Thanksgiving...

On this Thanksgiving eve 2012 I share with you my post from Thanksgiving eve 2009.  My gratitude and thanks for each grow daily.  I am blessed beyond measure.

Give Thanks To The Lord For He Is Good...

On this day before Thanksgiving a few things I'm thankful for...

God's never ending love.

The Senor - he amazes me daily with his love, support, kind heart and sense of humor.  With him I have learned it is possible to fall deeper in love each and every day.

The tradition of making cornbread dressing with Dede which has now been passed along to Mom, Sandra, McKae and me.

Family - the one I was born to and the one I married.

The Armed Forces of the United States of America.

Taylor, McKae and Cate have never had to go without health care and have never been truly hungry or thirsty.

Friends from Mrs. Curry's Kindergarten, Elementary school, Intermediate school, Junior high school, High school, the twenty-somethings, the thirty-somethings, the forty-somethings and those who have spanned some or all of those times.  What blessings they are.

Eating raw cornbread dressing with Mom, Sandra and McKae.

The honor of being a Mimi and a Step-Monster.

Health care, health insurance and access to the medication needed to treat my illness.

I was born in to a family who lives in a country where there is freedom of religion, freedom of speech and where human injustice is against the law.

I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and not a terminal illness.

My parents.  They love me unconditionally.  Through example they taught me the value of work ethic, respect for self, respect for God and respect for others. 

And of course, I can't forget the cornbread dressing!

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

It's your right....

Unless you have been living under a rock you are all too well aware that the 2012 Election is underway.  Despite the negative ads, disgraceful mud-slinging and flat-out embarrassing behavior displayed by the Presidential candidates during the debates we still need to take full advantage of our right to vote.

Election Day is Tuesday November 6th; however, early voting is now available.  I like to take advantage of early voting.  It allows me to avoid the crowds and make certain nothing comes up to prevent me from voting by the first Tuesday in November.

I cast my ballot last week and left the polling location with my head held a little higher.  It feels good to know I live in a country where my vote counts (I'll refrain from sharing my opinion on the electoral college and it's terrifying ability to override the popular vote in some cases.)

I hope everyone who is registered to vote will get out and do so.  Make your voice heard. Take advantage of the right given to you as a US citizen. It is a right millions of people across the world can only dream of.

Transformation...

I'm still plugging along.  Today is "weigh day".  I'm down 12.9 pounds.  Yep, it's still slow, slow, slow.  Oh well, at least the number is going down rather than up!  I must confess that I haven't made it to the gym yet.  Hopefully soon.  This craft bug I have seems to be taking up all my time!

I've done a couple of more jewelry frames since my last post.  Both are painted with Annie Sloan chalk paint and distressed to hopefully look "shabby chic".  Both currently appear in my Etsy shop but I plan to show them at a craft fair I am participating in on November 10th if they don't sale before.  I am excited about the craft fair.  I've never done anything like that and I think it sounds fun (although it also sounds like a lot of work!).

This frame is painted what Annie Sloan calls Emperor's Silk.  The original frame had some very light blue in it and can be seen in some of the distressed areas.  It really gives it a cool look.  I left the back of these frames open to allow the wall paint to show through.

This next frame is painted Napolecnic Blue.  The original frame was gold and I love how distressing it allowed the gold to peak through in the detailed areas of the frame.

I just love turning something dirty and beat-up into a newly repurposed, pretty something.  Transformation is a good thing.  I need to remember that when trying to get myself to the gym!

Happy Friday everyone - we're off to Lubbock this weekend to spend time with some most precious faces.

The craftiness continues...

I came across another old frame and decided it needed to be repurposed.  Wallah!

I had some of the mesh screen left from the first jewelry frame and decided it would be perfect with the Annie Sloan graphite chalk paint I used on this one.

As you can see I distressed it a bit but not much.

I decided to leave the fabric backing off of this one so that the wall paint from where it is hung will show through.  This should allow it to be right at home wherever it ends up.

Another item for the Etsy store.  Or who knows, someone I know may end up with it for Christmas!

Craft kick...

As I mentioned I've been on this craft kick.

I discovered the joy of making fabric covered buttons and have been trying out all kinds of methods for using them.

