~This Week's ~ErMG!Moments~

ErMG!_A Moment of Silence,please....

Big Tex,an icon of The State Fair of Texas Burns :-(... I 'm gonna need therapy!

Big Tex was the 52 foot tall icon of the annual State Fair of Texas held at Fair Park in Dallas,Texas. He wore size 70 boots, a 75 gallon hat, a size 100 180/181 shirt and 284W/185L XXXXXL pair of Dickies jeans. The pants alone required 72 yards of denim and weighed in at 65 pounds.

Big Tex's beginnings were in 1949 as a 49 foot (15 m) tall Santa Claus constructed from iron drill casing and papier mache in Kerens,Texas to help encourage holiday sales in the town. In 1951, State Fair president R. L. Thornton purchased Santa's components for $750 and had Dallas artist Jack Bridges transform them into a "Cowboy" and Big Tex was born. Big Tex made his debut at the 1952 state fair. He was altered the following year to straighten his nose, correct a lascivious wink and allow him to talk. Former disc jockey Al Jones was the first voice of Big Tex, but would fill the role for only one season. His most familiar voice is that of radio announcer Jim Lowe,who boomed Big Tex's signature"Howdy" folks!" for a total of 39 years. Listen to him....

If you want to buy some souvenirs_go here:  http://www.bigtex.com/sft/AboutUs/BigTex.asp

ErMG!..."Binders Full of Women"!
Blew me away...Now if you've been under a "Rock" somewhere this pass week_let me Xplain!!During this week's Presidential Debate_there was a question about what would you do differently to help even the playing field for women in the workplace(paraphrased).The Red State Candidate referred to his time in Office as Govenator of Massasschuetts.When making decisions about his Cabinet_there were no women candidates_so he ordered his staff_(which were probably women)_to find women~Thusly(used by 19th Century Humorist),he was presented with "Binders Full Of Women"! The Internet went CrAzY!_immediate Memes were created,Twitter,Facebook Accounts,Websites,etc. I'm thinking here we go AGAIN!

I thought immediately of "The Era of Mad Men" with Peggy Olson _the brightest STAR in the WHOLE bunch_her rise from being Draper's secretary to being a Copywriter, begging for her own desk! Draper rarely acknowledges Peggy's abilities.She feels increasingly unappreciated and patronized by Draper. THAT WAS THE 60's PEOPLE! The Equal Protection Clause, part of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution is dated 1868. You really don't need "Binders Full Of Women"_they should have been on the LIST of qualified applicants at this point! Well_maybe NOT some women_or young women Honey Boo Boo_just sayin'...

ErMG!... Another History Lesson_"Manifest Destiny"_

Clothing giant the GAP has pulled a controversial T-Shirt from it's shelves after outraged consumers lashed out via social media. Adding fuel to the fire, the shirt's designer, Mark McNairy, tweeted "MANIFEST DESTINY. SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST" last Friday in response to customer complaints_which was deleted POST-HASTE!

Manifest Destiny was the belief widely held by Americans in the 19th century that the United States was destined to expand across the continent.It was the symbolic banner settlers  marched behind while waging genocidal wars against Indigenous Peoples! Anything in the way_got squashed_as in pressed or beaten into a pulp   _History at it's Best!

ErMG!...Please help me to understand?
The Honey Boo Boo Craze that has taken America by Storm.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/here-comes-honey-boo-boo-tlc-alana-june-369971

8 Things The Show has taught us_WT?? is wrong with this programming_Reality Gone Bad!That is why I watch PBS!

ErMG!...And,the cousin to this show,a Documentary_

Shoot-outs, robberies, gas-huffing , drug dealing, pill popping, murders, and tap dancing - what do these all have in common? These are just a few of the parts of being a member of the Wild and Wonderful White Family. The legendary family is as known for their wild, excessive criminal ways as they are for their famous mountain dancing members, including Jesco White, the star of the cult classic documentary, Dancing Outlaw.

No,I'm NOT joking this is real_See for yourself~
http://www.wildandwonderfulwhites.com/

ErMG!...Public Service Announcement_Check All the Specs before you BUY a Foreclosed Home because..

This family purchased a foreclosed house for sale with fresh paint and other fixes as a potential keeper.Unfortunately,they all became ill_something mysterious?Indeed!!They just purchased a "Former Meth Home" which leaves an invisible toxin throughout.

