Kiddo

This kiddo (Mandy) is coming home for the weekend. We haven't visited with her since May. It will be so nice to giggle, tell stories, take new photos (since she cut her hair), and have a good family dinner. Happy Friday to me!

Maybe my other kiddo will join us as well.

TGIF.
V

Back in Time

I miss these days! This was one of our family vacations to Kona in April 2003!

The girls always made us laugh! They were always up for a good joke, a good laugh, and always pulling pranks on mom (nothing has changed)!

Those were the good old days - we have some great memories! Wish we were all packing up for an exotic vacation right now!

Aloha,
V

Rhubarb Berry Crisp

Ingredients:


· 2 cups fresh or frozen fruit (that one 16 oz bag if you get it in the freezer section)
o (I used 1 cup of chopped rhubarb and 1 cup frozen mixed berries)
· ¾ cup all-purpose flour
o (I used whole wheat flour)
· ¾ cup packed brown sugar
· ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
· ½ tsp ground cinnamon
· ½ cup cold unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into small pieces
· ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)


Instructions:
· Heat the oven to 375 degrees
· Place fruit in the bottom of an 8-inch square (or round) baking dish
· Combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon in a medium-size mixing bowl
· Cut the butter into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or your clean fingers until the
mixture forms large crumbs.
· Stir in the walnuts if you wanted them (which I left out :o)
· Sprinkle the mixture over the berries in the baking dish
· Bake until the topping is browned and berries are bubbly – about 40 min’s (you can carefully
poke a fork in to make sure the fruit is soft (especially if you are using rhubarb)
· Serve warm with vanilla ice cream

Fun Weekend

Hi all,
Just reporting with a recap for the weekend.

Friday: Had our shadows (Monica/Peanut) over for dinner. Enjoyed some fine dining with rib eye steaks, ribs, spinach casserole, chef's salad, and a fresh raspberry pie a la mode for dessert. Of course, everything was washed down with some yummy Bloomfield and Hannah Nicole Wines.

Saturday: Took a short trip over to our local winery (Hannah Nicole) to pick up our wine order - had our shadows in tow. Enjoyed a relaxing break on the patio as the boys sampled their new selections.

Saturday evening Greg and I went to Teatro Zinzanni. Set along San Francisco’s historic waterfront, Teatro ZinZanni is a bewitching evening of European Cabaret and Cirque, Divas and Madmen, Spectacle and Sensuality with Live Music and a Gourmet Five-Course Dinner – set in the nightclub of your dreams! It was an evening of laughter, great food, and suspense.

Sunday: Spent the day swimming, catching some rays and doing yard work. Had my family over for our typical Sunday dinner. It was so good to catch up, share stories, eat good food, and reminisce. After our visit, Greg and I went to see the movie "The Ugly Truth". It was a nice treat for a Sunday night (there is never anything good on T.V. on Sundays).

Hope everyone had a memorable weekend.
Until tomorrow,
Caio,
V

6 not 7

I went to Six Flaggs Discovery Kingdom yesterday and had a ball. It was my first time visiting the park since the girls were 5 and 6. Boy has it changed! I love all the new rides, shows, and the short parade. My favorite was the dolphin show.

I loved admiring the giraffes; they are so graceful, elegant and quiet. I always wonder if you could grab a lift aboard a girafee.

We even braved the water ride - and yes we got soaked! It's all part of the fun and adventure. And yes, my neck hurts from the roller coasters - I'm not a spring chicken any more.

All the characters made their rounds and of course I had to introduce myself. So much fun!

We ended the day with tired feet, great photos, lots of memories, and a few sore bones.

Happy trails,
V

Taco Tuesday

Last night we gathered with some friends to attend Taco Tuesday at the Oarwood Resort. It was located near a marina; a small hole in the wall, this place had a good menu, some mean tacos, great specials on drinks, karokee, some vintage cars, and a great group of people. We can tell it was a popular hang-out and a great meeting place for boaters, motorcycles, and common folk like ourselves.
We are sure to return.