So far I've made push pins, magnets and hair pins!  I have this thing for pretty fabrics, papers, crayons, and markers - Anything colorful and fun - so this fits in perfectly!

Here's a few pics of a few of my creations!  You can also see them in my Etsy shop.  I think they would make really fun little every day gifts or stocking stuffers.

My creative bug...

The last few weeks I've been feeling, for lack of a better word, crafty. Or maybe a better way of putting is that I've been needing a creative outlet.

In an effort to satisfy my creative bug I dug out some fall flowers from my foliage stash and designed a (if you could call it that!) a fall arrangement (see previous post!).  That didn't do the trick.

Something about the fall always seems to bring out this need in me to go junk shopping.  I know, I know. I'm weird like that.  Anyway, the Señor was out of town so I put on some comfortable (i.e. ugly) shoes and hit the local junk store circuit. And yes siree, some treasures were found!

I'm mad at myself because I didn't take any before pictures but the short of it is I bought a filthy old beat up antique frame and turned it in to a pretty jewelry frame. (Of course, pretty is in the eye of the beholder!)

Ta Da!

First things first, I had to clean it up real good.  Once that was done I broke out the Annie Sloan Old White chalk paint and gave it a first coat.  After allowing it to dry I gave the frame a light sanding and went back over it with a second coat, allowed it to dry and gave it a second sanding.  Since I was going for the "shabby chic" look I went over some areas more than others allowing much of the original finish to show through.

Next I took a piece of project board from the craft store, cut it to fit the back of the frame and covered it with what I call a "french-looking" fabric.  The fabric is a dark taupe color and has a lovely script handwriting in black scrawled across it (in French of course!).

I then cut a piece of mesh screen to fit the inside of the frame (where the glass would normally fit).  This screen is what some call radiator screen and can be purchased at Lowe's or other hardware stores.  This particular screen has small cut outs in the shape of clovers.

After inserting the mesh screen (I used a staple gun to secure it to the frame) I took the fabric covered project board and stapled the board to the back of the frame as well.  The fun thing about the mesh screen is it allows small glimpses of the fabric while also providing ample places to hang earrings or hooks for hanging necklaces, bracelets or any other accessories of your choosing.

I am pleased with how it turned out and believe I will try my hand at a few more.  This frame is for sale in my Etsy shop along with a few other little trinkets.  If you think you might enjoy a jewelry frame pop over and take a look.  My shop is BRAND NEW and would love some traffic.  There are just a few little items there now but keep checking back as I plan to continue to nourish this creative bug of mine!

Happy Fall!

Happy Fall!

This little guy gives a great big Fall welcome to our back door guests this season.  After all, back door guests are best!

Don't you just adore this time of year? What with the scarecrows and the pumpkins and the hay bales scattered throughout our humble little town - Fall is definitely in the air.

The weatherman is predicting a weekend of temperatures in the fifty to sixty degree range.

Yippee - my favorite time of the year is upon us!

A yummy and healthy dish...

I love discovering yummy new food choices; especially when they are both yummy and healthy.

My latest discovery is spaghetti squash.  I have always heard how good (and good for you) it is but was intimidated by its appearance.  This past week I decided it was time to broaden my horizons and  give it a shot.  By the time it was roasted and on my plate I felt like a very silly girl.  It is quiet simply one of the quickest and easiest dishes I have ever prepared.  This particular recipe comes to us complements of www.marthastewart.com.

Spaghetti Squash With Garlic

Prep Time 15 Minutes     
Total Time 1 hour, 15 minutes
Yields 4 servings

Ingredients

2 spaghetti squash (2 pounds each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, slivered
Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. With a fork prick squash several places.  Place on a rimmed baking sheet, bake until soft to the touch, about 1 hour.

2. When cool enough to handle, halve squash crosswise. Scoop out seeds; discard.  Scrape flesh into strands.

3. In a large skillet, heat oil over low heat.  Add garlic; cook until fragrant and just starting to color, about 4 minutes.  Add squash; season with salt and pepper.  Cook, tossing frequently,  until squash is very hot, about 5 minutes.

Cook's Note - Holding squash half over a wide bowl, use a fork to scrape the flesh into long, thin strands.

Salute!

Slow and steady...

