Champion

So proud to have met this legend (Grete Waitz) - I am pictured two people from the right of Grete (center in navy blue) (picture taken in 2004).

Grete Waitz had never run a marathon before the New York City race in October 1978. After it, her name and New York would be forever linked.
- She was the first woman of marathon
- Won the New York Marathan 8 times (the first three times setting world records)

Waitz died today at age 57 in a hospital in her native Oslo, Norway after a six-year battle with cancer. There was no word on what type of cancer felled the marathon legend, who disclosed no details about her condition after being diagnosed in 2005.

Laughs and Wine

Happy Monday! I survived another fun weekend. Friday Had a yummy dinner at the Tadich Grill in San Francisco (I had my favorite - the bay shrimp salad). Went to see Quidam (Cirque de Soleil) at the Cow Palace. The venue is so very old - they should retire it! The performance was rated a 6 on my scale. Wasn't a very impressive show but fun nonetheless. Saturday TBC

Mad Scientist

Yep - I have a new role at work - one of a mad scientist. I have been helping with a disinfectant study in one of our labs. No worries - this is a short assignment (9 weeks). You won't find me on Inspector Gadget or anything. I enjoy the new task - breaks up the day at the job behind the keyboard. Watch out world - I'm doing my part! (Pictured: V, Nick and Tracey) V

Backing up - Part 7

BONDS!

Partying with the big dogs! We had a great time Saturday (April 9) celebrating a friend's 50th birthday party at the Penthouse of the Fairmont in San Francisco. The view was incredible and there were some great guests.

It's not what you know - it's who you know!

Thanks Matt! V

Backing up - Part 6

Are you GoGo for GaGa?

March 2011

One of Greg's birthday presents was to go see Lady Gaga in concert! Great gift I must say. We had a blast!

She is the most energetic, artistic, creative and "real" performer I have seen in a long time. Most guests were dressed in "GaGa"; very unique costumes, wigs, and accessories. The concert, sold out, lasted a solid 2 hours. The set changes and Lady's wardrobe changes were awesome.

Greg truly enjoyed this gift and said it was the top 3 best concert he has ever seen.

Yes - we are GoGo for Gaga!

Put on your poker face! V

Backing up - Part 5

Napa vineyards amongst the mustard flowers

A simple tasting

Enjoying the gardens of Rombauer

Napa Field Trip (for The Joy of Wine)

March 2011

Yet another successful "field trip" to Napa. This time we hit up an event at Alpha Omega, visited Rambauer Winery (beautiful views and gardens), and stopped at Van Der Heyden (very small and not worth the stop).

Guests:

Matt/Meghan

Franci/Marc

Monica/Peanut

Greg/V

Charlene/John

Linda

Deanna

After our activities, we headed to Danville for dinner at the Tower Grille. The after-party was held at Linda's house - the drinking continued with wine, tequilla, coffee, and water. Fun was had my all!

Cheers,

V

Backing up - Part 4

Yep - Another trip to Vegas

March 2011

Greg and I planned this trip about 8 months ago. The main reason for the trip: the new Celine Dion show. It was quite nice but not as good as her original Vegas production. This new show consists of her singing Hollywood movie theme songs; not too many of her original songs. Very different but still very entertaining; she has a phenominal voice - no one can touch that.

We also had the chance to go the Neon Graveyard. This yard is filled with old, original neon signs that were saved from demolitions of old Vegas hotels. Very interesting history and signs at the site. This is due to expand within the next 3 - 4 months. They have many promotional and wedding shoots at this facility. If you like neon, it's worth a look.

Besides eating good grub and shopping, our stay was quite relaxing and fun.

Salutations,

V

Backing Up - Part 3

Las Vegas Girls Trip 2011

Kicking back at Tommy Bahama's (home of the best key lime pie)

So blessed to have a beautiful daughter with me and another at home

Sin City

So lucky to have mother/daughter time

Getting ready to see "Zumanity"

Viva Las Vegas Baby

April 2011

Was lucky enough to take a girls trip to Las Vegas with:

- Breanna

- Franci

- Janis

We hit up the country scene as the Academy of Country Music Awards were in town! Love it!

Friday

Hit up the Townsquare for lunch at Tommy Bahama's - they have the best key lime pie I have ever had!!! Started off the day with tropical cocktails and a Diet Pepsi for me.

Had one-hour of down time by the pool in the 93 degree heat - loved it!

Dinner: Took the girls to Maggianos - the best family style Italian food - the girls were impressed and loved the selection.

Show: We went to see Zumanity; the sensual side of Cirque de Soleil - this was the second time I had seen this show but I enjoyed it more this time; it's got quite a risque twist; great dancers, contortionists, singers, and unique acts.