Ole,
V

Beating the Heat

Hi all,

Since it was 110 in Antioch on Sunday, we decided to beat the heat and visit San Francisco. The temperature was about 40 degrees cooler in the city.

We had a great time walking along the piers and admiring the crystal clear view of the bay bridge and the goings-on in the ocean with all the sail boats and cruisers.

We made a jont over to Golden Gate Park where we listened to some music, admired the Japenese Tea Garden, and peeked in on the Botanical Garden. I love that area - it always has something different to offer. There happened to be an AIDS Walk during our visit. Tons of supporters, walkers, and activities.

I love visiting San Francisco.
V

Sun City Carnival Tour

Howdy,

The time has come and passed - the Sun City Carnival Tour visited San Francisco. This is the world famous yearly Kenny Chesney (and friends) concert. This year the performers were Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Kenny Chesney. Sugarland was scheduled to perform but the lead singers voice was shot and they had to cancel. We were all bummed!


Nonetheless, the concert was very good. Kenny always brings in the crowd! His show is electrifying, energetic, and powerful. Every song he sings is or has been popular; everyone knows the words and everyone sings along. He's a great entertainer!

Erin was kind enough to drive so we all exchanged stories in the car. It was great meeting her friends Sherie and Brittney. Thanks Erin for being our personal driver.


We will all look forward to next years tour.


When the sun goes down, I'll be groovin,
V

Senorita Margarita

Hola,

Friday was my first Senorita Margarita Party hosted by Erin! All us girls had so much fun. We had a chance to buy some Cookie Lee jewelry and some Mary Kay products. There was even a door prize (YEAH - Monica won!)

The margaritas (even the virgin ones) were super yummy! There were some mexican appetizers, an ice cream cake and some brownies.

We finished off the night with some karokee - the teens present had some powerful voices.

After our departure, we headed for the golden arches for a late night snack.

Adios,
V

Happiness is....

another Friday!

YEAH - can't wait to start the weekend and have fun with friends.
Will post on Monday with the goings-on of the weekend.
Enjoy each day and count your blessings.
V

True Love

Hi all,
Today is my parent's 57th wedding anniversary. This is a marriage of true devotion, love, honesty, and dedication.

I am fortunate to have such loving, caring, and devoted parents. All my life we have been one strong family unit. I treasure all the lessons learned, all the roads travelled, all the special memories, all the time they unselfishly devoted to their grandkids (my girls), all the family culture, and most of all, all the love.

I am blessed and love my parents more each day. They are a great example for me and I cherish their existence.

Love and hope,
Veronique

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday to my sweet friend Erin!

I hope your day will be filled with:

- surprises

- laughs

- hugs

- phone calls

- cards

- well wishes

- family/friends

- wishes

- love

Enjoy this day!

V

Pineapple-Raspberry Parfaits

Ingredients:

2 (8 ounce) containers non-fat peach yogurt
1/2 pint fresh raspberries
1 1/2 cups fresh, frozen or canned pineapple chunks

Cooking Directions:
Divide and layer yogurt, raspberries and pineapple into 4 glasses.
Yield: 4 servings

Make and enjoy!

More Vino

Hi all,

Another great weekend had by all!

Saturday started off with some general house chores, yard work, and general cleaning. We trimmed the hedges in our backyard - thank goodness for hedge trimmers. It always looks so crisp with a good cut.

After our chores, the "bus" left for Livermore (Mona and Peanut in tow -- Peanut does not go anywhere without his bodyguard - Wally). We started our vino adventures at McGrail (where we are members). They had a great turnout for their release event - music, food, vino, vendors. It was a beautiful day for lounging in the sun and wine tasting - of course I am the caperone at all times.

We decided to try a new winery - Retzlaff. To my surprise, the attendant was french - Michael (pronounced like Michelle). He was a very interesting man full of life and great wine and food knowledge. He is a chef when he's not pouring wine. We became quick friends and are due to see him again this coming Sunday. Of course the boys couldn't leave this winery without a case of good wine.

During our trip home, the car led us to Hannah Nicole Winery (for wine pick-up). Pick-up always entails sampling. The boys enjoyed their samples and left with their wine of the month.

