The Little Things

Odd how, after too many hours at work, even a day off seems exhausting. But the little things make it worthwhile, as always... getting to catch dinner and drinks unexpectedly with a friend, chatting with someone you care about, things like that.
Anyway, latest news, I'm working with a friend on an article about the neurological condition that I mentioned back on June 22nd, from the inside perspective. Since it's something that most people have no knowledge of, and it's something that affects our lives on a deep and emotional level (for lack of a better, brief way of putting it) we're hoping that it'll help people understand. Might publish it, depending on what else happens.
Other news, I got home the other day to find this waiting for me:

French oak wine barrel, made by Louis Latour in Beaune, France, in the Burgundy style. From a winery in the Russian River valley, used to age Pinot Noir, if my nose serves me. It's my new tasting table, and will be the centerpiece of the new wine racks if all goes well. Pictures up as soon as it's done with.
And, for those who ask me in an attempt to keep up with it, here's a link of my wine inventory, which is updated as things are added: Chief's Current Wine Inventory

Also, kind of random, but I wanted to post a few examples of some of my mom's artwork, since I don't usually get to show it to people:

This is a painting mom did of her dog meeting my grandparent's new puppy, against the background of the family house up on Grandfather Mountain.

This is a painting my mom did for my friend Mari, of her dog that had passed away not too long before.

This is actually a full-wall mural mom did in her dining room at home; the scene is taken from a picture I took of the Savannah River at dusk, from the South Carolina side, with the chimney from the Confederate Powder Works in the distance.

I think that ought to do it for the moment, loyal R&C. Enjoy the evening!