Yet Another Home Improvement Project

We marked this chilly mid-winter day by having burletes installed on the balcony doors and the front and service doors of our old apartment. What a difference! We could immediately tell that the burletes -- a type of weather-stripping made from cloth -- were working. Cold drafts (and, hopefully, dust and dirt) are now blocked and the street noise has been reduced considerably.

Our burletes were made and installed by the Alberti family. Esteban (son of Eduardo, the marketing and estimating chief) and Martin (cousin to Esteban) did the job for us today in a little under 3 hours. Their next stop: the factory where the family makes the burletes in different colors and sizes. When they're not installing, they're helping out there, under the supervision of Esteban's mom. The burletes are guaranteed for 4 years. We're happy.

Health Through Vino

Mike and Kelly arrived at our apartment in Buenos Aires on June 30 in the midst of the worst flu epidemic to hit Argentina in years. All three of us Fernandez were suffering, with ailments ranging from chills and fever to full-blown bronchitis. Could it get any worse? 

We thought not, so provisioned with antibiotics, super ibuprofens, and prescription expectorants and wearing surgical masks, we ignored the advice "not to do anything" and boarded Aerolineas Argentina for our long-planned trip to the wine country of Mendoza. The warm winter sun and the fruit of the vine did wonders for our health.

Highlights from our visit:

• Scenes along the wine routes
  
• Shots from Quinta Anabtawi, our home away from home in Mendoza province, supervised by Homero, the best beagle in the world
  
• Wine tour and tasting at Nieto Senetiner
  
• Wine, snacks, and sun at Tempus Alba
  
• Fantastic 5-course lunch and wine tasting at Ruca Malen
  
• Our incredible drive up into the Andes, complete with a snow-chilled Sauvignon Blanc
  
• Scenes from our brief visit to Mendoza City prior to returning home to Buenos Aires