Spokane Sensory

Love

 I spent last weekend in Spokane with Jenny's family. Visiting Jenny, fills my senses like no other visit. One of the reasons is that she has 4 children who surround me with loving hugs and kisses. Another reason is hearing their sweet chatter and laughter. Then, Jenny makes amazing food and serves it with love. Finally, you can't visit their home without seeing the love that has grown in their home.

Inside Chaps

 Everything about my sister, is sweet. She is an amazing mom, sister, wife and daughter. She cares deeply and  is quite genuine. I am fortunate that we are close. I know many women who are not close to their sisters and I have 2 who are my best friends.

Swirl and Sip

 We did spend some sister time together and this was my favorite part of the trip. Both of my sisters are wonderful moms, but I know that that is only one of their roles. When I visit them, we try to go out, just as sisters and catch up. Jenny and I headed to Left Bank Wine Bar and spent the evening sipping wine flights, eating Gorgonzola bruschetta and chocolate truffles. There were many laughs and sister stories shared.

Boo-da-be-BOP!

 Jazz and wine go well together and luckily, these guys were there to set the mood!

Food Coma

 I was told to go to Elk Public House to eat because it was on some TV show. Since I don't have TV, I had never heard of it. Thank goodness I followed that advice. The food was AMAZING! This place was an old pharmacy and it even had an old PacBell phone booth inside...gotta love history!

Symphony Sunday

 On our final day together, we went to the symphony. My ears were so happy!

Sisters

Thank you Chissa for a wonderful visit! I love you!

Poppies, Pinot and Pismo

California Golden Poppy

Spring is here and with it comes the bloom of my favorite flower, the California Golden Poppy. I am sure they have been blooming for a week or two, but today seemed to be full of their orange vibrancy.

Poppies and Pinot

Poppies have exploded between the rows of Pinot noir in this vineyard. I am so grateful that I am able to spend time outside while working. This made my day.

Poppies and Pismo

When I came home, they were lifting their bright blooms to the sun and bowing to the ocean in the wind.

Home to me...

Current home: 80's movie scene

I grew up moving a lot. I can't remember living in a place longer than 5 years. This may be unsettling for some, but for me, it was fabulous. I have an inner nomad that yearns for travel, movement and adventure. As a little girl, I was always by my parent's sides, never wanted to go too far from home. Moving wasn't a big deal, because I always had friends in my sisters and brother. After I left for college, the moving never stopped. There was too much to see and experience. (thank God, for jobs that have allowed some travel!)

I would love to be closer to my family, I know I can always visit. However, I am beginning to feel the yearning to be closer to my loved ones a bit stronger than usual. When I was in Oklahoma to visit Liz and her sweet family, I was hit with the harsh realization that kids change at a rapid pace. Christopher was walking, had 4 teeth and turned 1...already! Blake turned 7, speaks articulately and his personality is maturing. When I returned home, I called Jenny and planned a trip to see her and her family. I can only imagine how much her 4 have changed since I last saw them in November.

With that said, I realize that the cheesy saying "Home is where the heart is" is true! Am I getting old to realize such things? Not even 5 years ago, I would balk at such things, never wanting life to slow down. But, the truth is, I miss being near my sisters. I miss my brothers, nieces, nephews and parents. I even miss family dogs! This is by no means saying I would like to be next door ;)...but I do want more hug time with them.

So, I am challenging this large group of people (my family) to get in gear and plan a reunion. Let's pick a place somewhat near Northern California, Spokane, Oklahoma and the Central Coast and get together. I don't think we have all been together since Lizzie's wedding and that was over 3 years ago!!

What do you say??

Texas BBQ and Winery Time

 I was able to visit one winery when I was in Texas, Driftwood Winery. The wine maker invited trade show participants out to his property for wine tasting and Texas BBQ. I'd have to say, after having Texas BBQ, I don't think anything compares. They really go all out. For instance, the spread included ribs, beef brisket, pork loin and sausages...then all the side dishes. The Salt Lick catered the event. Yummy! There is no way you could be a vegetarian at this event.

Now on to the winery...

scariest sign I've ever seen at a winery!!!

