One and Only

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family"

• I have been so blessed to have the comfort of my family in our home every Sunday. These are where memories are made from.
• I cherish the times where we are all around the table, laughing and exchanging stories.
• I love the fact that my daughters have witnessed a union of a close knit family (although small) and take from that countless learnings and memories.
• I am reassured that life is good and can be good for a very long time.
• I value each Sunday that is brought to me knowing that Sunday's will eventually run out.
• I am thankful my family is loving, smart, worldly, and supportive.
• I am happy I can spoil my family with good Sunday dinners.
• Simply, I love my family

Date Night

Friday night I had a date with my man.
We had a great time soaking in a move (No Strings Attached) and then we went out for Mexican food. It was a great way to end a busy week.

Saturday was a full day of wine tasting in Napa. We explored:
- Domain Chandon
- Pregor
- Lunch at Brix
- David Fulton
- Alpha Omega
- Dinner at Pear Street Bistro (in Pinole)

Monica and Peanut joined our venture and we all had a great time. The fabulous four rocked the valley once again.

Until the next time,
Cheers,
V

Scratchy

Greg unfortunately has contracted poison oak. Yes - I am trying to stay away. Poor guy went on a hike and came back with this itchy mess. To top it off, he has a cold.

Tonight I have a date night with Monica - going out for some grub! Can't wait to chat, giggle, and exchange ideas.

Gearing up for the weekend - will post about this later.

Enjoy this day,
V

P.S. Yes the picture is the poison oak plant. Beware!

Crabby

It was a fishy weekend!
Friday night Greg and I went to San Francisco for a date. We went to the Tadich Grill for dinner (highly recommended). I started with a fresh bay shrimp salad (it was piled high with shrimp); we shared some olives and my entree was seafood canneloni. Greg had the seafood chopino - it was all very good. The Tadich Grill is very well known in the city and now we know why. We followed up our dinner at the Eurkea Theatre to see comedian, Mike Birbiglia. Very good comic (sketch comedy). It was a peaceful evening in the city - calm, no wind, and not even cold.

Saturday started off with a 1 hr. canal walk. We proceeded to get cleaned up for a full day in Livermore. We went to 4 wineries: Les Chaines, Concannon, Under Dog, and McGrail. The main event was a crab feed at Camp Arroyo. Super fun event! The meal consisted of delicious garlic bread, ceasar salad, raviolis, and then the all-you-can eat crab. It was awesome! Participants: Greg and I, Peanut/Monica, Matt/Meg, Paula/Jim, Sarita/Ramon, Marc/Franci, Mike/Jamie. They had an auction after the meal which benefited the Childrens' Youth Camp.

Sunday was yet another 1 hr. walk (to burn off the crab). We enjoyed a quiet day at home and then hosted my parents for dinner.

May I say another successful weekend of fun.
Caio,
V

14

Valentine's Day is a month away! Start preparing now to surprise your sweetheart! Any simple gesture will do. Make him some cookies, send him a sweet card in the mail, make him a special dinner, frame a picture of yourselves to give him, buy some yummy candy, go on a date night and laugh.

Drummer Boy

Headed down to L.A. this past weekend with our friends Marc and Franci for our annual Guitar Center Drum-off Competition. It was held at the Music Box Theatre.

Our Friday night started at The Warehouse for dinner - super, yummy, recommended steakhouse. The atmosphere was wonderful (indoor and outdoor seating). The food was spectacular. They even had salsa dancing in part of the bar.

Saturday we spent the day at Universal Studios. They had a new 3-D King Kong exhibit - totally cool and awesome. It's unbelieveable what they can now do with 3-D. The old King-Kong exhibit is no longer - moving on to bigger and better; new technology. The evening was consumed with the Drum-Off. Great soloists with the winner taking home $25,000 cash and $40,000 in equipment. Great competition for new, unknown drummers. Quite a popular competition starting with 4,000 competitors nationwide.

Sunday we drove up to the Griffith Observatory - beautiful view of L.A. We did not tour the observatory but did check out the sights; there are tons of hiking trails in this general area and we took a mental note for our next trip to L.A. We will also check out the observatory on our next visit - it's free! Lunch was at the Saddle Ranch - fun atmosphere, huge portions and creative menu. This establishment also has a mechanical bull if you so dare.

The evening brought us to Fleming's for dinner and then Cirque Berzerk at the Nokia Theatre. It was a strange twist on a very small scale Cirque de Soleil show; although I enjoyed the show, I would not recommend it. I guess it's because I'm so used to Cirque de Soleil shows - there is no compairson.

Monday was a quiet day with a visit to the Getty Villa - beautiful exhibit on the Pacific Coast Highway. The exhibit/museum is free (with a $15/parking fee). Beautiful grounds and artwork. Our lunch was at the Cheesecake Factory accompanied by a stroll on Venice Beach.

It was a full, fun-filled weekend. I love L.A..
V

Happy 2011

Can't believe it's yet another new year! 2010 treated me well - I was happy, healthy, and adventurous.
Can't wait to see what's in store for 2011 - I'm hoping more of the above.
Started the day with a fierce racquetball game. Looking forward to more exercise this year; possibly introducing myself to running (not one of my favorite activities).
I extend a warm and colorful New Year greeting to all! Let's make it one of peace, love, and laughter.
Beginnings,
V