1.  Tricks
2. Enoteca Adriana
3. Parlor
4. Jan's house
5.  Hashouse
6. Charlie Trotter's
7. Agnese's parents' house
8. Elway's
9. B2
10.  Solera
11.  Jean's house
12. Dahl & Diluca
13. Gott's Roadside Cafe
14.  Elway's
15.  stir fry at my house
Some of the meals that stood out, for me, 2012.  I know there are more.  I went to yoga today and considered my trip to Chicago.  Somehow, I had overlooked my dining experience at Charlie Trotter's.  I was in downward dog and almost collapsed.  Seriously.  How had I forgotten that incredible meal?
Bubbly, prix fixe meal and then some.  It was amazing.  The luck of the draw.  I called on a random Saturday and prayed that I would be able to make reservations.  I knew they were closing six weeks after our visit.
That reminder inspired my top 12 of the 2012. One meal per month.  It started with appetizers at Tricks.  Jean visited me and I wanted to show her around Tempe.  Of course, a meal there, even just apps was necessary.  The wine list is spectacular.  Attention to detail obseved and the bar, well, is amazing.  We met her friends from MN.
I met Shari in San Diego.  Prior to that visit, I had been there earlier in February to take a break from AZ.  While there, that weekend, Whitney Houston died.  Tragedy.  Not as bad as when MJ died but still sad.  I dined at Hashhouse and loved it.  Found the best cocktail, ever, and was determined to return.
We arrived and dined at Enoteca Adriana.  The only downside was our table.  It sucked.  Right next to the hostess and we requested another table but was informed that the other tables were spoken for.  They weren't.  Regardless. the bread/olive oil combination was delightful.  We continued with ravioli.  It was delicious.
My dad visited in March.  A few spring training games, college basketball, visit to Tricks and then, we went to the Parlor.  We ate the Salsiccia pizza and entertained Tiffany and Dan.  By far, the go-to place in Phoenix for me.  The food is exquisite.  In fact, I had lunch, there, today, before heading into work to do inventory.
April offered a trip to Denver.  Only, I struggled to take care of myself.  i found myself dehydrated, lackluster and eventually collapsing on Easter.  I mangled my face (awesome) due to dehydration.  My trip to Denver lost and called my Phoenix friends to provide me shelter.  Thankfully, they came through and we shared easter dinner at their home.  I remember being offered pain killers.  I declined.  I drank red wine instead.
Post Easter, I did visit Denver briefly.  I saw my friends before heading to San Diego.  I convinced Brett that Hash House would be the ultimate post 1/2 marathon meal.  We shared an excellent meal and I drank the best cocktail ever.  I love Hashhouse.
Charlie Trotter's welcomed Sara and I.  Lovely.  We started with bubbly and shared a chef's tasting and vegetarian tasting.  My favorite course was the tofu.  Shocking, I know.   Still, honestly, the tofu shocked, inspired and delighted us.
July took me to Geneva, Paris, Italy.  I liked Geneva.  Tolerated Paris and loved Italy.  Delicious food everywhere.  The best fare was found at my host's parent's house.  Prosciutto, melon, burrata....just to name a few items.  I was spoiled and loved every minute of it.  Not to mention the coffee factor.  Nonstop coffee.
I returned to the States, worked and made my way back to Denver.  There was a baby shower to attend.  I went to Lindsay's shower, Jenn's bachelorette party and eventually made my way to Elway's.  Love the fare. I am sure we shared the crab cocktail, mac & cheese and brussel sprout hash.
Two weeks later, I flew to Oregon to attend my sister's wedding.  Family times can be stressful....I'm just saying.  I shared a hotel with my dad and rented a car.  Freedom.  Yes, it was nice to enjoy that aspect of it. I was able to come and go as I pleased.  I remember getting a pedicure the day of the wedding, buying caba for the toast and having lunch at a wine bar across the street from their house.  Excellent.  A few glasses of pinot gris later and I was ready for the wedding.
Jenn got married in September.  She had everything arranged for the ceremony, rehearsal dinner, brunch.  I was responsible for the bachelorette party.  She agreed to a wine dinner and I suggested Solera.  It never disappoints.  Six courses later.  I believe the other girls were impressed.  Not even remotely concerned about that.  It was an incredible meal.
I flew to Seattle to care take for my friend, Jean.  She asked me to help her recuperate.  I agreed.  I made eggplant, tomatoes and garlic.  I plied her with red wine.  She liked my food or maybe it was the wine.  I'll never ask or know as I did enjoy the food I prepared.
December.  Jenn's visit to AZ. I insisted on a trip to Sedona to offset my lodging situation.  I love my carriage house.  It makes sense to me as I am single.  Tiny, tiny, tiny place.  Not the best option for hosting others.  We wine tasted at Jerome and I drove to Sedona.  We were told to check out a mexican restaurant and warned that we would have to wait.  Instead of going there, we opted, for the italian option.  I had heard of Dahl & Diluca.  Just never been there.  We did enjoy the meat balls and radicchio appetizer.
A week later, I was in heaven.  Or Napa as it is known to mortals.  I had the opportunity to spend two days/ nights there and so I figured why  not go?  Food was amazing and my favorite meal, of all, was dining, picnic style alongside hwy 29 at Gott's Roadside.  Everyone in my party had burgers with the exception of my chicken sandwich and one other guy's ahi tacos.  I should have ventured that direction, too.  Yet, I opted for a sammie.  I knew we would share fries.
Christmas in Denver.  Sparkly.  Bubbly.  Soup, too.  Two days with Jenn & Rob.  Movies, wine and more wine.  I received a Justin Bieber stocking for my gift.  I felt blessed.  Eventually, I met the Goddess for lunch with the Wrangler and we went to Elways'.  Green Chile cole slaw, was, by far, my favorite side dish.  We split a fish sandwich too.  I loved it.
Tonight, I chose to make stirfry to conclude my 2012.  I love vegetables and this hit the spot.  I work, tomorrow, morning.  What a way to greet 2013.  Cannot wait.  It's going to be early and then done.  Til then, cheers, celebrate and taste life.
I see great things out of 2013~

