PAM Dirac
@pam-dirac.bsky.social
PhD chemist retired after 40+ years in cancer research. Spend my time now doing astronomy, growing grapes, and making wine. Occasionally hang out at Balloon Juice.
Waving Free Vineyard
https://wavingfree.smugmug.com/Vineyard/2019/Overview2019/n-wbgjbw
Waving Free Vineyard
https://wavingfree.smugmug.com/Vineyard/2019/Overview2019/n-wbgjbw
Our baby is home resting after successful surgery to remove her spleen. Much pampering to come.
February 3, 2026 at 10:45 PM
Our baby is home resting after successful surgery to remove her spleen. Much pampering to come.
#photometry update V0582 Cas
telescopes: various, including FSM-MPO61 from AAVSONet
Project: SNEWS Monitoring
A red super giant that shows changes fairly typical of a red super giant. Swings of ~1 mag with no regular pattern. #astronomy
telescopes: various, including FSM-MPO61 from AAVSONet
Project: SNEWS Monitoring
A red super giant that shows changes fairly typical of a red super giant. Swings of ~1 mag with no regular pattern. #astronomy
January 24, 2026 at 8:33 PM
#photometry update V0582 Cas
telescopes: various, including FSM-MPO61 from AAVSONet
Project: SNEWS Monitoring
A red super giant that shows changes fairly typical of a red super giant. Swings of ~1 mag with no regular pattern. #astronomy
telescopes: various, including FSM-MPO61 from AAVSONet
Project: SNEWS Monitoring
A red super giant that shows changes fairly typical of a red super giant. Swings of ~1 mag with no regular pattern. #astronomy
#photometry update NSV 3717 aka HD 62745
telescopes: various, including BSM-NM and BSM-Berry from AAVSONet
Project: SNEWS Monitoring
A red super giant that seems to bit a bit quieter than most of the stars in that category. Maybe a modest dimming over the last 2 years. #astronomy
telescopes: various, including BSM-NM and BSM-Berry from AAVSONet
Project: SNEWS Monitoring
A red super giant that seems to bit a bit quieter than most of the stars in that category. Maybe a modest dimming over the last 2 years. #astronomy
January 24, 2026 at 8:23 PM
#photometry update NSV 3717 aka HD 62745
telescopes: various, including BSM-NM and BSM-Berry from AAVSONet
Project: SNEWS Monitoring
A red super giant that seems to bit a bit quieter than most of the stars in that category. Maybe a modest dimming over the last 2 years. #astronomy
telescopes: various, including BSM-NM and BSM-Berry from AAVSONet
Project: SNEWS Monitoring
A red super giant that seems to bit a bit quieter than most of the stars in that category. Maybe a modest dimming over the last 2 years. #astronomy
#wine 2024 VGV - Black Ankle Vineyard, MD, USA
grapes: 56% Grüner Veltliner, 44% Viognier
interesting blend, but in this particular case the sum is a bit less than its parts. A perfectly pleasant wine, but I think I would have preferred to have the grapes bottled separately.
grapes: 56% Grüner Veltliner, 44% Viognier
interesting blend, but in this particular case the sum is a bit less than its parts. A perfectly pleasant wine, but I think I would have preferred to have the grapes bottled separately.
January 24, 2026 at 8:02 PM
#wine 2024 VGV - Black Ankle Vineyard, MD, USA
grapes: 56% Grüner Veltliner, 44% Viognier
interesting blend, but in this particular case the sum is a bit less than its parts. A perfectly pleasant wine, but I think I would have preferred to have the grapes bottled separately.
grapes: 56% Grüner Veltliner, 44% Viognier
interesting blend, but in this particular case the sum is a bit less than its parts. A perfectly pleasant wine, but I think I would have preferred to have the grapes bottled separately.
#wine 2024 Grenache Blanc Tablas Creek, CA
grapes: 100% grenache blanc
This is a beautiful wine. Hints of the crisp clean flavors of an albarino, but also some of the round, melon flavors of a viognier. A wine that can just be enjoyed.
grapes: 100% grenache blanc
This is a beautiful wine. Hints of the crisp clean flavors of an albarino, but also some of the round, melon flavors of a viognier. A wine that can just be enjoyed.
