People all over Facebook have been participating in 30 days of thanksgiving during the month of November and I kept wanting to get in on it, but never did. So here's my chance to back-track and catch up. I'll do the first 19 days now and will finish up with the rest of the month in another post. Here goes...

1. For my husband that, despite my many imperfections and mood swings, loves me unconditionally.

2. For my parents that have supported me and my decisions from day 1 (when Dad nearly passed out because I was a girl) and have

3. For two brothers that are completely opposite of me (and each other) that I have learned so much from -- determination and the importance of a giving heart.

4. For neices and nephews that remind me of the innocence of childhood

5. For in-laws that I can be myself around and that helped raise the best thing that ever happened to me.

6. For girl friends that like to shop, eat, chat and can pick up where we left off after an absence of phone calls for months at a time

7. For my small group Bible study that has challenged me and prayed for me and that God has put them in my life for encouragement

8. For cool breezes on warm days that give that small bit of relief and sunny skies that are dotted with fluffy clouds

9. For family friends that huddle together around my parents and each in other in hard times.

10. For co-workers that have helped mold me and are patient with me when I'm having a bad day, week or even month!

11. For the men and women that have sacrificed more than I ever could to give me the chance to worship freely in a country that I love.

12. For a stable job during such an unstable time in our economy. I have learned more in the last three years than in the 23 before them.

13. For the ability to minister to families during some of the most vulnerables times of their lives.

14. For a bed to sleep in, food and water to drink, clothes to wear and the ability to obtain those things when so many can't.

15. For the ability to run 7 miles and the ability to walk the day after running those 7 miles.

16. For frozen yogurt, peanut butter, avocados, Imperial sugar Dr. Peppers and chips and salsa.

17. For DVR and the person that invented it.

18. For the Aggie spirit that extends beyond any other comraderie that has ever been seen.

19. For people who believe in me when I don't really believe in myself.

Stay tuned for the last 11 days in a week or two!

Napa Pics

Days 5 and 6 - St. Helena/Rutherford and San Fran

Wednesday:

We spent day 5 around St. Helena and Rutherford, which is an area known for the reds (mostly Cabernets). We went to a few wineries that were good, but not really anything to mention so I'll leave their names out. Before we left, we were given the suggestion to go to Quintessa and had an appointment for a tour/tasting. Once again we were the only ones actually on the tour, which was really nice. Mindy was our tour guide and she did an amazing job. I think this was probably our favorite place because not only did they show us the vines and the barrels, but also the production floor where the winemaker himself was walking around checking on things. The views were amazing, the building quite modern and the experience wonderful. We actually got to see the winemaker's own "tasting room" where he was getting ready to samply the juice from each lot of vines* and begin mixing to get just the right blend.

*Quintessa has 27 lots, with 5 different grapes growing on those lots. Each lot may have a slight variation in soil composition or location (hillside or valley), which both contribute to skin thickness and ultimately flavor.

We spent the evening at home, grilled steaks and ate cupcakes :)


Thursday:

We made the hour drive to San Francisco our last full day in California to do be tourists (complete with map and camera in hand). We parked down by Fisherman's Wharf, walked through Ghiradelli Square and had a couple of other sights on our list to see. I, being the incredibly smart person that I am, suggested we do a walking tour. Obviously, I had no clue how much walking that would involve, I just knew that we'd done it in New York almost a year ago, so it couldn't be that bad. And besides, if we ever got tired, we could just jump on a cable car or hail a taxi and finish up that way. So we began our trek to Golden Gate bridge along the bay. It was a really nice walk with the breeze blowing and sun shining. Well, an hour later when we got close enough to satisfy ourselves, we decided it was time to find some public transportation to get us to stop B. There was no public transportation anywhere nearby. We even asked a few locals and they basically (in their own very nice way) told us we were screwed.

So we walked back. But this time, we decided to go straight to see Lombard Street in all its curviness. And by straight, I mean straight up. Up the 40-degree sloped very long three blocks to the top. We got there, took a picture, walked down and took another picture then decided we deserved pizza. The rest of the afternoon we just walked the piers until time to board Alcatraz Cruises. We spent about two and a half hours on the island doing a 45-minute audio tour through the cell house, learning about some of the attempted escapes, more famous inmates and the daily routines (which were incredibly limited) of the prisoners. Once back from the island, we had dinner with Aunt Grace at a great place in Little Italy and headed back to Napa.

We've already been asked what our favorite part of the trip was and it's kind of hard to decide. I think we both really enjoyed the weather (40s at night, sunny and low 60s at day), the laid-back lifestyle of the Valley and of course, some good wine. We learned a little bit about tasting and pairing wine with food and have a little better appreciation for the art of winemaking. I think we'd both love to back to California and see more of the national parks and coast lines and LA (for shopping...okay, that's probably just me).