more images of 2012

 Visit to Seattle.  Made some time to see Jean and Jack in November.  I was reminded of my squeamishness and how I do, in fact, admire anyone in the medical profession.  Jean had had a procedure done and I flew out to provide a little help.  My idea of help is opening wine, making dinner and yes, I can do laundry. I arrived to find an attachment that I was unwilling to change out for her.  She, knowing me, was not surprised.  I think she was happy for my arrival to open wine and cook dinner.

 Outside of a tasting room in Cornville.  Imagine it in full bloom.  I toured az wine country with my friend, Danny, and then a week later when Jenn visited me in Arizona.

 Radicchio appetizer...delicious.  Jenn and I chose to dine here as it was near the hotel, italian and open.  We arrived in Sedona after spending a few hours in Jerome.  Wine tasting demanded our attention is all I am saying.

 I do love Sedona.  I should make more of an effor to spend time there.  It is a quick drive from Phoenix and amazing.  I love the red rocks.  We hiked Doe Mountain before returning to the valley.

 My only night hike photo from Camelback.  I foolishly made a hiking date with my friend, Jeff, one Sunday night.  I think we had fifteen minutes of sunset before it was black.  The hike up wasn't so bad.  The descent, well, I thought we were going to get lost.  Jeff is not a boy scout if you get what I am saying.  His internal compass led us astray a few times that night.  Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious ten fidy to celebrate.

 Outside of my hotel room in Napa.  I fell in love with Napa all over again.  It is a wonderful town.  Who wouldn't like it?  Wine, wine, everywhere and there are amazing eateries everywhere.  I think my favorite food of that trip was the roadside cafe.  We dined, picnic style, while sharing stories from our lives.  It was quite nice.

 Vines, sunshine (awesome) and the beauty of the valley.  I really enjoyed my two day trip to Napa.

 No, I did not try to drink this by myself.  Maybe another trip.

 Lunch with Steve and Lindsay.  What a way to conclude my Denver Christmas adventure.  Wine with friends and incredible food.

Lindsay and Wrangler also attended lunch with us.  He is a charming little guy.  He slept in the car, cooed in the restaurants and accompanied us around Denver.
Yes, 2012 was truly a good year for me.  I did break another camera that is why I am unable to find my Chicago photos.  I used my old school camera to capture moments from that trip.  I guess I will just have to post them later.
My only regret of 2012 is that I neglected blogging.  It is more of a creative outlet for me and there are times when I either don't feel creative, candid or funny.  I know that I censor myself on this too.  I want to let go of some that for 2013 and I believe it is time to take a leap of faith in myself.  I see many great things happening in 2013 and am looking forward to experiencing them.
However you choose to conclude 2012, be safe, smile and share this moment with someone you care about.  Even if it is only yourself.  Cheers!
I might post more later.  I need to run off to yoga, do a liquor inventory (not looking forward to this) and find some bubbly~