Well here we are at the end of week six and; yes, I'm still counting.

My relationship with weight loss brings to mind that old saying from the fable of the tortoise and the hare.  Slow and steady win the race.  I sure hope whoever came up with that knew what they were talking about because I am definitely moving at a slow pace.

With that said, I bid adieu to week six and the meager weight loss that has come with it.

I also welcome week seven with hope and anticipation of the progress it will bring.

6 weeks = minus 8.3 pounds

Just keep counting...

Happy Season Of The Pumpkin 2012...

As anyone who knows me knows, I love Fall.  I love the crisp air, I love the colors, I love the clothes and I LOVE Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte.  Unfortunately Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte is not what one might call a "friendly choice" when counting Weight Watchers points.

So once again we ask, "what's a girl to do"?  Enter The Hungry Girl.  This chick rocks!  She took that yummy Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte (8 WWPlus Points for a 12 oz serving with 2% milk) and made it her own.  Introducing the HG's Hungry Spice Girl Pumpkin Latte (only 2 WWPlus Points for a 12 oz serving) and let me tell you - this is what a Pumpkin Spice Latte lovers dreams are made of!

HG's Hungry Spice Girl Pumpkin Latte

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. sugar-free French vanilla powdered creamer (like the kind by Coffee-mate)

1 no-calorie sweetener packet (like Splenda or Truvia)

2 tsp. instant coffee granules

1/4 tsp. pumpkin-pie spice, or more for topping

2 tbsp. canned pure pumpkin (Libby's is the best)

1/2 cup light vanilla soy milk

1/4 cup Fat Free Reddi-whip

Directions:

Place powdered creamer, sweetener, coffee granules, and pumpkin pie spice in a tall microwave-safe mug or glass.  Add 3/4 cup very hot water and stir until creamer and coffee granules have dissolved.

Add pumpkin and stir until blended.  Add soy milk and mix well.  Microwave for 30-45 seconds, until hot.  Give it a stir, and top with Reddi-Whip.  Sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice, if you like and enjoy!

***I did mine a little different.  I made a cup of coffee in my Keurig.  I then added the creamer, pumpkin-pie spice, Truvia, pumpkin and milk to the cup of coffee and mixed well.  After that I warmed it in the microwave until hot.  I left off the Reddi-whip and it was still yummy!

The Season Of The Pumpkin of officially under way!

Fall-tastic...

This past week we hosted dinner for some dear folks who have been a part of my life from day one, their son (I've been a part of his life since his day one) and his lovely wife.

For this special occasion I set my first Fall table scape of the year. If I do say so myself, it was fall-tastic!

Don't you just love Fall!

Just Keep Counting...

Okay, I get it.  I'm pushing 50.  Yes, I take enough daily medication to choke a horse.  And of course there's the interferon injections.  Let's not forget the interferon injections.  But 7.2 pounds in five weeks.  Come on!

I admit I haven't been religious about drinking the water.

Exercise?  Nope, haven't exercised.

I have however stayed under my allotted points allowance each day (with the exception of that dang Dove Days weekend!) and some weeks I haven't even used all my "weekly points".  Isn't the premise behind Weight Watchers that you can eat anything you want as long as you don't exceed your daily points allowance?  I may not make the best food choices but I do know how to count.

That being said, at the end of week two I was down 5 pounds.  I considered that a good start.  End of week 3 still 5 pounds.  Okay, not so great but I had lost some.

Then came Dove Days where I ate and drank whatever I pleased for three days and gained every ounce of that 5 pounds plus some.  Yes, what took three weeks to lose I managed to gain back in a three day period.  Three freaking days!

I got home and got right back on track.  Within the first four days over four pounds of the weight gain was gone.  Not bad considering.  Okay, I'm on my way, right?  Oh no girl, don't be getting all proud of yourself.  It's been another week and guess what?  Another whopping 15 ounces!

I am disturbed to say the least.

So now I ask myself, what's a girl to do?  Thankfully my self quickly answers.

"Numero Uno - Fill a 60 ounce pitcher of water every morning and drink every ounce before the end of the day."

"Numero Dos - Get to peddling."

A little voice from somewhere in the back of my head says, "but you hate peddling."

"So what?" says my self.  "Do it anyway."