The winery is set in the 'hills' near Austin. They are the 'only winery with a view'. There were 3 tour buses that picked us up at the convention center and drove us out to the winery. While on our trip, they served Texas wine. Texas is fairly new in the wine industry so, the wine was lacking a bit. I am excited to see how their industry grows and perfects their wine making practices.

We did have delightful wine upon arrival. They served their Chardonnay and Syrah. I thought the Syrah went perfect with the meal. Then one of their State Representatives spoke about winery funding in the state. Lots of applause and whistling.

They say everything is bigger in Texas. I'd say the sunset proved that. This picture does not even described the light and span of color. It was absolutely breathtaking.

Austin City Limits and Outskirts

Austin, TX is live music heaven and I was lucky enough to have to go there for work. Now some of you may think Texas=cowboys...it does plus so much more. For instance, upon arrival, there was a folk singer playing his music for all to hear. I immediately became excited and could not wait to explore the city! 

I soon realized that our convention was 35 miles south of Austin and was saddened to have to stay so far away from the vibe of the city. I looked into where to go in San Marcos, TX (where we were staying) that would entertain as well as leave an impression that the airport had already done. I found little to nothing to do there and secretly moped as we set up our booth for the trade show.

Luckily, I ran into someone I knew from previous trade shows and their company was heading into Austin that night and invited us to join! I immediately accepted. I couldn't wait to see some live music...

The first place we went to was the 'Chuggin Monkey'  the band was playing 80's rock and having a blast performing. There is nothing like watching a bald sax player turn beet red while busting out a mad tune...AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! There was also some amazing people watching, namely the Billy Idol look-a-like with a red bat tattooed on his chest for all to see.

Since we were in Texas, I asked if we could find a cowboy singing. Easier said than done. In this town, you can walk into any place and there is a stage with a band, but all genres are welcome. We finally found the singing cowboy. He was dressed up and everything. Yee Haw! No one was dancing, so I took it upon myself to start 'country dancing'. After his song, the cowboy asked me to go to the bar and ask them for an empty bottle for his drummer. I retrieved the bottle and the next song was played with the drum stick on the bottle...that's pretty country folks!

Then we found a sweet spot that was playing 90's grunge. We ended our evening singing along to Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Green Day (when they were good), etc...!

I wish we had more time in Austin, but duty called and we needed to get back for work. I hope to go back some day on my own time to really soak up all the city has to offer.

Budapest

I noticed that I forgot to write about my short trip to Budapest. Once I returned home, life when full speed ahead and writing was put to the side. I was only in Budapest for 2 days. I arrived on Saturday January 15th after my flight from Milan was cancelled and I had to negotiate my way to Hungary. I had to prove that I was leaving Europe from Budapest to return to the USA and that seemed to give me some pull with the airline.

Once I arrived, I wasn't surprised, but annoyed that they lost my luggage. It is actually very funny because my luggage was lost when I returned from Paris in 2006 and since then, I have NEVER checked my bags. However, the airline I flew to Budapest with did not allow carry on roller bags, so I had to check it. I gave the airline my friend's address and hopped in a cab with them to go explore the city nightlife.

I have been friends with Roncarlo since 2004. We were investment bankers together in San Diego. We used to tell people we were twins...see the resemblance? Anyway this guy is like a brother to me and I was thrilled to meet his girlfriend and see his life in Hungary!

They are so cute together and great hosts too!

We started at their place where they opened up a couple bottles of Hungarian wine and Gabi made a traditional dish that was perfect and delicious. It was great to see Ron with Gabi. I remember when he met her and was falling in love with her. I knew he would move over there for her and here we were 2 years later; and he is so happy :)! Anyway, we spent time catching up and getting ready to go out. Gabi is training to be a makeup artist, so she did my makeup. Then, we went out for drinks, dancing and Hungarian karaoke! Good times!

The next day, Ron and Gabi were my tour guides around the city. I really enjoyed listening to Gabi talk about her country's history. She is very knowledgeable. The city is quite lovely and rich in history. We went to a beautiful cafe for a late lunch before heading out to view the city at night with the lights. It was a perfect way to see the city.

Then as all trips do, this one ended. I had to leave early the next morning to head back home. Leaving is always bittersweet. I love to come home, but travel is in my blood.