January 24, 2026 at 7:54 PM
#wine 2024 Grenache Blanc Tablas Creek, CA
grapes: 100% grenache blanc
This is a beautiful wine. Hints of the crisp clean flavors of an albarino, but also some of the round, melon flavors of a viognier. A wine that can just be enjoyed.
grapes: 100% grenache blanc
This is a beautiful wine. Hints of the crisp clean flavors of an albarino, but also some of the round, melon flavors of a viognier. A wine that can just be enjoyed.
#wine 2021 Saggi Long Shadows Vintners, WA
grapes: 62% Sangiovese, 26% Cab Sauv, 12% syrah
Very interesting wine that I have very little reference for as I have almost no experience with Super Tuscans. This wine makes me want to put some effort into exploring that style. Big, rich, concentrated.
grapes: 62% Sangiovese, 26% Cab Sauv, 12% syrah
Very interesting wine that I have very little reference for as I have almost no experience with Super Tuscans. This wine makes me want to put some effort into exploring that style. Big, rich, concentrated.
January 24, 2026 at 7:49 PM
#wine 2021 Saggi Long Shadows Vintners, WA
grapes: 62% Sangiovese, 26% Cab Sauv, 12% syrah
Very interesting wine that I have very little reference for as I have almost no experience with Super Tuscans. This wine makes me want to put some effort into exploring that style. Big, rich, concentrated.
grapes: 62% Sangiovese, 26% Cab Sauv, 12% syrah
Very interesting wine that I have very little reference for as I have almost no experience with Super Tuscans. This wine makes me want to put some effort into exploring that style. Big, rich, concentrated.
#wine: 2021 Long Shadows Vintners (WA) Sequel
grapes: 100% Syrah
bramble berry on the nose, dark red/purple color, concentrated blackberry flavors with lots of layers. 15.1% alcohol, but surprisingly that doesn't throw things out of balance.
grapes: 100% Syrah
bramble berry on the nose, dark red/purple color, concentrated blackberry flavors with lots of layers. 15.1% alcohol, but surprisingly that doesn't throw things out of balance.
January 7, 2026 at 8:34 PM
#wine: 2021 Long Shadows Vintners (WA) Sequel
grapes: 100% Syrah
bramble berry on the nose, dark red/purple color, concentrated blackberry flavors with lots of layers. 15.1% alcohol, but surprisingly that doesn't throw things out of balance.
grapes: 100% Syrah
bramble berry on the nose, dark red/purple color, concentrated blackberry flavors with lots of layers. 15.1% alcohol, but surprisingly that doesn't throw things out of balance.
#wine: 2022 Tablas Creek (CA) Le Complice
grapes: 67% Syrah 25% Grenanche 5% Terret Noir
3% Muscardin
Surprising light for a wine with so much syrah. Floral and elegant rather than meaty. A nice contrast to the TC mourvedre heavy Rhone Blends.
grapes: 67% Syrah 25% Grenanche 5% Terret Noir
3% Muscardin
Surprising light for a wine with so much syrah. Floral and elegant rather than meaty. A nice contrast to the TC mourvedre heavy Rhone Blends.
January 7, 2026 at 8:26 PM
#wine: 2022 Tablas Creek (CA) Le Complice
grapes: 67% Syrah 25% Grenanche 5% Terret Noir
3% Muscardin
Surprising light for a wine with so much syrah. Floral and elegant rather than meaty. A nice contrast to the TC mourvedre heavy Rhone Blends.
grapes: 67% Syrah 25% Grenanche 5% Terret Noir
3% Muscardin
Surprising light for a wine with so much syrah. Floral and elegant rather than meaty. A nice contrast to the TC mourvedre heavy Rhone Blends.
Adoption Day 1: If everyone is really quiet, I'll hide within 20 feet of your chair
Adoption Day 27: If your meal preparation is good enough I will let you sit on the empty half of MY chair.
#cats
Adoption Day 27: If your meal preparation is good enough I will let you sit on the empty half of MY chair.
#cats
December 12, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Adoption Day 1: If everyone is really quiet, I'll hide within 20 feet of your chair
Adoption Day 27: If your meal preparation is good enough I will let you sit on the empty half of MY chair.
#cats
Adoption Day 27: If your meal preparation is good enough I will let you sit on the empty half of MY chair.
#cats
New addition to our household; Mr. Ives, aka "Chuck".
November 19, 2025 at 3:55 PM
New addition to our household; Mr. Ives, aka "Chuck".