"Numero Tres - Just keep counting."

Five weeks = minus 7.2 pounds

Faces...

Today I am sharing just a few of my favorite photos from the 28th Annual Duncan Dove Days.

The photographer is my dear friend Lee who is going after her dream of being a professional photographer. As you will see she has a bright future ahead of her.

I hope you will check out her website and if you live in her area consider her for your photography needs.

Now for a look at a few of my favorite faces...

For a complete slide show of Lee's photographs of our weekend go to www.leekohoutphotography.com

Still going strong...

Most people recognize the first weekend of September as Labor Day Weekend. But not our family. 

The first weekend of September is none other than Dove Days.

 So hold on to your hat folks. The time is near.

Friday marks the start of the 28th Annual Dove Days and even after all these years these guys are still going!

Always At The Forefront...

It would seem from looking through my past few blog posts I have nothing but food on the brain.  Now that I think about it I guess that is true to some extent.  There is a lot of planning that goes in to eating healthy and tracking points.  Maybe once I have compiled a basic arsenal of recipes to fall back on food won't be so much at the forefront of my mind.  On the other hand food has always been at the forefront of my mind so why would I think that would change now?  Either way, I only share recipes I deem worthy of a share and this one from www.skinnytaste.com is no exception.

Week 3 = minus 6.1 pounds

Chicken and Mushrooms in a Garlic White Wine Sauce
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes 
Servings: 4 • Serving Size: divide between 4 • Old Points: 4 pts • Points+: 6 pts
Calories: 169 • Fat: 5.5 g • Protein: 22.8 g • Carb: 4.9 g • Fiber: 1.2 g • Sugar: 1.7 g  

• 8 chicken tenderloins, 16 oz total
• 2 tsp butter
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour* (use rice flour if gluten free)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/3 cup fat free chicken broth
• salt and fresh pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 200°. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour. 

Heat a large skillet on medium heat; when hot add 1 tsp butter and 1 tsp olive oil. Addchicken to the skillet and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until chicken is no longer pink. Set aside in a warm oven.

Add additional oil and butter to the skillet, then garlic and cook a few seconds; addmushrooms, salt and pepper stirring occasionally until golden, about 5 minutes.

Add wine, chicken broth, parsley; stir the pan with a wooden spoon breaking up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook a few more minutes or until the liquid reduces by half. Top the chicken with the mushroom sauce and serve.

*I only used 1 tbsp of flour and tossed the rest, so calculations were for 1 tbsp flour only.

Get Over It Already...

• As promised I am sharing a fabulous dish from www.cookinglight.com with you guys today.  

  There was a time I was terrified to cook fish at home.  I just knew it would end up tasting (and smelling) like cat food!  Thankfully I've overcome that fear only to learn I was wrong on both counts.  So, if you have the fear of fish - get over it already and give this dish a try!  It is worthy of a special occasion and at only 7 Weight Watchers Plus points per 6 ounce serving it is truly decadent!  

  Garlic and Herb Fried Halibut

  A quick pan-fry adds a crispy coating to flavorful and light halibut fillets. This fish recipe mimics fried flavor without the added fat.

  Batter your fillets in crunchy, Japanese-style breadcrumbs called panko–they bake up so crispy, you'll swear these tender halibut fillets are deep-fried.

• 1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 (6-ounce) halibut fillets
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper $
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided $
• Cooking spray

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450°.
2. Combine first 5 ingredients in a shallow dish. Place egg whites and egg in a shallow dish. Place flour in a shallow dish. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper. Dredge fish in flour. Dip in egg mixture; dredge in panko mixture.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 fish fillets; cook 2 1/2 minutes on each side or until browned. Place fish on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Repeat procedure with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining fish. Bake at 450° for 6 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness.

Nutritional Information

Amount per serving

Calories: 293

Fat 9.6 g

Protein 39.4 g

Fiber 0.5 g

I'm Back On The Path...

Well folks, tomorrow I'm going to share another yummy yet healthy recipe with you.  If you haven't figured it out, I'm on a health kick.  Actually, let's just call it what it is, I'm on a weight loss program.  I am now an official member of Weight Watchers on line.

