We recycle do YOU?

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Did you know that November 15 is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs in the United States.  Since 1997, communities across the country have come together on November 15 to celebrate America Recycles Day with informational and and educational programs.  Get involved this year. Spend one day with your neighbors and friends to see what can be accomplished when we all work together.

One day to make recycling bigger and better 365 days a year.

To find an America Recycles Day event in your community click here and input your zip code.

One of the most common reasons Americans give for not recycling is that they don’t know how, when, where and what to recycle in their communities. Here’s a link to some informative recycling sites and resources. Check these tips and resources out, share them with friends, and get your personal recycling plan going.

OTBN Open That Bottle Night – Feb 27, 2010

View at Picasa 08-Dec-2009 08:02, 3.2, 5.9mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 800

Are you a hoarder! Do you have a bottle of wine that you’ve been saving? Mark your calendar for Saturday February 27, 2010.

View at Picasa 11-Sep-2009 09:33, 3.2, 5.9mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 800

It is Open That Bottle Night (OTBN) 2010. OTBN is an annual event created by wine writers Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher (wine@wsj.com) to encourage us to open those bottles we thought we’d never open.

View at Picasa 25-Aug-2009 10:01, 3.2, 5.9mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 400

Every year since 2000, on Saturday night in late February, OTBN encourages us to open a bottle of wine, champagne or spirits that we’ve been saving for some special event that, so far, has never quite happened. The premise is for everyone to pick one of the bottles that they have been saving for a special occasion – which never comes – and open it before it goes bad…It doesn’t matter if the wine is expensive or low cost, white or red, or even if it is still good. What matters are the memories!

Don’t wait to drink that special wine.

Gather some friends to share some wine and some stories.

View at Picasa 12-Feb-2010 10:01, 3.2, 5.9mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 500

We recently opened a Cakebread Cellars 2006 Napa Valley Chardonnay and enjoyed the light golden straw color and aromas of green apples, apricots,  with a smooth buttery, creamy finish that included a subtle hint of vanilla oak. Refreshing and classic California Chardonnay.

We also unearthed a Cameron 1994 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir to relish the smoky, earthy, ripe blackberries and smooth finish. Just like a beautiful fall afternoon in Oregon.

Any night can be the right night to open “that” bottle of wine!

View at Picasa Yampa River Core Trail – Steamboat Springs, Colorado15-Jul-2009 00:34, 3.2, 5.9mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 100

This morning, I am enjoying the calm of a quiet house. Those who want to find post-holiday deals are out at the sales and those who don’t want to shop (until later in the day) are tucked in their beds. This gives me a few moments to reflect on the smiles, conversations and snippets recently shared around the table and in the kitchen. I am also taking this moment to think about resolutions for the New Year. I relish the making of a list with dreams for the New Year. The blank page, like a blank slate…hmmmm…where to start…what to keep and what to jettison, what to change, and what to strive for.

Then the reality that so many of my resolutions are similar year to year: watch my weight, eat less processed foods and more healthy foods, stay within a budget (i.e. save more), and get more exercise…

And I struggle putting my pen to the blank piece of paper. What will make this year different?

What about you?

What are your resolutions for 2010?

Do any of your resolutions revolve around food?

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below, let’s see if we can inspire each other!