Celebrating the 4th of July

So what should you sip this weekend in celebration? Ahh, always start off with a bone-dry sparkling prosecco from Italy, skip the $10 bottles and reach for ones on the shelf at $13 and above, I'm a prosecco nut and can't seem to find a great bottle for less than so.

Here's the short list to print and take shopping with you over the weekend:

Crios Torrontes - $14 best white wine made in Argentina - hands down.

Budini Chardonnay - $9 a tropical fruit bomb from Argentina.

Handley Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc - $16 a more sancerre style Sauv Blanc.

Pellegrini "Lake County" Sauvignon Blanc $13 from California & a favorite of mine for years!

Crios Rose of Malbec - $12 well, you may want to grab 2 bottles - you'll see why after the first sip.

Fort Ross Chardonnay - $30, this Chardonnay is rich & delicious, not for the faint of heart.

Now I'll leave you with a little "Texas Humor" sent by a good friend this week...

YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN TEXAS IN JULY WHEN. . . .

• The trees are whistling for the dogs.
• The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
• Hot water now comes out of both taps.
• The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.
• You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.
• Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"
• You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
• Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.
• The cows are giving evaporated milk.

The Stars at Night are Big and Bright...Cheers - Ali