Seems this is a real National problem_estimates there are 2.5 million meth-contaminated homes in the U.S._The signs and indicators aren't always there,you don't always see the meth residue_it's there & extremely dangerous stuff. "Decontaminating" a former meth lab can run anywhere from $5,000 to $150,000, according to experts.Read about it here:
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/mystery-illness-solved-family-discovers-home-meth-lab-184815233.html

ErMG!..A "Zen or Zinfandel" Moment in N.Texas

                            Happy Fall To Me....YES!!!!

~That's All Folks~ See Y'all~I'm gonna go OUTSIDE for a Sittin' Spell ~

~This Week's~ErMG!Moments~

She's Bacccccck.....

ErMG!..What an exciting Vacation week! So much to Show & Tell! I have an EPIC Blog in the making_Meantime...

ErMG!....Get on the train!!!!

I pretty much lost my mind as the train approached! What is it with me & trains??? I love trains & lighthouses so much_I'll be seeking "Train Therapy Sessions" from the Train Doctor somewhere in the Universe_soon,real soon.Earned enough Amtrak Guest Rewards for a roundtrip anywhere in the Central Time Zone!

Primed & Ready to start this 3,950 mile rail journey...

ErMG!...First things First...

I'd carefully packed one of my favs..."Les Barriques~Luc Pirlet~Pinot Noir 2010~Reserve~_Check the "crazy-eye look"(lol)!Got settled in my Roomette with my bottle of Wine_ready to ride the rails!

ErMG!...I'd often heard Train Food was GOOD! Did I say ERMG!...

My first Dinner_I had the "Herb Roasted Half Chicken"! Mind you it was not a tiny Cornish hen..this was a chicken,chicken..& I ate the whole thing + the veggies & salad/roll +a slice of "chocolate caramel peanut butter torte"!To say the least_I was miserable later that night! A Reminder_DID I say I ate half a chicken? I'm embarrassed...not really! So,I'm thinkin'.. is this what's in store for my tummy_I'm Gonna Need Food DETOX when I get back! Next day...this & so on,and so on...each day!

ErMG!...It took two days to get the Hell outta Texas on a fast moving train! WTH!!! I did a happy dance when we reached El Paso!

ErMG!..Then I saw it,"El Paso Train Station".I de-trained for a "Nanosecond"_because not to long ago "in the news" it was reported how BULLETS fly from Mexico into El Paso...So,since my name is NOT "Annie Oakley" as in "SharpShooter"_I got BACK on the train!

All along the roadside in little hideouts~BORDER PATROL~

            ~BORDER PATROL~ On THE Road Again~

                              Below,is the ~"FENCE"~
~Ciudad Juarez,Mexico~dubbed ~"The Murder Capital of the World"!!

This photo was taken from the train_but here's another to give you an idea of the area.

                               Ciudad Juarez,Mexico

ErMG!...after seeing the landscape of West Texas,New Mexico & Arizona...

I proclaimed_"I See Rattlesnakes"_as in the movie "The Sixth Sense" when Haley Joel Osment said_"I see dead people"! This photo was taken from my room as we go around one of the thousands of curved rails!

ErMG!..Arriving in LA's "Union Station" at 5:30 AM_that's correct 5:30 AM_this station is busy & beautiful..."The Era of Old Hollywood" in architectural style.

People watching at it's best_I saw many Creatures_some were holding conversations with themselves,etc... Time to board "The Coastal Starlight"...

That's my Classmate Violet(gold blouse)_who joined me on this adventure_boarding "The Coastal Starlight" around 10:30am...Get On The Train!

ErMG!...The landscape from LA to Paso Robles was AweSome!!!...I shall discuss/show photos_with you in my EPIC Blog to come.Meantime_

ErMG!...I knew we'd get First Class Service when we arrived in Paso Robles and I saw a young lady holding a sign...Tamara!

A Big Shout Out to Tamara(thanks for the Homemade Yogurt recipe),John,Tony,Coy & Sarah Barnes(the Owners)_Y'all ROCK!!!

Should you EVER find the need to participate in a "Wine Country Tour in Paso Robles"...these Folks will make your stay _shall I say "PERFECTION".Please visit their site/phone/join The Wine Club & tell them the Sage Book Whisperer sent you!!! I heart them all!
http://www.thewinewrangler.com/home.html

ErMG!...These two wines "Rocked my World" at the Wine Wrangler Tasting...