Getting ready for the no Kings rally in Frederick, MD. Yard sign is up.
October 18, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Getting ready for the no Kings rally in Frederick, MD. Yard sign is up.
Wine Dinner 08-24-2025
#wine: 2021 Teroldego, Catoctin Breeze, MD
main course: spaghetti with tomato sauce
Shows what a little extra care in preparation and a nice bottle of wine can do for a simple meal. The tomato sauce was made from tomatoes from the farmer's market and basil from the garden...
#wine: 2021 Teroldego, Catoctin Breeze, MD
main course: spaghetti with tomato sauce
Shows what a little extra care in preparation and a nice bottle of wine can do for a simple meal. The tomato sauce was made from tomatoes from the farmer's market and basil from the garden...
September 10, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Wine Dinner 08-24-2025
#wine: 2021 Teroldego, Catoctin Breeze, MD
main course: spaghetti with tomato sauce
Shows what a little extra care in preparation and a nice bottle of wine can do for a simple meal. The tomato sauce was made from tomatoes from the farmer's market and basil from the garden...
#wine: 2021 Teroldego, Catoctin Breeze, MD
main course: spaghetti with tomato sauce
Shows what a little extra care in preparation and a nice bottle of wine can do for a simple meal. The tomato sauce was made from tomatoes from the farmer's market and basil from the garden...
Wine Dinner 08-24-2025
#wine: 2017 Esprit de Tablas, Tablas Creek
main course: leg of lamb
The best wine and meal in this series. The wine is the mourvedre dominated Rhone red blend that is well known from the sister winery, Chateau Beaucastel. It is outstanding on its own, but the lamb helped...
#wine: 2017 Esprit de Tablas, Tablas Creek
main course: leg of lamb
The best wine and meal in this series. The wine is the mourvedre dominated Rhone red blend that is well known from the sister winery, Chateau Beaucastel. It is outstanding on its own, but the lamb helped...
September 10, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Wine Dinner 08-24-2025
#wine: 2017 Esprit de Tablas, Tablas Creek
main course: leg of lamb
The best wine and meal in this series. The wine is the mourvedre dominated Rhone red blend that is well known from the sister winery, Chateau Beaucastel. It is outstanding on its own, but the lamb helped...
#wine: 2017 Esprit de Tablas, Tablas Creek
main course: leg of lamb
The best wine and meal in this series. The wine is the mourvedre dominated Rhone red blend that is well known from the sister winery, Chateau Beaucastel. It is outstanding on its own, but the lamb helped...
Wine Dinner 08-17-2025
#wine: 2024 Lignée de Tablas Fenaughty Blanc, Tablas Creek
main course: pork loin
A fabulous wine that did more to make the pork better than vice versa. Lush with nice round fruit flavors. Another wine that showed very nicely on its own. A blend of 4 Rhone whites. (See alt)
#wine: 2024 Lignée de Tablas Fenaughty Blanc, Tablas Creek
main course: pork loin
A fabulous wine that did more to make the pork better than vice versa. Lush with nice round fruit flavors. Another wine that showed very nicely on its own. A blend of 4 Rhone whites. (See alt)
September 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Wine Dinner 08-17-2025
#wine: 2024 Lignée de Tablas Fenaughty Blanc, Tablas Creek
main course: pork loin
A fabulous wine that did more to make the pork better than vice versa. Lush with nice round fruit flavors. Another wine that showed very nicely on its own. A blend of 4 Rhone whites. (See alt)
#wine: 2024 Lignée de Tablas Fenaughty Blanc, Tablas Creek
main course: pork loin
A fabulous wine that did more to make the pork better than vice versa. Lush with nice round fruit flavors. Another wine that showed very nicely on its own. A blend of 4 Rhone whites. (See alt)
Wine Dinner 08-10-2025
#wine: Limestone 2024, Old Westminster Winery, MD
main course: grilled chicken
Limestone is 55% Chardonnay and 45% Riesling and is quite an interesting wine. Different sips seem to have different proportions of each. Went well with the chicken, but also very nice on its own.
#wine: Limestone 2024, Old Westminster Winery, MD
main course: grilled chicken
Limestone is 55% Chardonnay and 45% Riesling and is quite an interesting wine. Different sips seem to have different proportions of each. Went well with the chicken, but also very nice on its own.
