I Survived

Hi all,
Back from another fun-filled trip to Vegas!

Tried a few new places this time and saw a few new shows.

Here's the recap:

- Dualing Piano Bars (New York, New York and Harrah's)- totally fun and great to sing along

- Bautista's Hole in the Wall - great Italian restaurant in a little alley; the food was yummy and the atmosphere was priceless; live accordian player (at least 90 years old); reservations recommended; the place was packed.

- Taco's and Tequilla - a casual mexican restaurant inside the Luxor -- the food was very good

- Toby Keith's Bar and Grill - always a favorite place for country music, dancing and drinks

- The Bellagio Buffet - my favorite place to dine; the food and presentation are excellent; I love the chocolate dipped strawberries - I usually put down about 20.

- Terry Fator - this performer is incredible. He was the winner of "America's Got Talent" and boy is he talented; he is a ventriloquist; he is also a singer and his voice is breathtaking; I would highly recommend his show if you visit Vegas.

- Criss Angel - DO NOT go see this show; it was horrible. There was no suspense or surprise to his illusions and it lacked class, style, and professionalism.

- The Improv (Harrah's) - highly recommended if you want a good laugh; the headliner was seriously funny - my ribs hurt the next day - a great stress reliever.

- The South Point Resort - I always stay at this hotel; great value for the price. This facility has a movie theater, bowling alley and equestrian center; it is very clean and is located about 5 miles south of the Mandalay Bay (still on the Strip)

I did my share of swimming and laying out -- the temps were 105 and above every day!

I am now settling back into reality - I know I will have a tough week (the trip was worth the adventure).

Happy trails,
V

No Rain Dance Please

Yes, it's raining in Vegas - so very strange.
It's not keeping us from having fun.
Last night we went to the Improv and laughed hysterically - just what the doctor ordered.
I will continue this later -- need to head out.
Viva Las Vegas,
V

Sin City

Hi all,

I'm fast approaching my departure to Sin City (Las Vegas). I'm so looking foward to the fun, sun, and excitement of this city that never sleeps.

It's nice and warm there at the moment (triple digits) -- perfect for lounging at the pool.

I'll be sure to report back on any exciting stories along the way.

Stay tuned.......

Cheers,
V

Happy Summer!!

YEAH - it's officially summer! I love it! Can't wait for the many BBQ's, watermelon, water fights, swimming, tanning, sweating, fireworks, hot dogs, beach days, vacations, ice cream and getting a year wiser.

Had a great weekend -- enjoyed a great game of tennis with Peanut; did tons of fun stuff (too much to list).

Looking forward to my Vegas getaway starting tomorrow. I will be sure to soak in every single minute. My buddy from Texas is meeting me there -- just the girls! Lori - rest up - you're going to need it!

Enjoy this warm summer day,
V

Happy Friday

Hi all,

So very happy it's Friday today!

I'm looking forward to a fun weekend; so far here is my line-up:

- Soak in some sun

- Swim

- Catch a movie ("The Proposal")

- Listen to some music in the park

- Meet some good friends that I haven't seen in forever for lunch

- Go for a hike

- Visit a winery

- Hug/kiss my daughter

- Clean house

- Go to my Saturday spin class

- Pick up my hubby from the airport

- Enjoy Father's Day

- Rest

I hope everyone will be enjoying the outdoors this weekend and soaking in some rays - isn't it great to live in California! I love it!

Enjoy,
V

Do

Howdy,
I got my hair cut yesterday - a new do was in order. I will post a photo at some point this week.

Greg is still treking thru Yellowstone and has been sending me random samplings of pictures along the way (see above). Although it's pouring rain, he is still enjoying his journey.

Have a good day.
V

Nature's Beauty

Hi all,

Greg is still enjoying his trip in Yellowstone and reports in daily with some snapshots of the beauty and luster the park has to offer. The nearing mountains are still covered with snow; the geyers are still errupting like clockwork; and the animals are still enjoying the best land on earth. Wish we could all have the beauty of nature in our lives.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~Lao Tzu

Saddles and The Wild Blue Yonder

Hi all,
This weekend was full of fun. I started off by attending a graduation party -- what I wouldn't give to be 17 again; having a lifetime ahead of promise, possibilities, and purpose. It seems like just yesterday that my girls graduated high school yet once just graduated college; yet again, time escapes us.

Sunday I went to the Livermore Rodeo - the worldest fastest rodeo. This event is always full of horses, dirt, Americans, flags, cowboys and cowgirls, corndogs, malts, and a lot of interesting people. This year they event had frisbee chasing dogs; very exciting to watch. Of course everyone's favorite event is the bull riding. It's amazing what happens in 8 seconds. This rodeo is a yearly event that I attend and each year the talent just keeps getting better and better.

I have been missing Greg -- he is in Yellowstone for the first time; attached are some photos he's taken along his journey. Although it's pouring rain there, he's managing to see tons of wildlife. I can't wait for him to get home.

Tally ho,

V

Things

If you haven't got all the things you want, be grateful for the things you don't have, that you don't want.
-unknown-

Fresh Air

So glad to be back amongst the living. The last two days Greg and I were down for the count with a bad case of the stomach flu. I think we are on the mend; now feeling 100% better. Beware! It's out there -- don't get caught with it.