We ended the day with a BBQ and poker night (for the boys). It was a fun day filled with meeting new people, trying new wines, making new friends, over endulging, and memories full of laughter.

We are looking forward to our next wine event (which I'm sure will not be too far in the future).

Salute,

Veronique

Addition

Hi all,
I posted some photos from our Monterey/Santa Cruz visit -- see below under "4th in Review".
Happy trails,
V

Saying Goodbye

Today is a day of mourning for all the millions of Michael Jackson fans. He was a true icon, artist, and performer.

I have always enjoyed his music and videos. He certainly has led a very colorful life (one which I believe was very lonely and secluded). Although he was not an ordinary man, he certainly lived an extraordinary life.

He will truly be missed; however, his music will live forever.

A Visit to the City

Yesterday we embarked for a visit to San Francisco. We took Cooper skateboarding near the Clock Tower (he lives for skating).

Once he was nice and sweaty, we took a drive to Rodeo Beach. We did some hiking and admiring of the surfers. There were some brave soles that were daring to swim -- something I would never do in freezing waters.

We wrapped up our day with dinner at Buca de Bepo - great Italian.

With a 3-day weekend full of fun, we were happy to return home.

Tired,
V

4th in Review

Hi all,
Hope everyone celebrated America's birthday with pride!

JULY 3

We had a full day of fun with friends. Actually, the fun started on July 3. We carvaned down to Monterey; did some ocean and tidepool exploring. We found tons of starfish and some sea lions lounging in the sun amongst some rocks in the ocean. We played with some crabs and admired all the varities of shells.

After a yummy lunch, we continued our trip down the highway to Santa Cruz. I had not been here in at least 5 years. We ventured onto the boardwalk along with 5,000 others. The kids were in heaven with all the rides. There was a good band on stage so we listened to the tunes for a bit.

After a very long day, the kids ran out of gas so we headed home. We did stop for dinner at Macaroni's (very delicious).

Upon our arrival at 11:00 p.m., everyone quickly and happily got ready for bed.

JULY 4

Today was dedicated to having fun with friends. We started off the festivities at our friend's Matt and Meghan's. All the kids had a blast playing in the pool (water guns and all). We had a BBQ lunch -- yes, we ate all weekend (isn't that what holidays are all about?).

From hear we headed to Peanut's and Monica's to a large gathering of friends. Again -- more eating (ribs, chicken, filet, hot dogs, sausages, potato salad, pasta salad, chips/dips, watermelon, ice cream pie). The kids, again, found the pool.

We hit the golf course for a spectacular view of the fireworks (which consisted of shows from 6 cities). It was a bit breezy but we bundled up and weathered the wind.

The troops finished off the evening with a poker game while the kids hit the hot tub. Never a dull moment in The Wood.

It was a spectacular day of friends, fireworks, fun and food!

Hope your holidays was as bright as mine.
V

Happy Birthday America

Happy 4th to you and yours!

Please take this time to reflect on our wonderful country, all the brave men and women guarding and fighting for our freedom, and for all those that have fallen in support of this great nation.

I love America!

Enjoy your day with family and friends.
V

Nothing is worth more than this day.

- Goethe

10

Today starts my 10 years of married life. I'm so in love and am very lucky to have found a man that respects me and my children. He always puts us first. We adore him and idolize him. We respect and cherish him. We love and honor him.

He always:

- makes me laugh

- is supportive

- is there

- surprises me

- is easy going

- helps me

- listens to me

- cares about me and the girls

- loves me

- wants the best for our families

I am thankful for everything he's taught me the last 9 years. He has taught me patience, unconditional love, and hope. We have been lucky enough to share many special times in exotic places (we love to travel). We share a lot of common interests and never get tired of each other.

We married on June 30, 2000 at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. It was a fairytale location blessed with family and friends, beautiful settings, and impecable service. I will never forget that day.

Happy Anniversary Greg - I love you and can't wait for the next 9 years.

(I should have posted this yesterday but couldn't get my scanner to work -- nonetheless, we are starting our 10 years today - can't wait).

In love,
Veronique