Robert K Stephen (CSW)

Michigan’s Attempt to Control Invasive Species

MDARD asks public to help prevent spread of invasive pests, protect plant health during national gardening week LANSING – Summer weather has finally made its appearance, and many Michiganders are stocking up on new plants for their garden or landscape. With people headed to their local greenhouse or nursery, the Michigan Department of Agriculture andContinue reading “Michigan’s Attempt to Control Invasive Species”

RKS Wine: Tavel Rosé

The Château d’Aqueria Tavel is dark pink. Take it up a notch or two and you would have red wine. It’s dark colour doesn’t surprise me considering it is from the Rhône. Rhône wines are seldom dainty. A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Clairette. As far as aromatics go chock full of raspberry and strawberry.Continue reading “RKS Wine: Tavel Rosé”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 4September1983: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Pig Slop, Puking and a Near Passport Heart Attack

The flight from Montreal to Puerto Vallarta was delayed by one hour because one engine aboard the antique DC-8 did not start. That gives you a feeling of extreme confidence. We were delayed by an hour. Severe turbulence for the entire flight and the vomit bags were well used. I am sure the pig slopContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 4September1983: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Pig Slop, Puking and a Near Passport Heart Attack”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 27July1978: Torremolinos Good Riddance! On the Wrong Plane: Choking on Cheap Spanish Cigarettes on an Army Flight

I was swept up in a stampede to the flight to Madrid. Had I hesitated I would have been trampled. A brand-new Iberia DC-9 to Madrid then on to Lisbon. Unfortunately, I had been directed to the wrong plane but going to Madrid. They snooped me out and ejected me from the plane. Instead, aContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 27July1978: Torremolinos Good Riddance! On the Wrong Plane: Choking on Cheap Spanish Cigarettes on an Army Flight”

RKS Film: “Days of Daisy”: Something for Everybody!

“Days of Daisy” has its world premiere at Dances with Films indie festival on June 14th at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles and after that can be purchased through VOD. It may appear to you initially as one of those “chick flicks” and as it concludes a film in the “warm and fuzzy”Continue reading “RKS Film: “Days of Daisy”: Something for Everybody!”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 25July1978: Torremolinos, Spain: The Meagreness of Torremolinos: Gypsies vs Hustlers!

I could call Torremolinos a cesspool but being polite I will say it is a meagre place full of pasty and ill behaved Brits boozing it up and partying away drinking British beer of course. Just like home! Why would people cram into chartered jets and save all year to come to Miami Beach here?Continue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 25July1978: Torremolinos, Spain: The Meagreness of Torremolinos: Gypsies vs Hustlers!”

RKS Wine: Dão Memories

My last media trip to a wine region was to the Dão in Portugal. You know those days prior to COVID. I must have visited over a dozen wineries all in beautiful settings. I think the star grape was Encruzado which makes a beguiling white wine. For what we see in Ontario the Douro leadsContinue reading “RKS Wine: Dão Memories”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 22July1978: Torremolinos, Spain: Eating That Stinky Smoked Ham and Cheese Sandwich on the Bus! Moroccans and The Tittering British Girl

There must be a horrific heat wave as woke up in a soggy sweat very lethargic. Took the bus to Fuengirola and Mijas. I made the mistake of eating a very stinky sandwich on the bus. Clear the decks. Mijas has changed drastically since my last visit 5 years ago. There seem to be aContinue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 22July1978: Torremolinos, Spain: Eating That Stinky Smoked Ham and Cheese Sandwich on the Bus! Moroccans and The Tittering British Girl”

“Travels to a Different Time” : 18July1978: Vila Real, Portugal & Seville & Torremolinos Spain: Drunk and Fornicating Brits and Moroccan Sexual Predators

Up early in the blazing heat and off to the market for yogurt, peaches, figs and wafer cookies. Off to the ferry for a ten-minute trip to Spain. The crowd was pushing and shoving like in a panic. In a tiny town in Spain found the bus station and booked passage to Seville at 16:30.Continue reading ““Travels to a Different Time” : 18July1978: Vila Real, Portugal & Seville & Torremolinos Spain: Drunk and Fornicating Brits and Moroccan Sexual Predators”

RKS Wine: Ontario Rosés: Run To, Run Away or Keep Your Distance: Peninsula Ridge

Cabernet Franc in Ontario is one of Ontario’s great strengths. Can it translate that strength to a rosé made from Cabernet Franc? The only way is to try a Peninsula Ridge Beal Vineyard Cabernet Rosé 2021. In colour somewhere between dark and light pink. As for aromatics an interesting combination of strawberry and orange Creamsicle.Continue reading “RKS Wine: Ontario Rosés: Run To, Run Away or Keep Your Distance: Peninsula Ridge”