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...

Cheaper Than Therapy...

Those hazy, lazy days of summer are upon us and, as for me, I've been laying low.

I've recovered from my bout with optic neuritis but as a result of that flare-up my doc decided it was time for a change in therapy. Bye-bye Avonex. Hello Rebif.

Life with Avonex was really pretty simple. A single injection given once a week by The Señor. It rarely hurt.

Rebif on the other hand seems to be a whole 'nutha animal. Three injections per week given by the Señor if he is available and by moi if he is traveling. Oh, and this stuff hurts-like-the-dickens every single time. After a little research I learned that the hurts-like-the-dickens part is just part of life with Rebif and that I can expect it from now on.

Subjecting myself to extreme pain three times a week is not/nor has ever been on my bucket list. For the record, I don't see me learning to like it. With that said, I am thankful to have access to the drug & thankful that it has proven to be very effective. I also know there are others who experience much worst pain on a daily basis every day of their life. I know I am very blessed.

However, those things said, I still don't have to like it.

So, dear reader, thanks for "listening" to my little pity party. I actually feel much better putting these thoughts in to words.

Writing...it's so much cheaper than therapy.