So I got two packages today at work. One was the latest shipment from Ridge Vineyards with the latest zin release (which was very cool). The second was my docs for NJN!

I'm not sure what the original folder that people received their RSSC docs in looked like but after the recent talk about the "pleather", we received a soft mustard yellow leather-appearing folio that contained our docs along with 2 leather-like baggage ID tags (as well as numerous cardboard ones with our deck number on it). It feels like leather but doesn't smell like leather ...

It's finally feeling like the cruise is getting closer and the excitement is starting to build :)

Masaki

And did you do the dance at the office?? Another week to go for us..... :D

:banana: :banana: :banana: :app:

Great news, Masaki!!!!! Isn't it just the best feeling!!! Hope you have a great cruise.

I hope to be doing the dance in about 4 weeks, myself. YIPPEE!!!

Beth

Good for you, Masaki! Enjoy that feeling and have a wonderful cruise!

Claudia

Doesn't it feel great to have those docs in hand. I got the same folder as you did.
Have a great cruise!!


Kathy

Yahooooooo! First document dance - isn't it fun!

Enjoy Masaki - you and Amanda will be on your way before you know it. Now you need Betty's help with packing! :D

Sorry...the system did a double post - must have been excited for Masaki! <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" />

woo hoo! Doin' the doc dance with a bottle of Ridge Zin (which one, by the way?) Have a great time! Cheers, Anne
<img border="0" alt="[wine]" title="" src="graemlins/wine.gif" />

Hey, that's great, Masaki. You've seemed very patient waiting for them!

I expect mine later this week, and am not so patient! Congrats.

WOOO HOOO! Masaki and Amanda, I know you will have a wonderful cruise!

Maski, Congrats of receiving docs. Enjoy the feeling and enjoy your wonderful cruise. :)

Betty

Yippeee for Masaki and Amanda! Enjoy the anticipation - we know you'll love the cruise!

Masaki and Amanda

Congrats on your very first doc dance. May there be many more dances to follow (hopefully, one joining us somewhere soon)!

WOW! Congrats!!
Just think. You get to do this again in November. <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" />

Hooray! Masaki, Did you know there are several versions of the Doc dance?

One is before you drink the zin. :banana:
The second one is in your dreams <img border="0" alt="[sleep]" title="" src="graemlins/sleep.gif" />
By the end of the last week, all you can think of is boarding that ship and experiencing a bunch of fun! The anticipation just keeps you going!

Enjoy it - you won't be disappointed!

Congrats! It's a great feeling, especially when you've got some Ridge zins handy. Did you get the Lytton Springs (pure zinfandel) or Geyserville which is a blend of varietals, including zinfandel? Editing to add that Montebello futures are available through May 31!

Congrats Masaki and Amanda! <img border="0" alt="[wine]" title="" src="graemlins/wine.gif" /> Salud!

Masaki:

Good for you and now I can't wait to do my own dance.

Cheers! Ray

Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers, that the mind can never break off from the journey.
Pat Conroy (1945 - ), The Prince of Tides

Congratulations!

Like you, I wasn't sure what "pleather" referred to. Mine looked like leather to me.

Sure was an improvement over the vinyl we're used to getting, that's for sure.

Have a wonderful time!!!!! Like us, prepare to be spoiled for life. Todd and I figure the first "aha" moment came when we saw the line (or lack thereof) at embarkation. By the time they'd handed us the champagne onboard we were hooked for life!!!

Kat 1

GREAT Masaki! Your first RSSC cruise! You must be so excited. Take lot's of pictures and please post while on board.

Masaki,

Congratulations! I can't wait to do my first RSSC Doc Dance.

Anthony

Masaki,
You'll love, love , love it!

Thanks guys for the shared excitement! We're finally getting stoked regarding this cruise! Pouring through the shore excursion list and still trying to figure out what we're doing ... :) Surprised about the lack of formal nights though not complaining. I wonder if RSSC is moving more and more towards cutting back on formal nights overall?

