Cleaning a Couple Things Up

Posted on October 31, 2014 by the drunken cyclist

I had planned on an entirely different post today, but in an effort to Get Things Done, I decided at the last-minute to change it up.

First, Happy Halloween everyone! I used to despise this “holiday” since for the first 9 years of my life my mother used to insist that my siblings and I all be clowns—and she made all the costumes herself. In retrospect, it was not all that bad as the costumes were very well made, and, well, “cute” but that was entirely the point—once I became conscious of having a peer group, I no longer had any desire to be “cute” on Halloween, and that was just not possible with a brightly colored pointy hat and a big red nose.

Now, things have changed. First, my kids love the whole thing and they, for the most part, have pretty cool costumes that have been completely influenced by pop-culture. They are also going to bring home a bunch of candy, which I will have the pleasure of raiding over the next few weeks. IMG_1395

But more importantly, I love going Trick-or-Treating with them now. Why? Many people in our neighborhood sit out on their front stoop passing out candy (as they do in most neighborhoods), but they also are usually out there with an adult beverage as well, and often it is wine. So, I carry a wine glass around with me and after my kids have received their loot, I stick out my empty glass and say “Trick-or-Treat”. Sometimes people have an uncomfortable laugh, but when they still see me holding my glass out there, they realize I mean business and fill it up.

Great fun.

Second, our friend Anatoli over at Talk-a-Vino has come up with this month’s theme for the Monthly Wine Writing Challenge (#13). You should go over to his site and check it out. I will post the timeline for the Challenge tomorrow.

Last, I thought I would take this pseudo-holiday to finally get my act together and send out the Secret Wino assignments. Right now, there are 14 people signed up and the selections have been made. If you have not received the address of your recipient by noon Eastern time today, please let me know since that means you have not been included.

There is also time to join in on the fun if you like, but I need to hear from you no later than Sunday!

Just to refresh everyone’s memory, here are the “rules”:

  1. You send me your address (to jeff (at) thedrunkencyclist (dot) com). I will then randomly assign you someone to whom you will send wine, and someone who will send wine to you. You will then get an email from me stating to whom you are to send the wine. The person sending you the wine will remain anonymous (until you get the wine, of course).
  2. You select 1-2 bottles of wine that you either purchase or grab from our cellars.
  3. There is a  lower limit on the retail price of the wine(s) ($25), which you can of course exceed….
  4. NO SAMPLES (for ethical as well as not wanting to be labeled a complete jack-donkey don’t send any wine you got for free, no matter how cute that critter is on the label).
  5. Limited to people with a U.S. address.
  6. Indicate if you have any strong limitations (e.g., Red Only or No German Riesling!)
  7. Get the wine shipped out before Thanksgiving, if possible.

That is all I have for now, Happy Halloween again, and if you are the one staying home to pass out the treats tonight—open a bottle of decent wine as I will likely be passing through!20131103-104212.jpg

About the drunken cyclist

I have been an occasional cycling tour guide in Europe for the past 20 years, visiting most of the wine regions of France. Through this "job" I developed a love for wine and the stories that often accompany the pulling of a cork. I live in Houston with my lovely wife and two wonderful sons.
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31 Responses to Cleaning a Couple Things Up

  1. Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat says:
    October 31, 2014 at 09:34

    Have fun trick-or-treating. We don’t usually get any trick-or-treaters at our house. I think they’re afraid of the long, dark driveway or something.

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  2. talkavino says:
    October 31, 2014 at 09:38

    There will be most likely Zinfandel or Petite Sirah open in this house – but I don’t think you will be able to make it on time…

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  3. joyofwine says:
    October 31, 2014 at 09:39

    The wine glass thing sounds like a great idea! However, it’s too cold here to sit on the”stoop” so Baileys and coffee or Brandy and cider are best served in a warm garage! Enjoy!

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  4. sophisticatedjerseygirl says:
    October 31, 2014 at 09:59

    When I trick or treated, the adults would always follow along with trick or drink. It’s quite the festive tradition, and I whole heartedly approve 🙂

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  5. DebraB says:
    October 31, 2014 at 11:45

    Thanks again for the wine Secret Santa event. I received my person’s name and address today, so all is well.

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  6. northernbike says:
    October 31, 2014 at 13:25

    if you’re ever round my way for oct 31 you’re welcome to pop round for a drink – as it’s a little out of your normal trick or treat route we’ll even provide the glass

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  7. Cheap Wine Curious says:
    October 31, 2014 at 16:28

    Have fun tonight! Love the costumes – I have a little Optimus Prime Transformer and glass in hand as well as we stroll the hood.

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  8. sexandthecityoflight says:
    October 31, 2014 at 17:57

    Have fun, cute costumes 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. anotherfoodieblogger says:
    October 31, 2014 at 19:53

    Great fun! I always enjoyed trick-or-treating with my daughter when she was younger, except for the time it was minus 5 degrees and we had to come in every 15 minutes to thaw out! This Halloween, she is 15 and grounded. She wouldn’t have gone out trick-or-treating but it is the high school “Cival War” game in town. Sorry daughter, don’t lie! 🙂 I hope you have great success with your secret santa game!

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  10. Lily Lau says:
    October 31, 2014 at 20:16

    Have fun tonight, those costumes are pure success! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. A Famished Foodie says:
    November 2, 2014 at 08:41

    When are we going to get a throwback Halloween picture of you as a clown? That’d be the real treat.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  12. BerLinda says:
    November 2, 2014 at 16:18

    Bringing a wine glass with you is genius 🙂

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  13. cyardin says:
    November 19, 2014 at 14:06

    I cracked up when I read that the “adult” went around with a wine glass. Very funny! Mind you, I vote for the retro clown photo too.

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