Well, Iran and U.S. Memorandum of Understanding representatives met on Sunday, and again today....but issued conflicting statements as to what was discussed .  And in case you were wondering, there are three spellings for the mountain resort where this is occurring:  Bürgenstock, Burgenstock and Buergenstock, the latter one being the English version. I gave most of following numbers last week, but here is Time magazine's accounting of the U.S.-Iran War by the numbers , since 28February2026. Killed. Iran 3,636, but 2,100 were civilians. Lebanon, 4,000, but over a million displaced. USA, 13 service members, but 400 wounded. Israel, a few dozen defense forces, but 39 citizens. Global economic impact:  $2.2 trillion.  Damage to Iran economy, $270 billion. Cost of Operation Fury, $29 billion according to Defense Secretary Hegseth, but some in the media have speculated that the actual amount should be closer to $50 billion. U.S. fired more Patriot missiles in the first fo...

This was one of the most memorable days for all of us.  A story surely from fiction, but true and real. More decor from our hotel, plus, outside, olive trees and olives. Then, a short drive to Daou for Petite Sirah and lunch. The surroundings were colorful and tranquil With Linda and Joanne under an umbrella with a spectacular view of the vineyard. These were the wines.  No Petit Sirah! Our shared appetizers. There was also a fish dish.  BUT NO PETITE SIRAH. Then a walk through the grounds. At this point, we had still not any tasting of Petite Sirah, and not even a grape on a vine. We then drove into downtown Paso Robles, walked around and had beer with mezcal and a beef taco. Then came the magic of serendipity.  It would take a long story to get to the point of stumbling into a tasting room of Vino Juan.  Here is Juan himself doing the pouring, for the staff member who was supposed to be doing this got ill, and only he was available.  Most important of all...