On a happier note, I was able to visit and cuddle with this cutie of a kitten that is being raised by a friend who fosters animals. This little bell was so adorable with it's beautiful markings and crystal blue eyes. If you know anyone that would love to adopt, please let me know.

More importantly -- HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear friend Lori. I miss you terribly and can't wait to celebrate in Vegas soon. You are loved and missed more than ever. Cheers!

Enjoy this day,
V

Peace

Every single day I pray for peace in the world.

UP

Hi there,
If you want to see a great Pixar movie, I would recommend "UP". It's so very cute, animated, colorful and light-hearted. I had a chance to go see it this week in 3D and it really cleared my mind, warmed my soul, and made me laugh.
Just get "UP" and go see it.
V

Chokes

I love the fact that summer has yummy, fresh veggies to offer. Lately I have been addicated to artichokes. They are rather large this year but quite tasty. We have been having them at least once a week. We devoured some last night. (I couldn't resist taking the above photo in the grocery store.)

Castroville, CA is the artichoke capital of the world -- that is only 124 miles from home. This year Castroville celebrated it's 50th Artichoke Festival (held in May). Below is a little history on artichokes and two yummy recipe for you to try. Enjoy!

Climate
Artichokes are a marine climate vegetable and thrive in the cooler coastal climates. The artichoke does best in frost-free areas with cool, foggy summers but will grow almost anywhere there are at least 100 frost free days. Freezing temperatures will kill the buds and hot, dry conditions destroy the tenderness though artichokes do, however, like full sun.

Soil
Artichokes will grow on a wide range of soils, but produce best on a deep, fertile, well-drained soil. The plant is deep rooted and should be planted on soils that afford adequate area for root development.

Spacing
As a perennial: Artichoke plants can reach a height of 3 or 4 feet and a spread of up to 6 feet in diameter so allow plenty of space for them to grow. In Zones 7 and above, plant the artichokes to the side so that the more frequent planting of annual vegetables won't disturb them. Space the artichoke plants at 4'-6' feet within the row with 6 to 8 feet between the rows.

Storage
Artichokes may be stored for 1 to 2 weeks at 32°F with a relative humidity of 95%. Artichokes have a low sensitivity to ethylene gas.


ARTICHOKE CRAB DIP

1 c. crab meat
1 c. fresh Parmesan cheese
1 c. Hellman's real mayonnaise
8 oz. can artichoke hearts, diced
1 sm. can water chestnuts
4 oz. sour cream or yogurt

Bake in shallow dish at 400 degrees until cheese bubbles. Serve hot. Toast - to go with dip: Sliced French bread (sliced finely), toasted; or English muffin, toasted in oven on both sides, cut into squares. Serve dip on toasts.

CREAM OF ARTICHOKE SOUP

4 cups water
1 tbs. lemon juice
1 tbs. oil
4 garlic cloves, crushed
3 lbs. artichokes (3 to 4 medium, trimmed of thorns)
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup half-and-half
1 tsp. ground pepper
1 tsp. salt sprig of fresh thyme or
1 tsp. dried thyme

Bring water to a boil with oil, lemon juice, and two garlic cloves. Add the artichokes and cook 45 minutes. Remove hearts and puree in food processor with some of the stock, remaining garlic, salt, and pepper. Slice 1/2 to 1 cup of the tender end of the leaves into thin strips. Reheat soup with leaves, half-and-half, and thyme.

Rain Drops

Can you believe it's raining today? What a refreshing change! The atmosphere smells so fresh and clean. Nothing like a quick rain in June.

Enjoy the rain drops today and know that the blazing heat is just around the corner.
V

Cross Paths

On Saturday we ventured off to one of our many day trips to Napa. This trip included some stops to a few wineries we had never visited.
- Silver Oak
- Clos du Val
- Pine Ridge

We always end our loop with visiting our member winery which is Alpha Omega. We are always treated like royalty here. They always give us copius samples of wine, slip us in the back for private tastings, and always are happy to see us.

This visit had a little twist. There were two couples in the tasting room that were from out of the area. Greg quickly made them feel at home; Amy and Stan were from San Antonio and Elizabeth and Jeremy were from Minnesota. We all sparked up conversation and soon found ourselves on the porch sipping wine, eating salami and cheese and exchanging stories. We hit it off well enough that we all decided to go to dinner together at The Market. The floor manager at Alpha invited us to a tasting party at his house afterwards. He is starting his own winery (David Fulton Winery) which is located within the city limits of Napa (the first of its kind).

Although it was a very long day, it was a memorable meeting of new friends, new wine, and great laughs. We will all reunite again soon.

Another Kodak moment in Napa,
V

For a Cause

Hi all,
Friday night had a purpose. We went to our local wine bar to support the American Cancer Society with donations, purchasing of goods, and a raffle. There was a great turnout.
The band was super fun and everyone was in the mood to give.
Every June there are many fundraisers in our area for this special cause and the support is outstanding.
Thank you for giving.
V

Technical Difficulties

Hi all,
I'm having trouble posting photos today but I promise it will be cleared up by tomorrow.
I will post my weekend events separately.
V