Images from 2012

 It all started with a visit from Jean.  We headed south to Rocky Point to check out how it had changed in twelve years.  In 2012, she is gluten free.  Her idea of a fish taco became a cole slaw taco.  No, they did not offer a grilled fish option.  Only breaded which I enjoyed.
Yes, we had ventured down there in 2000 with Vegas.  Whirlwind drinking venture and we repeated that aspect in 2012.  Jean also checked out other aspects of Phoenix, too.  It was wonderful.  Too quick of a trip.

 February took Shari and myself to San Diego.  I began my love affair with that gem of a city last christmas.  We stayed in Mission Beach, checked out the fare in Ocean Beach, downtown and Temecula.  Excellent way to celebrate the anniversary of Brian.  The food was first rate and the ocean is always inspiring.  In Little Italy, we found this eatery.  Amazing fare but the music selection was terrible.  We requested a change and the manager told us--sorry, girls, this is sort of my thing.....can you say, check please?

 My dad visited me for Spring Training.  I took him to one of my favorite spots in the city and we enjoyed a salsiccia pizza with Tiffany and Dan O who also happened to be in town for spring training.  My dad and I attended a few games and watched college basketball, too.  Gotta love March for that factor alone.  I was happy to show my dad around my current location.

 April, May, June, I did travel some--Denver, San Diego, Chicago.  I had a glorious time in all of the cities.  Chicago always entices.  I will find some images to share of that city.  I must.  I really had a stellar time with Sara Jo in Chicago.
Anyways, I flew to Geneva in July to visit my friend, Agnese.  Spent one night in Paris and the remainder of my european adventure in Italy.  Although, I didn't love, love, love Venice, I did enjoy the canals.  Venice reminded me of disneyworld for adults.  I was surrounded by the most english speakers in that city.

 Lindsay's baby shower.  Gotta have a photo of the glowing Lindsay.  Pregnancy agreed with her even if I was bummed that I no longer had a running partner for my visits.  Her shower was lovely.  I spent the rest of that trip with Jenn K and Sara Jo.  I was reminded of how much I missed Denver.

 August also brought about reconnections.  I spent a night with my favorite winemaker, Jarred.  We met in 2006 during my first Napa adventure with Mickey, Sara Jo, Sarah from college and Pocketsize.  I've followed Jarred while he has moved around the west coast but have not had a meal with him since 2006.  It was excellent to catch up in person.
I flew to Eugene to attend my sister's wedding which was a glorious occasion.  I met my gorgeous niece, Emma, and discovered that she is a true Wageman.  I fed her ice cream and she loved it.

 The little beauty, Emma.  We wanted to match with yellow.

 September showcased more of Denver and the foothills.  My friend, Jenn K, exchanged vows at Boettcher and had a reception at the Brown.  I spent an additional day in the city so that I could hang out with Sara and Lindsay.  We had prosecco and breakfast before Lindsay drove me back to DIA.

I drove to San Diego and spent my birthday there.  I wanted to enjoy the ocean and my birthday.  As Napa was out due to the Denver adventure, I did the next best thing and road tripped it  my oasis of Santa Fe.  If I were closer to Santa Fe, I think I would have driven there.  While in Denver, Santa Fe was always my safe haven.  Regardless, I spent my birthday walking on Pacific Beach and enjoying the incredible weather.  A nice break from the brutal heat of Phoenix for sure.
I must add some more visuals of my trips.  I managed to showcase some of the faves....