Finished off the night with a little gambling at the South Point Resort and Casino - this is the hotel I stay at every time I'm in town.

Saturday:

Breanna and I hit the shopping scene while Franci/Janis soaked in some rays. We went to Forever 21 - that store is huge in Vegas (two-stories with tons of merchandise). We skimmed the Fashion Show Mall.

Dinner: The Bellagio Buffet (my favorite)

Evening: We went to the Toby Keith Bar and Grill - no sightings of Toby but he did appear on Sunday night. Finished off the evening there until 2:00 a.m.

Sunday:

Lounging pool side once again. We were so happy to see the sun due to constant rain back home.

Today we went to the first ever ACM Fan Jam hosted by Sugarland; it was quite a show with a mixture of simulcast ACM's, live concerts and performances by various country stars (Eric Church, Laura Bell Bundy, Sugarland, Rhianna, The Band Perry, Steel Magnolia and many more).

After the 6-hr show, we went back to Toby Keith's Bar and Grill for more live music and dancing; finished off the evening at 3:00 a.m. with sore feet.

Monday:

Had a late breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris - delicious breakfast crepes and entrees. Definitely a "go back". I will be sure to try this place out for dinner some time.

Had to say good-bye to Sin City as we boarded our Southwest flight at 1:30 p.m.

A very busy 4-day girls weekend that was worth the lack of sleep, sore feet, and aching backs. We loved it!

Backing Up - Part 2

Paso Robles is for lovers!

Our new Italian friend at Tobin James

Sunset over Cambria

Another furry friend in Cambria

Gotta love those vineyards

First signs of spring in Paso Robles

A little photo session while waiting on the boys

No explanation needed!

A furry friend at San Marcos Winery

Always fun times shared with the best of friends

Enjoying the coast in Cambria

The backyard of Chateau Margene

The "heart" of Paso Robles at the Niner Winery backyard.

The boys enjoying some Tobin James vino. (Our favorite Paso Robles winery to date.)

Downtown Solvang

March 2011

We took a first-time road trip to Paso Robles with Monica/Peanut. What a trip! We loaded up the Denali and headed out.

We could not have picked a better weekend. The weather was in the 70's.

Our 4-day excursion consisted of the following winery visits:

- Tobin James (Peanut became a wine member; we all loved this winery; fun crew, limitless tastes for free; cowboy themed "saloon" - we ended go here 2 days in a row!)

- Eberly Winery

- EOS

- Niner (This was the prettiest winery showcasing the "heart" of Paso Robles in their backyard - see photo)

- Venteaux

- Rotta (This winery had excellent port - YEAH for Monica!)

- Scheid

- San Marcos

- Bodegas

- Arroyo Robles

- Ortman

- Opolo

- Chateau Margene

- Tablas Creek (Greg joined this winery)

(Between both boys, we came home with 96 bottles of vino!)

We thoroughly enjoyed downtown Paso Robles with their quaint square, shops and eateries (all in one central location). It made bar hopping very convenient.

During our ventures, we had the chance to drive to Solvang to experience the Dutch culture and decorated little village. Our return trip landed us at Mirasol (The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach) for dinner.

We even had time for a side trip to Cambria. Monica and I enjoyed some antiquing while the boys sampled more vino. I ended up with a killer crystal drinking glass set for $28. I love a bargain!

Backing Up - Part 1

Enjoying a taste at Domain Channdon

Loved the heavy clouds above the vineyard View from the Top of the Mark (San Francisco)

One casualty

Amigas

Fun day had by all at Leap Frog Winery

Beautiful Napa Valley Hmmmm.... Work or Play? You decide!

In the vat room at Alpha Omega

One Texan, One Mexican, One Michigonian (Go Figure)

Buddies!

Many apologies for my late posts. My computer was having technically difficult and I could not upload any photos (it's not too much fun blogging without photos). So, here is an update:

February, 2011 My girlfriend, Lori, and her boyfriend (now fiance), Bryce, came to pay us a visit. So love when we get to spend time with them. We had a full schedule of fun to be had during their visit. Friday: Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory followed by a comedy show at Tommy T's Saturday: Visit to San Francisco which entailed visiting Bryce's nephew, cocktails at the Top of the Mark (5 hours worth) and then dinner with Monica/Peanut at Vic Stewart's in Brentwood followed by more cocktails at their house. Sunday: A full day of wine tasting in Napa. Started with a little taste at Domain Channdon. Special event at Alpha Omega followed by a visit to another winery (can't remember the name); dinner at the Rutherford Grill. Monday: Lunch at The New Mecca Cafe and then off to the airport. A special thanks to Lori/Bryce for their visit, friendship, warmth, and laughter. We miss you terribly and wish you would leave Texas to come live in CA! (Photos to post later.)