Weight loss and weight gain are no strangers to me.  I have gained and lost, lost and gained always.   The past 10 years have found me at my largest and most unhealthy ever.  Quiet frankly, I've done little to correct it.  Why you might ask?  It's simple.  I've been really happy!  I'm head-over-heels in love with a man who loves to cook, loves good food and loves to eat just as much as I do.  We've been having so much fun that I just haven't been willing to make the sacrifices necessary to lose the weight.  Until now.

There have been many times in the past decade (the length of time I've been carrying around extra weight the equivalent of an adolescent child) that I started on a health kick only to become discouraged.  I would then become lax in my efforts and at at some point say "what the heck" and go eat a dozen salt and vinegar at Buffalo Wild Wings.  After that my motivation would take a nose dive and things would go downhill faster than the paverbial snow ball headed for hell.

On the other hand, there have been a couple of times in my very distant past when I got on the right path and I stayed there for some time.  As long as I walked that path I was at a healthy weight.  The path is called Weight Watchers. 

Needless to say I left the path long ago.

So what's changed in the past couple of weeks to steer me back to the Weight Watchers path?  Here's the God's honest truth.  I woke up one morning with the realization that I am sick of being fat.  I'm done.  

I know I am capable of losing the weight.  I've done it before (albeit not as much as I need to lose this time ).  

I have come to this realization:

With the right research and effort the Señor and I can cook and enjoy great food together.

With a little bit of planning we can enjoy nice restaurants and a lovely bottle of wine.

With a healthier body we will live a healthier life style and that will open up even more opportunities for us to enjoy our life together.

Why did these things hit me on a random morning of a random day?  I have know idea but I do know that the resolve I feel now is much like the resolve I felt on a similar morning in 1989.  With that resolve I was able to wake up several months later 65 pounds lighter.

So, I'm back on the path.  It's going to be a long journey but one well worth the ride.

Remember, "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels."

Week 2 = minus 4.6 pounds

For The Love Of Food...

If you want to eat healthy but don't want to give up yummy food then I suggest you visit  this cute blog.

There you will find recipes for "healthy dishes that don't sacrifice any of the flavor that can be found in their full-fat origins".

The blog is the creation of Gina Homolka and is called skinnytaste.com.  Gina has come up with some amazing recipes; complete with nutritional information and Weight Watchers points, and let's just say I am her newest fan.

Give this Steak and Cheese Sandwich with Onions and Mushrooms a try and I bet you'll be a fan too.

Ole!

First of all - total disclosure - I copied this recipe straight from weightwatchers.com. 

With that out of the way, I totally suggest you give this recipe a try. 

It's good - not El Fenix good; however, when you eat the enchilada you won't feel like you're making a sacrifice and there is a lot to be said for that when it comes to low cal Mexican food. 

I ate mine with Herdez salsa and a few baked, fat free Tostitos and was a happy girl. I consider that a pretty big success for the folks at Weight Watchers considering I am an enchilada snob. 

Ole! 

Weight Watcher's Cheesy Chicken Enchilada

PointsPlus® value | 9
Servings |  6
Preparation Time |  15 min
Cooking Time |  27 min
Level of Difficulty |  Easy

 main meals |  These cheesy enchiladas are stuffed to the max with the tasty flavors of chicken, scallions and red pepper flakes. Serve with spicy or mild salsa.1 spray(s) cooking spray

8 oz pasteurized process american cheese spread

1/2 cup(s) fat-free sour cream

1/4 cup(s) fat-free evaporated milk

1/4 cup(s) uncooked scallion(s), green part only, minced

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

3 cup(s) cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast(s), chopped*

6 medium whole wheat tortilla(s), 7-inches each

1/4 cup(s) low-fat shredded Cheddar cheese, sharp variety

6 medium olive(s), green, pitted, sliced

1/4 cup(s) fat free salsa

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a 9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cheese product and sour cream; cover and microwave on high power until cheese melts, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Remove half of melted cheese to a small bowl and stir in evaporated milk; set aside. Add scallions, red pepper flakes and chicken to remaining cheese mixture; stir to coat.
• Spoon about 2/3 cup of chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; fold in sides of tortilla to cover filling and place tortillas in a single layer in prepared dish; spoon remaining cheese sauce over top and then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and olives.
• Bake until cheese topping is bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. Serve with salsa. Yields 1 enchilada per serving.

