December 17th, 2015

Women & Wine, The Swirl Girls, Ocean City, Maryland, Thanks for a Great Evening

A glass or two of wine with friends is one of life’s greatest pleasures.  The Swirl Girls started in Ocean City, Maryland, almost 6 years ago by a group of friends that enjoy wines.  Women and Wine, it is all about good conversation and great wines to taste.  And, dinner is usually served, as well.

Once a month throughout the year they get together.  One person is the host, she provides the food, the rest bring what they would like to drink which is usually wine but there a few that prefer spirits at times.

And, at this time of the year, Donna, gives a Swirl Girls Christmas Party.  It is at this time that “members” can invite friends to attend.  And, that is where I come into the picture.  My friend, Cindi, invited me.

We were to only bring a present worth about $20 or so with an Italian theme.  We arrived at Donna’s to find the house totally decorated, the tables set, and the Swirl Girls ready to mingle with friends.

Nobody is posing for photos so what you see is what I got.

Tasting wine is not the same as drinking it.  You have to pay attention to those acute senses of sight, smell, touch and taste.

A true Swirl Girl holds the stem of the wine glass, and gently swirls the glass in small circles on a flat surface, allowing the oxygen to penetrate the wine.  You are aerating the wine.  As the wine coats the sides of the glass, it releases its bouquet.

For dinner, we had pasta, Caesar Salad, shrimp, cheeses, breads and soups.

For dessert homemade cakes, cannoli and cookies.

Then the Presents…..We all got one number.  Everyone got a present.  By the order of numbers, starting with number 1, this person opens her present, then the person with number 2 decides if she wants that present or she can open her own.  In reality you can steal the other person’s present.  And so the evening went.  For example, I got this bottle of Italian Pisa Liquor and was immediately snatched by one of my “friends”.

Others were able to show their presents so others could make a decision.  The bottle of champagne was snatched too.

The next photos show some of them wearing colanders.  There is a reason.  And, it is not that they had too much wine.  Did you read about the woman that wanted to wear a colander on her head on her license’s photo?  They finally did let her.  She is part of a “religion” called the Pastafarians.  I am not making this up.  You can research it yourself.  So being politically correct, we decided that the theme would still be Italian and few colanders showed up during the evening.

The greatest gift of life is that of friendship, and I have received it!! At times I don’t get to see them often enough, but when we get together is like time have stood still.  Love it and I find it priceless!!

Yeah, it's all here.

October 19th, 2013

Destination? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, The Second Season, Events, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Sussex County, On The Boardwalk, On The Beach, Everyone is Having Fun!

Along with the heading….Seaside Charm, Lovely Beach Culture, Low Property Taxes, Tax Free Shopping, Mild Winters, and miles of beach…what’s not to like?

If you are visiting Rehoboth Beach this week-end, the sound of jazz will be at many of the restaurants.  It is the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival.  More info?  Please visit http://www.rehobothjazz.com.

Saturday, 10/19 – A Documentary on Oysters at Dogfish Head in conjuction with the Rehoboth Beach Museum exhibit Beach Eats!  At 6 p.m. at 320 Rehoboth Avenue.  More info?  Please call 302-227-7310.

Sunday, 10/20 – Jake’s Seafood and ocean 98.1 1st Annual Wing Contest starting at Noon until 2 p.m. at the Coastal Highway location.  Call Dan Klemkoski at 302-644-7711 for more info.

Sunday, 10/20 – Wine Tasting at Bin 66 to benefit Cancer Support Community Delaware from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at 20729 Coastal Highway.  Tastings and hors d’oeuvres prepared by some of the local restaurants.  $25 at the door.

Sunday, 10/20 – White Gold, a documentary about Delaware’s oystering industry at 6 p.m. at Dogfish Head Brewery & Eats located at 320 Rehoboth Avenue.  This documentary is presented to visitors and locals in conjunction with  the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society.  No charge for the screening.  Order from the menu, which will include oyster appetizers.  Reservations are required.  Call 302-227-7310.  Special guest and Filmmaker will be Michael Oats.

Rehoboth Beach is a great town to walk, jog and just sit on one of the many benches outlining the award-winning Boardwalk.  During the summer months this Boardwalk is packed, but on The Second Season, it is a great place to relax and take in that salty ocean air.

Funland is close for the season, but Playland is open!!

Part of the fun whille on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is the “boardwalk grub”.  Those foods that scream “ice cream”.  These ladies were having so much fun and happy to pose, as welll.

At the water’s edge the fun continued.

And on the beach, some were walking their dogs (you can do that now) or beachcombing.

From the north side of the Boardwalk the WWII Towers were clearly seen.

Plenty of weddings take place on the beach….and yesterday, as the day started to wind down….the guests were patiently waiting.

I had to get back to my car….have a good one!!