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