~Thanks for remembering my request for a good wine varietal from Spain~
Medium-bodied,nose of violet & floral aromatics w/a suggestion of Provencal herbs,long finish_Yea,Baby!

Pianetta 2010 Sangiovese_Cherry,Cinnamon and olive on the nose,light & creamy mouth feel w/flavors of buttery & tart fruit coating on the palate,crisp finish! Lost my Mind on this one...!

ErMG!...We made about five Wine Vineyard stops_with John as our Tour Guide hosting a Picnic at  Niner Wine Estates http://www.ninerwine.com/

..tasting about 5 to 6+ different wines at each stop_so,let's see that's 6 x 5 = 30 different Wines tasted_my Classmate made the mistake of "Drinking v Tasting"(enough said on that)..."What Happens in Paso Robles stays in Paso Robles"_sooooo,make no mistake this card I later found in an Antique store says it all..after all those tastings,you'll need a...Designated Driver!

ErMG!...A Shout-out to the folks at Hampton Inn Suites Paso Robles for signing for and safely storing my FedX delivery!A very unique wine that my friend Jilly P. & I have been trying to find for two years_& when we did,they couldn't ship to Texas because of Texas Laws.It will be for my upcoming "Christmas in Spain Party"_sticking to the tradition of all things from Spain,yea,Baby! Drum roll please...

The green bottles!!!!!!_
Txakoli de Getaria - Getariako Txakolina is a Spanish (DO) (Jatorrizko Deitura in Basque)for wines, located around the towns of Getaria and Zarautz,small fishing towns on the coast of the Bay of Biscay,in the province of Guipuzcoa,Basque Country,Spain.A small amount of grapes are also grown around the town of Aia.

Txacoli' is a thin white acidic wine that can be naturally fizzy and is traditionally served like cider,poured from a height into the glass.

Oh,that's my Wine Wrangler tasting glass & my Antique Porron from Spain in the photo also_ready & waiting to be filled....I shall NOT disappoint!

And_the middle bottle is a purchase from the Dunning Vineyards Paso Robles_a Petite Sirah 2010 Reserve!ErMG...Yummm!!!
http://www.dunningvineyards.com/ 

Three of the most EXPENSIVE Wines I've EVER purchased_3 bottles @$100+....Lost my mind!


ErMG!...What's a girl to do...so many wineries,so many wines to taste...

Stay tuned for an Epic Blog to share from this "Rail Adventure"!

Until next time_As "The Wine Wrangler" logo says....
http://winewrangler.blogspot.com/

         ~Let's Go Rustle Up Some Wine!~

 

~All Aboard!!!!!!~

It's Just About Time......

My Local Amtrak Depot above....

Other Folks on An Adventure Somewhere.....

That Wave says it's Time.....

 

From Texas to Los Angeles,California...So glad we booked  bedroom accommodations for the journey!

We'll connect with The Amtrak "Coastal Starlight" which follows :

State Route 1 (SR 1) a major north-south state highway that runs along most of the Pacific Coastline of the U.S. state of California.

I'll be seated here with a glass of Wine_I shall allow refills!

         Observation Lounge on Amtrak"Coastal Starlight"!



As we roll on down the tracks_crossings like this will surely be a Zen Moment...as I love the Ocean!

The Steward will offer the "goodies" & fill my wine glass....I shall allow that to happen,again,& again!

We will continue on our route....

Amtrak will climb the Cuesta Grade North of San Luis Obispo.

Arriving in Paso Robles,California for a "Wine Country Tour"& fabulous Dining and Shopping! I shall return in May 2013 for the "31st Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival",May 17th(my birthday) through May 19th,2013!
http://www.pasowine.com/events/winefestival.php

This will be our view as we arrive & leave this beautiful "Big Sur" area of California.

AMTRAK 22_Coastal Starlight southbound on the Union Pacific main line after departing from the station at Paso Robles, CA.

I'll update my "Rail Travels" & see you on 10/12/12!

So until that time....."Happy Rails To You"!

~Life is like a train ride.We get on.We get off.We get on again!~

~This Week's~ErMG! Moments~

ErMG!_I am Outraged over this week's controversy...

                  EXTRA!EXTRA!

