Spring Picnic with Rose (Lucky Country, Barossa Valley Australia 2011)

I’ve entered my third decade so when my college aged niece asked if I would help with a sorority picnic I jumped at the chance. They were a fun group of young women who had many challenges and opportunities ahead of them. I would enjoy being the wise voice of caution and inspiration. It was a warm time of year in South Bend Indiana and my niece Natalie chose an idyllic spot for the function.

I was told they were all graduating seniors and of legal drinking age. I didn’t ask for I.D’s and took Natalie’s word for it. I also checked with her father, my brother and he verified their legality. I met Natalie at the kitchen where we prepared the picnic basket on the morning of the event.

“When you told me you were doing this free of charge as a graduation present, I jumped for joy. My roommates thought I had lost my mind or won the lottery. I’m broke and I would have had to pay you back over a very long period of time.” Natalie chuckled.

“I remember those days well. It builds character Natalie. I brought everything to make sandwiches and wraps, two different salads and I thought we’d make pita chips instead of having boring potato chips. I chose a rose to have and I brought some sparkling water so the girls can have spritzers if they like.”

“Many of my friends are figure conscious and at least one of them is a vegetarian,” Natalie commented.

“I’m prepared to make some meatless wraps and one of the salads is without carbs with the exception of a small amount of cheese. You women need to learn that food isn’t the enemy and eating a carb isn’t committing a sin. When people say ‘I hate exercise’, I cringe. I don’t like the gym and I’m not a tennis player or golfer but I love running. There are so many activities to get a person moving, you just have to figure it out.”

“I agree. That’s something you definitely have to share with the girls.”

“You can help with the salads. I’m making a pasta salad which is like taking an antipasto tray and tossing it with rotini. You can make a version the salad but focus on the veggies only and add some extra tomatoes. Both salads are tossed with extra virgin olive oil and a bit of balsamic vinegar.”

“S & P too?”

“Yes, to taste.”

“I see a can of chick peas and tahini. Are we making hummus?”

“Perceptive Nat.” I joked. “Throw them into the food processor with garlic and olive oil and pulse. When it reaches a good consistency, add parsley, lemon juice and a sprinkling of paprika. For the pita chips, cover the bread with herbed butter and bake at 425* for 10 mins; then slice the rounds like a pizza.”

“I have shrimp and chicken tarragon salads to put on either potato rolls of spinach wraps. Ther’s also sliced tomatoes and lettuce to add.”

“I packed fruit salad that’s chilling in ½ of a carved out watermelon. It includes grapes, strawberries, melon balls, pineapple and raspberries. I’ll sprinkle fresh mint on top at the last minute. Assorted drinks and the wine are in the cooler so you can start packing the car.”

“Holy crap Auntie Sylvia. Is there anything you didn’t think of? I would have gone to the deli and picked up sandwiches. Chips and a six-pack of beer.”

I laughed. “I’ve done that before and I’m sure to do it again but I wanted do something special for my favorite niece.”

“I’m your only niece Sylvia.” Natalie laughed.

“I packed all the essential equipment as a table cloth, plastic utensils, napkins, wipes, wine cups, trash bag, sunscreen and bug spray.”

The young women started arriving and I began to offer wine, which they all accepted. They had been through four years of fast food and dining halls so I was happy to treat them. When their plates were full, I asked them about the wine. I wasn’t expecting any of them to be experts regarding the grape and for the most part I was right.

“I’m overwhelmed that you were nice enough to do this for us. Natalie often spoke your praises and now I understand what she was talking about. I know from Nat that pairing wine with food is something you’re known for. I’m not a big wine drinker but this is fantastic. My Mom used to drink white Zinfandel in college. She told me she got sick once after drinking an entire bottle.”

“This is actually Rose from Australia, Cammy. Because of experiences like your Mom’s, rose and white Zin aren’t taken seriously but there are some good ones on the market.”

“It goes great with the light fare and it’s refreshing. Perfect for drinking on a sunny day. Nice pick Sylvia.”

“Thanks Nat, anyone else?”

“I’m finding the strawberry undertones a nice surprise in such a dry wine, Sylvia. It doesn’t have a strong alcoholic kick so it’s perfect for day drinking.”

“Wow, Lisa, you know a thing or two about wine.” I was pleasantly surprised.

Jill spoke up next. Her glass sat next to her, full. She was sipping sparkling lemonade. “I wish I had a mature comment to add but I don’t. I’m just not a wine person. I really don’t drink much alcohol at all.”

“That’s very cool Jill. I commend you for not caving to peer-pressure. I know plenty of people who don’t drink a drop and I respect their choice regardless of the reason. Cheers to you.” We clinked our glasses.

We chatted for hours and every bit of food was eaten. I thought that I had knowledge to share with them but the opposite happened. As we sipped our rose and ate picnic fare, they girls taught me things I didn’t know. If those women were any indication, then the future was bright. Natalie helped me to my car with the cooler and bag of trash.

“Thanks again Aunt Sylvia. I speak for everyone when I say that it was nice to be treated as adults. We’re getting set to enter the job force and our parents still treat us like babies.”

“Give them time Natalie. They’re hanging on to yesterday and it’s hard to let go. I hope that you’re adult enough to walk home after a couple of glasses of wine.”

“We got it. Love you Aunt Sylvia!”