Move over, Sangria...Try Tinto de Verano

People outside of Spain tend to believe that sangria is the drink of choice throughout Spain. It is widely available, but it's for the tourists. Spaniards are drinking gin and tonics, clara con limón (close to a Summer Shandy of beer and a lemon-flavored soda) and tinto de verano, literally, the wine of summer. 

Source

Tinto de Verano is sangria without the work (or the brandy). It's simply an equal mixture of red table wine and a gaseosa, some carbonated soda, like seltzer or lemon-lime soda. Serve it over ice, and you're good to go...easy and refreshing. 

¡Salud!

Ahora 18: June in Bullets

Here we are at the end of June. Already. Every cliche people have about the passing of time is spot-on accurate. 

Here is what is happening ahora in my world. 

• School is out for the summer! Hooray. I am happy to report that my kiddos did great on their ACCESS exams, a test that measures their proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English. Since I am an ESL teacher, this is our "high-stakes" test (in addition to the kiddos that also take PARCC). 

• I am getting excited to go see my girl in Florida next week. This is such a joyful two weeks; I can't wait to see her and talk with her and just be. I am one lucky auntie. 

• It's almost Spain-vacation time, so I've been eagerly researching places to go in Galicia and in other parts of Spain, as well as in Lisbon, where we will be spending three or four days before flying back to the United States. 

• I've developed a serious iced-coffee habit. I'm trying to make it at home, but it just doesn't taste the same. The best I have found is the Starbucks unsweetened coffee at my local supermarket; it's still not the same, so more often than not, it's off to Starbucks and Dunks I go. 

Thanks for the free coffee, Starbucks. 

• Tis the season for returning series, so I've been rationing the new seasons of Grace and Frankie and Orange is the New Black. I also have been catching up on movies I have wanted to watch. Everest was a thrill and a confirmation that climbing this mountain has never and will never be on my bucket-list. I read Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air years ago, and I'm fascinated by those who do climb, but I will be content wandering around the foot of Everest, inspired by her majesty with both feet firmly on the bottom. Self awareness is a wonderful thing.

• It's fun playing tourist in Boston. 

• Anxiety over the political situation is a real thing. Good grief.  

• Who else is enjoying ice cream this summer? We have a small-batch, homemade ice cream place nearby that infuses liquid nitrogen into their processing. It's delicious and this place is known for innovative flavors like hibiscus cabernet, horchata, chipotle mezcal, and fennel pistachio, among the chocolate and vanilla favorites. I recently had orange tarragon, which I topped with candied walnuts...so, so good!

So that's about it for me this month. What's happening ahora in your world?

Mussels Mania...Mexillonada in a Tiny Galician Village

Start with a tiny seaside village in the northwest coast of Spain. 

Put up a tent...

With a bar...

Bring in a truck that turns into a stage.  

And some musicians for dancing into the wee hours of the morning...

Add a fire. 

And some mussels. 

Serve up some Galician style empanadas...

Filled with mussels...

Open up some wine...

Chat with the locals...

My husband and his tios. 

And let the good times roll. 

Even this guy's smiling...

And before the night's end, light the queimada for anyone who wants it. 

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The Mexillonada is a highlight of our summer in Galicia. It's a time to celebrate with family and friends, eat great food, and join in with the community that will soon become our home. 

Lovely Seaside Charm in York Beach, Maine: Two Sisters Inn

My friend since grade school has enjoyed a lovely beach home in York Beach, Maine, for as long as I can remember. Her mom bought the house with her sister years ago, and it's a place her family uses in the summer; they rent it out for the rest of the year. 

I usually visit Two Sisters Inn every summer. It is a lovely retreat; not seaside, but at less than a half mile from Short Sands in York Beach, Maine and across the street from a full ocean view, it's a true beach house with an abundance of seaside charm. 

Here are some of the pieces that caught my eye and that give Two Sisters Inn its personality. 

I love this painting. I can feel the sun and the ocean breeze pouring through the window. 

Maine blueberries accent this sea-inspired wreath. 

Best napping couch, ever. 

There are nautical accessories in every room. 

Even in the bathroom

The mantel, over a working fireplace, is adorned with its own sea-inspired wreath.

Lighthouses are peppered throughout the house, in recognition 

of the iconic, Nubble Light, that sits less than a mile away. 

Even the cookie jar has nautical style. 

It is clear to see the sisters paid close attention to detail in decorating their summer retreat, down to the light switches. 

The back outside deck provides a great space for reading or enjoying a cup of coffee. 

Unless you prefer swinging under a mighty tree. 

Or sitting on the front deck, adorned with its own nautical and patriotic style. 

It's sad to think that her mom will be selling her share of the house in another year or so; she simply does not use it as much anymore now that my friend's dad has died. 

Nevertheless, Two Sisters Inn provided years of family fun and a quiet respite from the summertime beach mania of south coastal Maine. 

And it's a lovely place I have come to enjoy, full of memories of laughter, great food, and the best of friends. It is a lovely treat, indeed.