Wine tasting

From Vegas one weekend to wine tasting in Sonoma the next, I have to admit, life is pretty good. This past Friday evening I hopped on a Southwest plane headed for the golden state and despite landing a bit late, was happy to spend the evening in the home where I grew up.

The following morning Lindy and Laura picked me up and we hopscotched over to Oakland to pick up Meghan. We couldn't have asked for a better drive north to Sonoma County.  The sun was out, the sky was clear and we managed to avoid any possible traffic slowdowns, making it to the hotel in no time.  No doubt the constant chatter helped pass the time as well.

After checking in we loaded back in the car to head to the initial winery of our "Winter WINEland Tour".   Upon checking in we received our commemorative wine glass and wrist band and set our sights on our first taste of the day.  The tour included 140 wineries, each sampling a few different types and vintages of wine, accompanied by an often tastefully flavor-paired small bite or snack.  We had no intention of hitting up anywhere close to the total number of wineries available on the tour, so having left my camera in Arizona, my phone in Alameda and my worries, who knows where, this lady was ready to enjoy good company, new flavors and a fabulous weekend no matter how many wineries we visited.

I certainly prefer white wines, but quickly learned I was in the land of Zinfandels and Pinot Noirs.  No worries, like I said I was just along for the adventure. After a few sips and a scrumptious bite of tri-tip, we paused for a photo opt before heading down the road.  Our second stop was more indoor than out and included a rather chilly barrel room. Again we sampled the wines, enjoyed samples of polish sausage and bratwurst and eventually made our way to another winery.

We opted to stop and stay a short while at the next location and savored our wine and three-meat-chili while enjoying the unseasonably warm weather in the outdoor patio.  Interestingly enough, no matter where we went all weekend, without fail and to her own chagrin, Meghan managed to find, and sit in, the spot where the sun was the strongest. Most times a table rotation would ensue, or Meghan would steadily inch one direction or another to maintain any minimal shade coverage available.  It was truly an uncanny talent.

















About a handful of wineries, grilled cheese sandwiches, fresh tortillas, orzo and chips later, we settled in at our final winery to await our final group member, Alicia.  We chatted and laughed for quite some time until we realized we were starting to get a bit chilly, then headed for the hotel.

It wasn't quite time for dinner, but we knew we'd be making our way downtown at some point, so we headed out on foot in the small town of Windsor. We walked about 5 blocks and were one turn from exiting the town, not on purpose mind you, when we saw, and made our way to the town pub. Just as we were finishing up dinner we noticed a small DJ station setting up behind us.  What's this, an opportunity to, as my mom says, dance like no one's watching? Sign me up!  As the DJ started mixing I knew I could only resist the need to boogie down for oh so long.  Meghan was in at the start but Lindy, Laura and Alicia initially tried to deny their dancing ways.

 
A few requests here, a little tomfoolery there, and voila, all us were on the dance floor shakin what our mamas gave us!  I grew up a rather shy kid, but having broken through my shy shell as an adult and knowing I was likely never going to see these pub occupants again, I planned to dance to my heart's content! Like magic, when we'd dance, others would join us.  That's right, I'll say it, we were the life of the party.  On rare occasion when we'd sit a few songs out, the floor would clear, but as soon as we got back to rockin out on the dance floor others were quick to join.  Alicia was the most shy of our dancing party, but she undoubtedly enjoyed her time gettin down and funky before sneaking off to observe our silly ways.  Around last call we were all danced out and had certainly worn out our song request welcome on the local DJ, so we headed back to the hotel.

Cherry stem knots... that's right!

The next day I was a bit stiff from all our dancing, but was still a happy little clam, having had such a fantastic time the day/night before.  A little hotel breakfast later, we searched for some decent coffee before eventually ending up in a sports bar/restaurant to watch the 49ers play the Falcons.  The 9ers were off to a bit of a rough start, but made a great comeback, winning themselves a spot in this year's Superbowl. Post 49er glory we made our way home and again made great time. I finished up the day watching the Ravens, Patriots game and was more than pleasantly surprised with the Ravens who dominated New England, to gain their spot in the Superbowl. This Ravens victory even inspired me to buy my very first football jersey!

Heading home Monday I felt truly enlivened by the time spent catching up, goofing off, and wine tasting in sunny California.  Plus, add on two great football games and my team in the Superbowl, this weekend was certainly a 12 on a scale of 1 to 10.  As the plane coasted along I watched the California coastline slowly fade out of sight and was a bit sad to leave my favorite state; however, once I stepped out into the 80 degree January afternoon with the knowledge that soon I'd see Jonathan, Mr. Jackson, and the kitties, I knew I was quite happy to be home.  

Till next time ladies!

Vegas baby

This past weekend Jonathan and I hit the road for a spur of the moment Vegas trip.  After a long week we hopped in the Super Cooper, dropped Jackson off at his buddy Yager's house and started our trip to Sin City.  As we approached the Hoover Dam, the purplish gray glow beyond the mountains let us know we were just a short distance away from our destination.  We arrived close to 11:30ish, but thanks to a time change we gained an hour making it only 10:30.  Per Vegas standards, after we plunked our stuff down in our room we headed downstairs to roam Treasure Island for some tasty libations. Now that's what I call a start to the weekend!

 

Any illusion that the blue sky and bright sun greeting us Saturday morning meant it was warm outside was quickly vanquished with a touch of the 24th floor window. After an overpriced breakfast, and with the hope that the temperature had increased to 40, we bundled up and headed to the mall for what turned out to be a rather successful trip. Before heading down the strip, we dropped off our goods in our room, and just so happened to see a fellow Rutgers pal in the elevator lobby. Ok, not really a pal, and from his reaction, truly not that keen on supporting the University that was embroidered on his hat. Oh well, its still fun to see a Rutgers emblem at random.

