I am taking an online course in Wine Business this month.  I am a proud student of Sonoma State University! I can ... Read More »

THERE’S A TABLE SET FOR YOU…

table setting 2

It seems impossible, or maybe it appears to defy the odds, but once again I find myself reflecting on the loss of a loved one.  A family member. Or so it seemed. George Danes died on August 4, 2015.   In case you missed the enormous hiccup in the world when that happened. Two things come to mind as I ... Read More »

THE MEASURE OF A MAN… REPUBLISHED

Republishing a post from the past, and missing a tremendous friend and mentor to so many. =============== At the end of the day, or at the end of our days, what matters most? What are the sensations that most count in life, that most give pleasure? Why do we forget, on a daily basis, that worries and stresses from the ... Read More »

I CAN’T REMEMBER YOUR VOICE…

radar

The realization was startling. I was watching a fantastic thunderstorm on the west coast of Florida.  When thunderstorms roll through, I look for the best viewing spot, windows that give the widest view possible.  The booms and the flashes of light bring on ooohs and aaahs like a child at the circus.  I am giddy with the show. This love of thunderstorms has a ... Read More »

WIN FOR LIFE

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There are periods in life where you seem to be either IN or OUT of the wedding circuit.  We Cichellos never got invited to weddings when we were kids.  Our parents got invitations, but imagine adding seven hungry children to your guest list.  Too expensive.  The mid to late 20s is an active period for weddings, and for accumulating bridesmaids ... Read More »

ENCHANTED AND ENCHANTING…

love

The love affair continues. No, dear, I am not asking for a divorce. I am admitting, however, my ongoing and apparently lifelong love for Madrid. I was able to sneak in a one week visit to Madrid in May, accompanied by my undergraduate partners-in-crime, Nina and Charlie.  I would venture a guess that they, too, continue to be enraptured by ... Read More »

FM *GF* L

Does anyone really enjoy a gluten free life? Seriously.  No more of this? Or this? So get off my gluten free back!  This is not fun! People do this to “lose weight”?  News articles call this a “fad diet”? Harrrrumphhhhh! I am 2 1/2 years gluten free.  (My confessions can be found here and here.)  Why?  After 1.5 days without it, ... Read More »

G(R)ASPING AT MEMORIES

Sierra 1

Change. Exciting.  Terrifying.  Distressing. Unavoidable. If you haven’t met Sierra, then let me tell you that we have perhaps the sweetest yellow lab on the planet.  She came to us through a rescue organization, and has seemed grateful to us ever since.  With this little girl, we never needed the electric fence; she wasn’t leaving our sides.  She never barks ... Read More »

RELUCTANTLY IN THE HELICOPTER

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The epithet that no parent wants thrown his or her way:  “Helicopter parent!” I have to confess I am an unwilling helicopter parent.  I never asked for this, and I rail at being forced into the role. I come from a generation where parents NEVER hoped to be their children’s best friends.  Parents were generally supportive of their high school ... Read More »

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