September 10, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Wine Dinner 08-10-2025
#wine: Limestone 2024, Old Westminster Winery, MD
main course: grilled chicken
Limestone is 55% Chardonnay and 45% Riesling and is quite an interesting wine. Different sips seem to have different proportions of each. Went well with the chicken, but also very nice on its own.
#wine: Limestone 2024, Old Westminster Winery, MD
main course: grilled chicken
Limestone is 55% Chardonnay and 45% Riesling and is quite an interesting wine. Different sips seem to have different proportions of each. Went well with the chicken, but also very nice on its own.
Wine Dinner 07-13-2025
wine: Tapestry 7th Edition, Old Westminster Winery, MD
main course: classic beef stew
I chose the wine because it was 65% Bordeaux grapes and 35% syrah (see note). I expected the Bordeaux component to compliment the beef and the syrah to move things away from the usual.
wine: Tapestry 7th Edition, Old Westminster Winery, MD
main course: classic beef stew
I chose the wine because it was 65% Bordeaux grapes and 35% syrah (see note). I expected the Bordeaux component to compliment the beef and the syrah to move things away from the usual.
July 17, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Wine Dinner 07-13-2025
wine: Tapestry 7th Edition, Old Westminster Winery, MD
main course: classic beef stew
I chose the wine because it was 65% Bordeaux grapes and 35% syrah (see note). I expected the Bordeaux component to compliment the beef and the syrah to move things away from the usual.
wine: Tapestry 7th Edition, Old Westminster Winery, MD
main course: classic beef stew
I chose the wine because it was 65% Bordeaux grapes and 35% syrah (see note). I expected the Bordeaux component to compliment the beef and the syrah to move things away from the usual.
Wine Dinner 07-06-2025
wine: 2021 Waving Free Backyard White
main course: grilled swordfish with lime/basil marinade
The wine was a nice mature white with expected notes of a 4 year old riesling mixed with vidal blanc
The swordfish turned out very well and went extremely well with the wine. #wine
wine: 2021 Waving Free Backyard White
main course: grilled swordfish with lime/basil marinade
The wine was a nice mature white with expected notes of a 4 year old riesling mixed with vidal blanc
The swordfish turned out very well and went extremely well with the wine. #wine
July 9, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Wine Dinner 07-06-2025
wine: 2021 Waving Free Backyard White
main course: grilled swordfish with lime/basil marinade
The wine was a nice mature white with expected notes of a 4 year old riesling mixed with vidal blanc
The swordfish turned out very well and went extremely well with the wine. #wine
wine: 2021 Waving Free Backyard White
main course: grilled swordfish with lime/basil marinade
The wine was a nice mature white with expected notes of a 4 year old riesling mixed with vidal blanc
The swordfish turned out very well and went extremely well with the wine. #wine
Sign in our yard for No Kings day
June 14, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Sign in our yard for No Kings day
At the NO Kings rally in Frederick, MD
June 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
At the NO Kings rally in Frederick, MD
Front porch is now fully renovated with new concrete, new furniture and new lights.
May 23, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Front porch is now fully renovated with new concrete, new furniture and new lights.
Concrete poured and smoothed for the front porch renovation.
April 16, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Concrete poured and smoothed for the front porch renovation.
Ennis visiting with her granddaughter, Velma.
April 9, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Ennis visiting with her granddaughter, Velma.
At the Frederick, MD Hands Off rally. Well attended despite the dreary weather.
April 5, 2025 at 6:50 PM
At the Frederick, MD Hands Off rally. Well attended despite the dreary weather.
Time for me to come out of hibernation before the vines do. Luckily I only have 180 vines so I can start well into March and still comfortably finish before bud break, which is usually about the last week in April in this location. These are Vidal blanc. #grapegrowing #wine
March 4, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Time for me to come out of hibernation before the vines do. Luckily I only have 180 vines so I can start well into March and still comfortably finish before bud break, which is usually about the last week in April in this location. These are Vidal blanc. #grapegrowing #wine
Our old friend TYC 4051-1269-1 is not getting as many observations, but it does look like it is now slowly dimming instead of slowly brightening. #photometry #astronomy
February 27, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Our old friend TYC 4051-1269-1 is not getting as many observations, but it does look like it is now slowly dimming instead of slowly brightening. #photometry #astronomy