Monday..9/24_
Global Bacon Shortage 'Unavoidable' Next Year 2013, Says U.K.'s National Pig Association

                                                         ~Bacon StarBurst~

By Friday..9/28_

There Will Be "No" Bacon Shortage

British trade association press release sent the Internet "BACON LOVERS"into a senseless panic!

 

I dare they send me into such a New York,Texas Bacon State of Mind!Do they not know...has no one told the World...I Love Bacon,ET Phone Home as there will be BloodShed over Bacon Shortages!!!!!!

 

Now,this is serious folks_I became addicted to Bacon at an early age...my Dad's fault_hey,gotta blame someone_but it's true.In the Piney Woods of East Texas_my Dad would buy several packages per week of this 1/2 to 3/4 inch of Cracked Pepper Bacon with a crispy rind when fried for our enjoyment!

                                       Crispy Pork Rinds with Tabasco...yum!
We'd take road trips to Center,Texas at a Roadhouse Stand just for this Bacon!Everywhere you'd drive...back roads,main roads,highways,Interstate_there was always a "Smokehouse with Bacon".

 

                                    "Bacon HolyLand"

Do Not Mess with an East Texan and their Bacon! Now,I liked the sides grits & eggs(which I hate eggs now),waffles or pancakes or BLT Dagwoods,Bacon cooked in veggies,Pork rinds w/ Tabasco,just plain slices of Bacon,Bacon & Mustard Sandwich,Bacon on Salad,Baked Potato & Bacon...You Get it Bacon Goes with everything!As a kid ,I was in for the ride_just
"Start Me Up".....

 

As time went on_and especially after starting my career in Medical/Hospital Sales_I learned there's such a Damn thing called Cholesterol,High Blood Pressure,Heart Problems,etc..

So,I had to Change My Evil Ways....

 

 

About 10 years ago,I successfully completed a Self-Imposed  "12 Step Bacon De-Programming"! I did NOT totally give up Bacon_but narrowed it down to twice a year.

 

March _for St.Pat's Day Party_Bacon goes well with Colcannon (an Irish tradition).And,my husband's Irish & likes Colcannon with Bacon!As a matter of fact I Blogged about "Bacon Get Me Bodied" in March.Read about it here:

 http://sagebookwhisperer.blogspot.com/2012/03/baconget-me-bodied.html 

 

During Christmas Holidays,I'll eat Bacon.Yep,been doing that for 10 years...I'm good with that! Haven't even been tempted to taste some of the outrageous things that Bacon shows up in:

 

 

                                                Bacon Candied Martini

 

                                                    Edible Bacon Roses

                                   Bacon Chocolate Turtles...will try one day!

                                         Dark & Milk Chocolate Covered Bacon

                                   Burger King's Bacon Sundae

                                       Bacon Ice Cream Sandwiches

                                                      Bacon Pie

            Bacon Cupcakes..I might be tempted if the filling is Red Velvet..just sayin..

                                  

                                         My favorite Bacon of all times_Irish Back Bacon

                                         Bacon Salad Cups...I will make this!!!!

Soooooo,when some British News release suggested that the shortage of bacon was near_2013-I was WT???Turns out they're just bracing the British folks for a price hike.Creating havoc,people hoarding bacon,Bacon fights in the Meat Dept of Grocery stores,pushing & shoving,Bacon Gang Wars,Bacon Bombings,Bacon Drive Bys,Bacon Mobs,etc....
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/24/bacon-sausage-shortage_n_1909609.html

Now_NBC confirms they just got on the band wagon to preach the Gospel as well!All Hogwash....
http://lifeinc.today.com/_news/2012/09/27/14123841-hogwash-bacon-shortage-is-a-load-of-bull?lite

ErMG!_Extra!Extra! The President Steps in_"Third World War Averted"!
http://www.slate.com/articles/business/moneybox/2012/09/unavoidable_bacon_shortage_u_k_s_national_pig_association_has_everyone_worried_about_the_price_of_pork_.html


I'm thinking my next "Bacon-eating Session" for Christmas would NOT happen...I would have a Relapse, for sure_back to Bacon Re-Hab...Doesn't seem right to disturb my Zen-Bacon Moments with such BS!I'm still kinda mad...just sayin....

Yet,I Pray You_"All's Well That Ends Well"..~Shakespeare~