trips of 2012

It all started in San Diego.  Last Christmas.  That five hour drive enticed, inspired, flirted.
Afterwards, my friend, Jean, visited.  We chose to drive to Rocky Point to visit Vegas, drink rum and eat cole slaw tacos.  Jean is gluten free.  We did manage a few days in Phoenix, too.  Parlor, Ohso, Peaks...we hit all of the hot spots.
Post Jean's visit, I spent a weekend in San Diego.  Whitney Houston died.  It was my dad's birthday and I was sad.  Part of my childhood vanished.  I ate at a tapas place and stayed in Ocean Beach.  Visited Alpine, too.  Tommy mentioned it during my xmas visit.  Two weeks later, Shari came to stay.  We spent a night in Tempe and then headed west.  Stayed in Mission, got lost on the way to Hash House and wine tased in Temecula.  Success #6 annivesary.  Yes, the almond sparkling was nice.  Not my favorite wine to taste while in Temecula.
March brought my dad to visit. We went to a few spring training games.  Saw the Royals lose to the Dodgers and caught a glimpse of Pujols.  Tiffany and her guy were in town and so we restaurant hopped.  I can always put on a show of what I like when food is involved.  Vegas offered to meet up with my dad, too. I declined.  He seemed preoccupied.
Post March, I made plans to visit Denver.  I worked, a lot, and focused on my trip.  Easter Sunday, well, my plans changed.  Quick visit to the E.R. and my plans were delayed.  Dehydration is not fun or advised.  I recovered and made another trip to Denver at the end of April.  May brought work.  I continued to run and consider my trip to Italy.  I needed to book the ticket but I was hesitant.
In June, I drove to San Diego to cheer my friends on through the marathon there.  I experienced June Gloom and reconsidered my thought that San Diego had the best weather of anywhere else.
I flew to Chicago to meet Sara Jo.  We ran a 10 k, ate tapas and had dinner at Charlie Trotter's before it closed.  All, i can say, is amazing.  Stunning meal.
July, I flew to Genevea.  I visited my friend, Agnese and inhaled prosciutto and prosecco.  Came to the conclusion that I adore Italy.  Who wouldn't?  Excellent food.
August brought a trip to Denver to attend Lindsay's baby shower and Michaela's wedding in Oregon.  I managed a brief stayover with my favorite winemaker before returning to the desert.  I celebrated my birthday in San Diego with Tommy and headed east to stand up in Jenn K's wedding.  I wanted to celebrate in Napa, but, got over it. There was still time left in 2012 to visit there.
I flew to Seattle to be a caretaker.  I wanted to help out my friend, Jean.  It rained and was gloomy.
Post Seattle, Jenn K visited me.  We spent one night in Sedona.  Love, love, love...Sedona.  A week later, i flew (finally) to Napa.  That is my ideal place.  Afterwards, I flew to Denver for xmas.
Yes, I have had a grand year.  For sure, I am one lucky lady.  I can honestly say that each year has improved my demeanor and love of life.  I cannot wait for 2013.  I am excited for its prospects.  Who wouldn't be after experiencing this past year?
I must reflect on the food factor, wine and fave trips of last year.  Yea, I traveled, a lot.  Loved every single minute of it.  Yet, there were standout trips to further elaborate on.  Til then, drink some wine

Productive Friday

Yes, productive day.  Hike, mailed packages to siblings/parents, made reservations for the 28th and tried to order glasses.  I found some designer glasses on line that I thought I would like.  I was between the berry colored and brown.  The brown might make me look mousy and so I had firmly chosen the berry frames.  The only thing I needed was my prescription.  I called my optometrist and left a message with their receptionist.  Apparently, yesterday was a busy day for optometrists.  Three hours later the guy calls me back.  I make my request for the chosen glasses only to be told that they no longer carry that designer.  WTH?
I ask for my prescription, thinking, I can either order the glasses on-line where I originally discovered them or head to Costco with Jan and see what they have available.  My prescription doesn't expire until February 15th and so there is the possibility of returning to Denver to try on glasses, too.  I am not anti-that option either.  It could be fun.
I am bummed that the glasses will have to wait.  I know there are options and that I will obtain new ones, I just want them now.
It felt great to be productive and finally be able to cross some stuff off of my to-do list.  Yes, I still make those and carry them around in my purse.  To me, if I write it down, I will do it.  I won't just talk about it or dream about it, I'll do it.  Maybe I should start a 2013 list.  Travel, classes, half marathon.  I would like some springtime visitors, too.  Why not?  Arizona is delightful til about April.  After that, it becomes warm, hot, brutal.  Yes, in that order.  I would dream of a reprieve and when it arrived (end of October) the time flies til the summer.  If only the summer months would pass as quickly.
I struggled with the hike yesterday.  Some of it is due to a lingering cold and the other is due to lack of exercise for the past three weeks.  Yes, I have went to yoga, infrequently, but that is it.  No hiking and I don't even know the last time running has been part of my vocabulary. Although, I did contact my running partner about setting up a running date soon.  It is time to enjoy that activity again.  Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I have been lazy.  Lazy due to travel and hosting visitors.  Entertaining is exhausting.  I need to incorporate exercise in the hosting/travel part of my life.  Otherwise, I will end up struggling up Camelback.  Not a fan of that move.
Off to work.....will update this more later.  I want to reflect on the 2012 trips, food and wine.