Day 4 - Vino-less Ventures

Today was low-key and it was awesome! We both slept in a bit and then made our way to shop around Napa and St. Helena. We walked a little, looked a little and then ate...a lot.

In case you don't know anything about Guy Fieri and his hot rod red Camaro, he has a little show called "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" on the Food Network. We watch this show. A lot. So Brad did a little research to see if there were any places Guy deemed cool enough to visit. We stopped by Taylor's Automatic Refresher for lunch. They're known for their hamburgers (I ordered chicken) and it was definitely tasty! The crowd here was pretty interesting -- Mercedes, Beamers, beat-up pick-ups -- apparently everybody likes the hamburger stand. [We actually stopped by the one in Napa after dinner for a vanilla bean shake -- it was good, Dad. Not quite Blue Bell, but darn close.]

We were both craving Mexican food, so after our afternoon run, we decided to try out some Cali-Mex. It's no Tex-Mex for sure, but it satisfied my tummy.

Tomorrow's out last day at the vineyards before we head to San Francisco on Thursday...looking forward to some touristy sight-seeing adventures!

Day 3 - Healdsburg

I have a feeling that if I go back and read my last post, I will be extremely disappointed in my writing. However, I'm tired and don't want to do that so I'll just apologize for what was not my best work. Moving on...

Today, Brad and I headed about an hour north of Napa to the town of Healdsburg to tour and taste at a few more wineries. The drive up CA-29/CA-128 was once again breath-taking. Healdsburg is actually in a different valley than Napa, so driving up through the foothills reminded us of Colorado's mountain roads (minus the steep life-threatening drop-offs and icy roads).

First stop, Jordan Winery. The estate of this vineyard is incredible. French-style chateau with Boston ivy growing up all sides of every wall. Immaculate landscaping with vineyards about 150 years away on the hills. They also grow olive trees and produce olive oil, as well as a full organic vegetable garden used in their kitchen. We were the only ones on the tour so we got a little extra attention from Gloria, our extremely bubbly hostess with the mostess. I had my first bit of caviar (this place doesn't mess around) as well as walked through my first secret door. Gloria even sent us home with an early anniversary gift -- a picture book all about Jordan. Did I mention they have Clyde and Barney that eat the grass around the back of the chateau so that it creates a rocky "fire wall"? Cutes goats you ever did see.

Next up was a quick stop at Seghesio's tasting room in downtown Healdsburg. Honestly, besides a nice hostess, this place wasn't that impressive. They did, however, have some great chianti and port. So we made away with a bottle. We then dropped in at J Winery (owner = daughter of Jordan) to make a purchase for the owner of Vintropolis back home. Apparently , J has really good pear liquer. We actually didn't do a tasting here because they're known for their champagne and I'm not known for my love of bubbly.

Our last stop of the day was at Trentadue. I snapped a few good pictures of grapes that were left behind at harvest and we also watched Rocky, the resident weiner dog enjoy a lizard as an afternoon snack right in the middle of the tasting room floor. It was...interesting. Back to the wine - good Zinfandel and awesome port they call Chocolate Amore. Looking forward to drizzling that over a little Blue Bell when we get back to a place that actually sells Blue Bell.

We made it back before dusk and enjoy a short run before grabbing a movie from the grocery store. Lesson learned from today? Take notes of the wines you like at the winery because although the vintage and taste might be slightly different, Lucky (aforementioned grocery store) has many of those wines for about 20% off the tasting room price. Oh well. We're here to support Napa's finest.

Tomorrow? I wouldn't expect much because we've deemed it Tourless Tuesday -- a real vacation isn't complete without at least one agenda-free day. [Actually, I have an agenda, it just includes non-wine type things like shopping, running, gourmet cupcake-eating...you know, the fun vacation-y stuff.]

Day 2 - Sonoma

Today was a great start to the wine-tasting expeditions of this vacation. We spent most of it in Sonoma and the surrounding areas enjoying cool sunny weather and great wines.

Our first stop was a wine/food pairing at Buena Vista, which happens to be the oldest tasting room in Sonoma (or maybe California...one of those). The building we sat in was actually built in 1861 and with the help of some people (and a lot of money) has been framed on the inside to make it safe for us to actually be in. The wines were really good - especially the Pinot Gris and Syrah. It was a pretty educational tasting so it helped that it was our first.

We had some extra time to kill before our next stop so we wandered into downtown Sonoma. The weather. Was. Gorgeous. And you could tell because there were tons of people out and about, picnicking in the parks, roaming in and out of the shops and even stopping to do some wine sampling along the way. Imagine that.

Gunlach Bundschu was next and ran a close second to Buena Vista. We actually did a tour/tasting here that took us into the [man-made] cave. The tour was neat in that they actually tapped into one of the barrels and let us sample the "unfinished" product. Very neat. Their Gewurztraminer and Tempranillo were our favorites. The view there was amazing as it was nestled on top of a hill. Pictures to come this weekend.

