15 September 2007
We had a wonderful day today at the 21st Annual Grapefest! We got up pretty early, considering this is one of our few free weekends, but it was well worth it. We had a breakfast invitation to join Starr and Joe and family, at their home in Grapevine before going on to the festival. Starr made two types of absolutely delicious quiche, and scones, and served coffee, tea, mimosas and fresh strawberries. We got to see their new home, and visit leisurely with them and Troy and Alex. And two of the three cats–George and Rosie. It was really a totally delightful morning.
By about noon we were on our way to the festival. We parked and took a shuttle bus into town. As we got off the bus, we heard someone call, “MaritaBeth!” We followed the voice, and found Emily and Alex! They hadn’t just had a wonderful breakfast, so they were in search of food, and we reluctantly parted company. Starr and Joe and Kyle and I had tickets for the 1:30 People’s Choice Wine Tasting event—the big competition that is at the heart of Grapefest itself. So, we didn’t have too long before it was time to go get in the queue for that.
Thirty-seven Texas wineries, each presenting two to five wines—more tasting than is really possible in under two hours! But, we always give it our best shot! 
We have a great time, really, and when it’s over and we turn in our ballots, we also have a pretty good idea of what Texas has to offer in the way of wines. Today’s favourite discovery for me—a fun little lemon fruit wine from Maydelle Winery.
After the tasting session, I’m afraid I got sucked into the glass studio there on Main Street. Vetro Art Glass Studio is a neat little place I’ve visited numerous times before, yet, I never get my fill. Go figure. As I passed from their retail store into their studio seating gallery, a demonstration was just beginning. I overheard a group of three women asking each other questions about what they were seeing, and it wasn’t long before I couldn’t help myself and I offered an answer. Well, that led to another question, and another, and then one of them asked me if I ”do this?” I proudly, but modestly said that I am merely an apprentice, and don’t have much experience, but that watching other artists work and talking about it, helps to solidify my own knowledge. They indicated how much they appreciated being told what they were actually seeing, and asked me if I’d keep interjecting comments. I was pleased and very proud to be able to do that. So, I stayed for the entire demonstration as the artists made a beautiful flutter bowl. By the time the demo was done, I realized I had probably a dozen or so people listening to my unofficial narration. It really served to boost my confidence quite a bit. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at narrating for Shannon at Bristol now and then, but I’ve always been a little afraid of it. I don’t think I need to be that concerned about it any more! If all I need to work on is doing it in the Queen’s English, I think I can handle that!
When I finally emerged from the glass studio, Kyle was waiting for me, and the Capps family had departed. Kyle and I wandered and shopped for a while, landing at an entertainment zone just as an act was winding down. Next up was “the Grape Guy!” We stayed and watched as he broke his own standing record, and set a new record for catching the most grapes in his mouth in a three-minute time period! One hundred and twenty-nine grapes! Crazy.
The rest of the day was spent shopping and walking and listening to music. Starr came back and listened to most of the Kildares show with us. By the time that was over, it was nearly ten o’clock and we were tired. The photo I’ve chosen to represent the day is of Kyle as we took a quick detour through the midway on our way out the gate. My other favourite photo from the day is here, but technically it was Kyle’s finger that pushed the button on this one!
Upon arriving home, Kyle turned on the tv and watched the end of his Arsenal game from this morning. The Gunners won, so he’s sleeping happy. No penguins tonight!
~MB
Hey there! Alex and I enjoyed seeing you both at GrapeFest! We thought it was so funny that we ended up there at the same time, especially not knowing you’d be there (as we were behind on our reading of the Daily KRuMB). We’re sorry we weren’t able to spend more time with you guys. Looks like you were there for a while! Hope to see you again, soon.
~Emily