Pic Today 10/10/11

A CABIN RETREAT

ON THE RIVER

There's nothing like escaping to the cabin

on a sunny Sunday afternoon . . .

no phones, no computers, no TV, no people.

Just the crystal Meramec River.

Watching the trout jump for bugs

and autumn leaves falling on sparkling waves.

Soon the days will be chilly and short.

But for now, they call this Indian Summer.

Now I'm ready for the week ahead.

Wishing you a good week, too.

Pic Today 10/9/11

A COFFEE LOVER'S

GOURMET DINNER

Lucky guests at a 7-course Chef's Table,

where each course was infused with coffee:

each with a different origin estate coffee.

How about this sweet potato cake

topped with coffee roasted shallots, with fall greens?

or coffee-cardamon crusted duck breast?

or a slice of chocolate-coffee mousse terrine?

(You get the idea.)

The gourmet event was hosted by Kaldi's Coffee Roastery,

with executive chef Frank McGinty and capable staff.

And yes, coffee was offered following the 7-course meal.

(Espresso, of course.)

Pic Today 10/8/11

A TEAM POSSESSED

We're celebrating in St. Louis right now.

Our baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals,

beat the Philadelphia Phillies last night,

and went on to the National League Championship Series.

(Next step . . . the World Series!)

You see, St. Louis is a huge baseball town.

And the Cardinals are a "big deal" in our city.

And this year, when things weren't lookin' so good,

late in the year (10-1/2 games behind in late August),

the Cardinals came alive . . . and started winning every game,

and beating every team . . .

And down to the very last game,

when the odds were against us,

the Cardinals became the "miracle team."

They did it.

They came out Numero Uno.

It was all about passion.

Believing.

And being a "team."

We're going a little crazy right now.

Yay, Cardinals!

Pic Today 10/7/11

GET YOUR

HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS

READY

Grab some burlap and an old hat.

Sew on some buttons, make a face and stuff with straw.

Time to make your spooks and goblins,

and put your scarecrow at the front door.

Do you have your pumpkin yet?

Pick a big one this year,

and get ready to make your jack-o-lantern.

Get the kids to help.

Halloween is getting close.

Pic Today 10/6/11

CARDINALS SOAR ABOVE ST. LOUIS

The St. Louis Baseball Cardinals

triumphed over the Philadelphia Phillies last night,

forcing a final game to decide

the National League Division Championship.

Decided underdogs late in the season,

the Cardinals have come from behind in

many crucial games this past month

to move into "post season" contention.

The final division game is scheduled to

be played Friday evening in Philadelphia.

St. Louis is hoping for its

ELEVENTH World Series Championship

since 1926.

Go Cardinals!