Our first Casino stop was the Venetian. We scoped out an especially well lit casino floor, before heading up to the Grand Canal/Shopping walk way.  Beneath the painted cloud skies we paused briefly to listen to the Gondola Captain's sing to their boat's occupants while they gently motored along the indoor canal. We enjoyed some tasty sushi, plantains and beverages in a Japanese/Brazilian fusion restaurant before again braving the cold to go check out the Cosmopolitan and the Aria.

Being one of the newest casinos on the strip the Cosmopolitan certainly lives up to its unique advertising campaign of hip and sexy, modern luxury. The variety of high end, and, trendy dinning and drinking establishments seemed to far exceed that of the other casinos. After wandering about for a little while, and admiring the decorative theme of the place we settled into Jaleo, a "Spanish avant-garde" restaurant to enjoy some spectacular sipping tequila while cheering on the Ravens as they fought to defeat little Peyton Manning and his Broncos. (Go RAVENS!!)

 Later that evening we returned to the Cosmopolitan for dinner at Comme Ca.  This "brasserie" certainly lived up to its definition of "a type French restaurant with a relaxed, upscale setting". The atmosphere was modern, high end, but not stuffy, and the portions were refreshing considered what similar prices will get you in some Vegas restaurants.  We shared a fantastic bouillabaisse, maple and bacon roasted Brussels spouts, and some tasty mac n cheese. Warms my belly just thinking of that tasty food. 

 

  

                                         

Back on the move we headed to the casino floor to dabble in some slot machine play. Neither Jonathan nor I had the desire to sit at a table and watch our money drift away, so we maneuvered about the penny slots. Jonathan started on a Batman themed machine and we hopscotched our way about the floor taking turns with the same payout ticket.  I was by far the weakest link. After Jonathan made a whopping $14 buck profit we opted to end our gambling on top and cashed out.  

Back on the roam we came across a live performance in one of the random, tiny lounge/bars scattered across the casino floor.  The performers were going for vintage and not only did they pull off the look with flying colors, but they sounded great. Sharing an over-sized chair we caught a few songs before drifting back into the crowd.  It wasn't long before we stopped in yet another random lounge where we relaxed before deciding on which of the many Vegas night clubs we'd attempt to get into. Mind you, we're not much for clubbing, but when in Rome...

Cesar's Palace offered the best option for our entry level clubbing with the Beatles Lounge. About the only Beatles influence on the place was the Union jack neck tie worn by the go-go dancer in the over-sized "O" of LOUNGE, but seeing that it was considerably less intimidating that the other clubs we saw we decided to give it a go.  I was impressed when we reached the entry rope and were actually allowed in while others who were there before us had to step aside. Who would've thunk?  We stayed until we'd had our fill of bogeying down, then scurried back to Treasure Island in what may not even have been 35 degree weather.

Driving home on Sunday was pretty uneventful. We made a quick pit stop for some overpriced Venison jerky that had been advertised for a good 60 miles and eventually stopped for lunch at an Arizona Highways acclaimed Mexican restaurant in the tiny town of Wikieup.  Can't say the restaurant was anything special, but the food was good, and the warmth in our bellies was appreciated. Overall, I'd say we did darn near everything there is to do in Vegas, we stayed in a Casino, ate well, enjoyed various adult beverages, shopped, site saw, gambled, caught a short show and went to a club. About the only thing we missed out on was getting re-married by Elvis! Oh well, there is always a next time! 

A new year, a new project

Turns out the end of days wasn't on 12/21/12, so per societal norm we're moving full steam ahead into 2013.

 A few days after Christmas, Jonathan's family came into town and we bowled, hiked, game-nighted, and living-room-furniture-rearranged our way through the new year. 
 
                                                                                               


                 

Metaphorically speaking, I can sometimes relate

Once our casa returned to Jonathan, myself and our furry/aquatic companions we got back to business on our latest home project, the re-siding of the attached shed.

Probably about a month back Jonathan tore off the nasty siding from the shed in preparation for new and improved corrugated metal siding. Unfortunately the old exterior of nasty siding and rotten wood is still hanging out in our back yard awaiting its eventual trip to the dump. Just before Christmas we started the remodel by re-surfacing the shed with thick sheets of OSB, which turned out to be quite the nailing adventure. Thanks to the near impenetrability of the OSB, many a nail was bent beyond recognition before having to be removed and re-attempted.















                                                             

This past weekend, we applied the asphalt paper to the OSB before mounting the metal siding. The paper install was pretty easy peasy, and the metal cutting/mounting moved right along as well. Sunday happened to be the day I was looking forward to watching the Ravens v. Colts wildcard game, but since I wanted to help with the shed project, I opted for a good ole fashion radio broadcast.  I was impressed with the richness of the announcing and cheered and of course jeered at the radio between staples, measuring, and metal cutting. I'm happy to say, both the game, and the siding, turned out quite well.
 

We are quite happy with the look of the metal, but are not yet done with the project. The next and final step is to apply a boarder of painted 1x4s at the corners, and top of the siding.  I don't think my attempt at an explanation will serve much good, so I'll leave it to the photos when we get to that step.

Fivetastic!

In the spirit of sharing random observations, I couldn't pass up snapping a photo of the Super Cooper's odometer/temperature gauge before we set off to see the new Hobbit movie the other night.

Fivetastic if I dare say so myself.