I Hope....

I fell in love with this the moment I read it. I hope I have the strength...

Summer Lovin'...

In my opinion one of the best things about the summer are the vegetables it produces and I must say cucumbers are one of my favorites.  They are cool and light and refreshing.  Oh my, that makes me think about a fabulous cocktail I had while in Vegas but I digress.  I'll save that story for another day.

Anyway, if you love cucumbers like I love cucumbers you must try this fabulous snack I found on Pinterest.  It is super quick, super easy and super good.  In fact; now that I think about it, it is just as yummy as that aforementioned cocktail minus the gin!

Simply slice a baby cucumber (I actually used an English cucumber because I prefer the seedless variety) in to thin slices.

Add lemon juice (I used the juice of half a lemon for one English cucumber) to taste.

Drizzle with olive oil to lightly coat.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper and chile powder to taste.

Toss well and enjoy!

"You're Off To Great Places"...

In the past few months my nephew turned 18 and graduated from high school.  

I still remember his graduation from kindergarten like it was last week.  

He's 18?  

How on earth did this happen?  

We often hear cliches concerning time and how quickly it can pass but honestly nothing could prepare me for the realization that my "Little Dude" is suddenly 18 years old and heading off to college.  

As an infant he introduced me to a depth of love I never knew existed.  

As a toddler he brought uncompromised joy.  

As an adolescent he brought about adventure and sweetness to my life and opened my eyes to the world as a young boy sees it.

As a teenager he has been my pride and joy.  Yes, my pride and joy - even on those days when he was testing the limits of his teenage years.

In celebration of his birthday and graduation The Señor and I took him to what many consider to be the greatest city in the world - New York.  We did all the touristy things and some not-quiet-so-touristy things.  We took in some baseball, saw a show, took a carriage ride, ate, ate and ate some more.  Yes, we had some fun!   

His years as an adult are on the horizon.  There is a great big world out there and I hope he will take advantage of his opportunities and take in as much of it as possible.  

I anxiously look forward to what lies ahead for him.  

I want for him all that is good and healthy and successful.  Realistically I know it won't always be that way.  

So, I pray.

Prayers for wise decisions.  

Prayers that he will realize the importance of an education - and get one!

Prayers that he will steer clear of harm's way. 

Prayers that he will never forget the value of self.

Or the value of family.

Or the value of prayer.

So "Little Dude", in the words of the very wise Dr Suess I say to you -

"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."

A Weekend In Paradise...

This past December my parents celebrated a monumental occasion - the 50th anniversary of their marriage. Fifty years of marriage is almost unheard of these days and I am proud to say my parents worked together through the good, the bad and the ugly that come along in life and are still standing strong.

To celebrate this event my brother, sister-in-law, The Señor and I loaded-up Moma and Daddy and flew to northern California for a few days in paradise.  While there we stayed with our dear friends the Brocks and the Comstocks (who are the ultimate hosts), gazed upon majestic sights, ate amazing food, drank amazing wine, learned the art of Petanque and made memories to last a life time.

To quote my dear friend Bob Brock, "Friends are your wealth in life".  This weekend reminded me that we are very wealthy indeed.

Moma and Daddy - Bella Vineyards...

The whole gang (minus Sandy) Bob, Cathy, Linda, Bob, Reece, Sandra, Bob, Kim & The Señor...

The whole gang (minus Cathy) Bob, Sandy, Linda, Bob, Reece, Sandra, Bob, Kim & The Señor...

A grape row marker from the gorgeous Bella Vineyard...

My brother and The Señor toasting a beautiful day...

The Señor and I enjoying an amazing morning on the Comstock's deck...

My sweet parents...

My sister--in-law and brother enjoying a beautiful day in the wine country...

Ou family at the entrance to Comstock Vineyards...

Daddy enjoying a day on Dry Creek.  Can it get any better than this?

The beautiful hills of grapevines...

Breathtaking views...

LOVE this deck...

Wine tasting at Mauritson Wines.  Fabulous wines - and people...

Daddy and I enjoying the creek...

Moma playing fetch with Bailey and Lucy...