Happy Hour

By Maureen C. Petrosky

It’s here! The happiest hour of winter; that time between five and six p.m. when those of us who call the northeast home get daylight back for one more precious hour. I’m not disheartened that last week the groundhog saw his shadow and skittered back to his hole, warning us to hunker down for six more weeks of winter. It’s light out past four- thirty, and that means we’re at least half way through. That is reason to toast.

Since plenty of us don’t work a 9 to 5, we find our very own happy hours. I’m sure for stay- at -home moms and dads that precious hour when all the little ones are finally down for the night is happy hour in their house. Maybe in yours it kicks off at 9 p.m. when your husband finally gets in from the day’s commute, or perhaps your cocktail time only comes once a week on Friday night when you can finally celebrate the week’s end. This week mine is that one hour when the sunlight lingers just a little longer.

This Week’s Pick: Charles Krug 2006 Yountville- Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, $27
It’s a red wine that when you sip you can’t help but say, “now that is good”. It’s a medium to full- bodied Cab with finesse. It’s layered with aromas of black cherry coffee and sweet clove. It goes down smooth and is perfect for toasting the end of a long day.