Our favorite Ridge wine is still the Geyserville and this is the wine that got us into drinking red wine so we owe this wine a great deal. :) Strangely enough, not as fond of the Lytton Springs. The zin that got shipped to me was an ATP wine from Ridge ... only 39 barrels made, the Ridge Buchignani Ranch Zinfandel. It's great fun trying their different varieties of zins that aren't normally on the market.

Kathy (gf) - and yes, I did do a small little dance in the office when I realized that the package that I was holding were the actual RSSC docs. :D

Masaki

Congratulations!! I can see you and Amanda doing the Hula!!

Have a great time anticipating your bound to be great cruise!

Joanne

Marcie - awww, the hula smilies are cute!! :) Thanks Joanne!

Masaki

Yahoo, Masaki! I hope you two are getting ready to have way too much fun.

Paul Draper from Ridge and Eric Cinnamon from Rancho Zabacco did tastings last week on the PG. Draper brought both the Lytton Springs and the Geyserville, as well as some rarities. I really liked the Geyserville, but I'm afraid my heart still belongs to Bordeaux (it's genetic, I'm afraid).

Cerinda

Masaki:

I liked the way you threw in a wee bit of Hula into your doc dance... (grin)

Look forward to meeting you in NYC

Doug

Cerinda - unfortunately, I have not had much experience with Bordeaux to date so I can't compare. :) Hopefully, that'll change in the future.

Doug - we'll be seeing you soon!

Masaki

Masaki, If you like Geyeserville, I would strongly recommend Ridge's Montebello. I'm also a big fan of Cain Five (which I think is probably one of the finest American meritage blends and can compete any day with the Premier Grand Cru Bordeaux wines).

Lawrence:

Does that come in a box?

(G,D&R) Doug

Lawrence - (writing down suggestions). Thanks for the tips - I'll have to take a look for Cain Five the next time I'm at my friendly local wine shop. I just Googled it ... Christopher Howell sounds familiar but don't know where I've heard his name before ... hmmm. Actually, since we're planning on a trip to Napa during the time we'll be up in Sacramento (the week before MINT), maybe I'll see about touring their winery during that time period. I may also have to look into purchasing Montebello futures ... (sigh). So many wines, so little time to drink them and so little money to buy them with. :)

Masaki

Masaki,

Can you get Charles Shaw in Hawaii (aka: Two Buck Chuck)?

Doug,

Lawrence is a class act! He didn't schlep a "box o'wine" when we dined at Phoenix Garden!

Doug/Lawrence -

Two Buck Chuck is yours when we see you next time!

Denise:

Oh, No.... Lawrence brought a wonderful Chard. It was wondefful (once we got it opened - but that is a tale only to be shared over dinner on a Radisson ship!...grin)

As far as 2 Buck Chuck goes.. you bet I want to try it!!! I shall hold you to this offer.....no matter where in the world we meet next!!!!!!

Doug

PS: I have heard that Charles Shaw is going for (E-GADS!) $3.49 in some places!

You got it, Doug. Red or white for you? We'll toast with it on DOF.

Two Buck Chuck for $3.49? I guess we'd better stock up! Got to sign off now and head off for Trader Joe's!

BTW, Lawrence. Chuck uses really good corks!

The tale must be told when we are on-board with Tom and Marcie!

I've never paid more than $1.99 for two buck chuck...it's really a decent everyday wine and a GREAT value!

Unfortunately, no Trader Joe's in Hawaii. (REALLY want them to come to Hawaii but alas, not yet). I believe that they're the only ones that carry two buck chuck, correct? Might have to try it when we're in Sacramento. :)

Masaki

Hi Masaki

Here's some info on both Two Buck Chuck (Charles Shaw wines) and TJ locations, so you can pick some up in Sacramento (there seems to be two locations).

Hope this helps. Also hope you get a TJ's in Hawaii. What a great store.

http://www.traderjoes.com/new/chuckshaw.asp

http://www.traderjoes.com/locations/index.asp

Hope you have the best time! this will be the first of many,that I know for sure!Macy

Denise - thanks for the link! I'm fairly familiar with the TJ locations in Sacto (lived there for 3 years) so shouldn't be a problem finding it. Will definitely have to look for the wine though.

Macy - thanks!

Masaki