Jolly Times

Howdy!
This weekend brought us a new adventure! We spent the day in Livermore making ourselves familiar with their wineries. We had lunch at Garre Vineyards -- very quaint; food was delicious. Our first wine tasting event was at McGrail Vineyards; family owned and operated; the boys reported that they have great wine and Greg ended up purchasing a case! (Soon we will start our own winery - BG&P Winery; which means "Body Guard and Peanut"). Our second stop (which was a walk across the street) was White Crain Winery; not too impressed. We need to investigate some others but 5 hours of wine tasting for this day was enough. We ended up having a very nice dinner at Vic Stewart's in BWood. Very good food, service and atmosphere -- that restaurant is due to please and succeed! We are happy good things are coming to The Wood.

It was a jolly good time this weekend!
V

The Party Goes On

Saturday we celebrated Peanut's birthday! He took it in true form and enjoyed all the festivities (especially the Patron). He sang some duets, danced, bartended, and loved being in the lime light. He's quite the performer.

Happy Birthday Peanut! Looking forward to a grand 2009 of memories.
V

Shoot the Duck

Howdy,
Remember those days of: couple skate, shoot the duck, reverse direction, girls only.... well if you've forgotten, I'm talking about roller skating. We went roller skating for Monica's birthday. We had a ball! Some of us saw the floor quite a bit; others got blisters; and some of us rolled with the punches. There were a lot of teeny bopers there. Regardless, we made the best of it and got in some good exercise.

After our work-out, we dined at Zachary's Pizza and took in a few cocktails. It was quite relaxing and was a great way to soothe our sore bones.

Fun times in CA!
V

Happy Birthday Friend!

Hi All,
Today is my dear friend Magic Mona's birthday!
Cheers to you buddy and I can't wait to see you do shoot the duck on the roller skating floor! I know you're still young enough to do it!
Happy Birthday!
V

Hoops

Today at lunch I will be playing hoops with the guys! Yep! I always get recruited for some athletic activities. I don't mind -- it will be my second workout of the day and everyone knows I need serious practice with basketball. Hopefully I'll be quick on the court! Just another day at the office!
V

Merry and Bright

I love this season for the simple reason that I get to spoil my girls! I love shopping for secret surprises, practical gifts, and sentimental keepsakes. The girls appreciate what's given to them and that makes it so much easier to give. I am grateful that I have two girls to spoil! I'm counting the days until we are all reunited.
I love you girls!
Mom

Yummy!

Howdy,
This weekend was not lacking fun, food, or festivites.

Friday night we went to support our friend Shawna Lynn at the Wild Idol. She did a great performance; we even snuck in a few dances.

Saturday we took our friends Monica and Peanut out for dinner for their birthdays. We started the evening with nothing more than wine tasting at J Lohr. There was a very quaint tasting room which gave 6 FREE tastings. It was a great way to warm up for the yummiest dinner at Maggiano's. The Italian food here is out of this world; the portions are gigantic; and the atmosphere is fabulous. We enjoyed our 3 hour dinner which comprised of: calamari, fried zucchini, stuffed mushrooms, chopped salad, ceasar salad, garlic shrimp linguini, beef medalions, chicken saltimboca, and rigattoni with mushrooms and chicken. Dessert was: tiramasui and pound cake. It was super delicious!!! We all rolled out of the restaurant and immediately felt like taking a nap. This is going to be our annual location for December birthdays!

Sunday I went with my friend Meghan to an antique fair in Alameda. I couldn't believe how many old things were for sale! People were buying things left and right. Never know what you're going to find there! While I was shopping, Greg was making home-made truffles (500) with my dad. They are super yummy and will definitely contribute to a side pouch on my waistline.

I had a fantastic weekend and am ready to hit this coming weekend hard! Lots in store. Will write more later.
V