A few years back this note would not have even made it through the clutter of my brain…

Robert Mondavi, 94; Noted Vintner Who Raised Quality of American Wine – washingtonpost.com
Robert Mondavi, 94, who built what is arguably America’s most influential winery by improving the once-dismal quality of California wines, died May 16 at his home in Yountville, Calif.

Robert Mondavi…Even I knew the name growing up without the wine drinking traditions of some American families. Now that I have discovered the pleasures of a good wine, I find myself saddened by the news. A pioneer has passed on. The wine world is better for his having been here. May he rest in peace…

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In light of the upcoming summer insect season you might want to check out this article…

mygardenguide.com – Friday Five: Grow Your Own Insect Repellents
Let’s set the record straight. Despite our wishful thinking, there is no such thing as a plant that repels mosquitoes. What I mean by this is that if you plant the so-called “mosquito plant”, marketed as citrosa or as Pelargonium ‘Van Leenii’, next to the patio it’s not going to do a single thing to repel pesky insects. Nothing. Nada. Neither will the citronella plant, which by the way is a 6-foot tall tropical grass. The next best thing however, are plants whose leaves contain essential oils that when crushed and either applied to the skin or made into homemade concoctions that actually do repel mosquitoes and certain other pesky insects.

I know I’ll be planting a few of the herbs they are pointing out…

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The family is calling me out the door…Breakfast at the Busy Bee…