The next two places were mediocre in our opinions. Nicholson Ranch is smaller and less popular, although the wines really weren't that bad. Domaine Carneros is known for its estate and sparkling wines and as I don't really do bubbly, I let Brad take the reins there. Again, a great view on top of the hill with a really awesome building.

Our experience at Buena Vista was neat because we were one of two couples doing the wine/food pairing. Our fellow tasters were locals so we asked for some non-tourist-type things to do and places to go/eat. Eric (Mr. Sonoma Himself) suggested we drive Ramal Rd for the views and then grab a burger (he didn't know who he was talking to) at some dive on the river. We made it for the drive but already had reservations for dinner elsewhere. He was right. Ramal Rd is the place to go to see the ultimate views of the valleys. This is such a beautiful time of year because as it is autumn, the leaves are changing colors. When you look out over a valley, you see seas of reds, oranges, yellows and greens. Awe. Some.

The place to be in the culinary world of wine country is French Laundry. Minus the $1000 bill, I'm sure it would've been quite the experience. However, Thomas Keller got the bright idea to open another restaurant with a much slimmer tab and menu. They only offer one thing each night for dinner -- a four-course meal of whatever happens to be found at the markets that day. We had crab salad served in yellow squash, flat iron steak with some potatoes, figs and artichoke hearts, a cheese plate and banana ice cream sundaes. A grand slam in our opinions.

Heading to Healdsburg tomorrow...stay tuned.

Leaning on the Everlasting Arm

They say when it rains, it pours. But what happens when you feel that you've been knocked down to your knees and then things continue to happen to make you feel that your face is then being rubbed in the dirt? Just when you think you've hit rock bottom, the bottom falls out from underneath you and you realize there's something beyond rock bottom

CBC-Marshall, just when you aren't sure where to turn...

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things on earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace


Just when you think you're all alone...

He walks with me and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joys we share as we tarry here
None other has ever known


Just when you feel that you've reached the end...

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home


When you wish you could just look through His eyes and see where this is all headed...

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night;
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.


Although our vision is jaded more often than not, we have eyes above us, around us, in front of us and behind us that see things our finite minds cannot comprehend. Trust in Him. Lean on Him. Have faith in the one that has delivered on every single promise He has ever made.


Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love

Love to you all.

Napa Day 1 - Travel Day

Travel days are always interesting, especially when you're going somewhere new. We got up early and headed to the airport and were lucky enough to drop in about four minutes before two busloads of nearly senior adults got in line to check in with American Airlines. Whew. Disaster escaped. The ride to DFW was uneventful as was the ride to Sacramento. Although each time we were waiting to board planes, there were kids all around telling "jokes"*, throwing fits because they "WANT HASHBROWNS!" or just talking incessantly to annoy their older sister.

*Whatever happened to "knock knock" jokes that are actually fairly humorous? The jokes this dude was telling were more like 10 minute stories that made no sense at all. I digress...

We picked up our car, made the hour-drive to Napa and met our innkeeper (who actually lives next door). We got our stuff together and decided that even though it was only 4:45 local time, we were ready to eat dinner. We were so early, in fact, that we had to sit out in the car and wait for the recommended restaurant to open. Well, that was after we discovered an indoor Public Market that we will be visiting later if only for the gourmet cupcake stand :). The Pearl had several locals (which is always a good sign) and the owner/chef was visible at all times. Good stuff. After grabbing some groceries for the week, we made it back to the house and forced ourselves to stay awake until 9 PM local time so we wouldn't be those people that eat at 5:30 and are in bed by 8...

No pictures from travel day...and actually, you may not get pictures at all until we get back and I can use the camera cord that was left inadvertedly on the coffee table...

ONE little Monkey...

I'm finally getting a chance to sit after a very busy weekend and [already-completed] work week. Friday night, we had our small group over for game night and I only got one picture. I always want to take pictures of the food and decorations, but I always forget. Either way, we had fun!

Saturday was Aggie football day at Kyle Field and by golly, we beat the Iowa State Cyclones after a very surprising victory over the Texas Tech Raiders the week prior. I don't know what my problem is, but I haven't taken any pictures this football season. Oh well.

Sunday, we drove (ahem, rode and napped) up to Irving for our nephew's first birthday party. Naturally, he was taking the best nap ever when we arrived and finally woke up about 20 minutes after the official party start-time. He came down the stairs looking like this:

Then they stripped him down to his diaper, gave him a cupcake and at first wasn't a fan. Then he decided it was GREAT!

Using Uncle Brad as a jungle gym:

We had so much fun and although neither Brad nor I could hardly function this week because of exhaustion, we wouldn't have missed it for the world!

We leave for Napa on Saturday so stay tuned for the journaling of our adventures in Wine Country!