reflecting on December

Happy Holidays!  This year has flown by.  I'm still slacking on getting gifts out to my family/friends.  Part of that issue was taking time to host friends, travel to Napa and spend christmas in Denver.  Yes, December was a busy month.  It seemed like I was constantly trying to recover from my mini-trips and work at the same time.  There would be opportunity to wine taste which I would pass on to catch up on sleep, detox and  attend yoga.
Yes, December flew by.  Onward to January.  New year, possibility and travel.  Isn't travel always my primary concern?  I would like to manage one international trip for 2013 as well as a few half marathon destination weekends.  2012 was a complete failure in terms of running.  I signed up for the Phoenix 1/2 and made a voluntary contribution to the charity.  The Vegas Marathon became the exact same thing--voluntary contribution.  I had higher hopes of completing that race.  Then, the summer hit in Phoenix and my training went out the window.  I did attempt to arrange run dates with Jeff.  He suggested meeting at 6:30, at night, when it was still 108-110.  Yuck!  I do not relish running when it is 100+.  So, I avoided most of our meetups and focused on yoga.  My downward dog/chataranga combination has vastly improved as a result.  My arms look sculpted (I guess that is something).  Still, my running became nonexistent.
Then, there was an offer to visit Napa.  That was what crushed the vision of the Vegas 1/2.  Who would pass up a trip to Napa to run a half marathon?  Not me.  I can still taste the cabernet franc from Peju.  Delicious.  I regretted not extending my trip one more day to explore the best city in the world.  I do see a trip to San Fran in my near future.  Possibly early spring.
I had a friend visit from Denver and we checked out wine country in northern Arizona.  I believe Jenn enjoyed her mini-vacation.  The weather was pleasant and we did get a divine pedicure in Arcadia.  There is this little salon that I love.  Every visitor with the exception of my dad has accompanied me to this place.  It is worthy.
Denver for xmas was excellent.  White Christmas, cheese soup and ample wine.  I managed to check out two of my favorite spots and meet up with Steve, Lindsay, Jenn K, Tiffany, Jimmy and eventually, Sara Jo.  I woke up to -2 degrees outside.  Frigid.  Yes, I packed jeans and warm clothing.  All of my friends inquired about my attire.  They do know me well and I think, I surprised them by wearing jeans.  In my youth, I would have worn shorts no matter how cold it was outside.  Foolish youth.
This is just the beginning of my reflecting on 2012.  It has been an interesting year, for me, personally.  My blogging was scarce and it was mostly due to computer issues.  Regardless, I am off to hike Squaw Peak.  Part of my I must get active and detox routine.  Yoga enticed yesterday.  Today, it's hiking.  Anyways, happy Friday!

Visit from a friend

Successful visit in spite of lingering cold.  I fought through the phlegm and hosted a three day fantastic visit or so I would like to think.  It began with mimosa brunch, coffee and off to Jerome.  We arrived at sunset and found a wonderful winery to check out.  Jerome is a charming town.  I wish I had opted to stay there instead of heading to Sedona.  Only because I have visited Sedona several times.  It would have been nice to check out a new town.
After Jerome, I drove to Sedona and found our hotel.  West side of town.  Checked in and considered dining options.  There was a pizzeria, mexican foodie place, italian and bar food options.  We chose the Italian restaurant.  Grilled radicchio, meatballs and pasta enticed us.  A bottle of verdicchio to drink.  I know that Jenn wanted a pinot noir but I wanted to try something new and different.  Rarely have we ever drank a bottle of white wine together.  Typically, it's red, red, red.  Yes, she and I both love red wine.  That evening I wanted to drink something different.
Dinner was good, not great.  Still, it was close to the hotel.  The next morning we took advantage of the beautiful surroundings and hiked.  Stunning views of the city.  I love being surrounded by red rocks, blue skies and trees.  It has a mystical quality about it, too.  Thankfully, we had chosen a trail that had switchbacks and an incredible view but that was not too strenuous.  My chest did ache while we were climbing.  The cold kicked in and was testing me.  I wanted to climb to the top though.
Gorgeous views and worth the slight hacking/phlegm discomfort.  I took a few photos and we headed back to the car.  The hotel did offer a functioning hot tub which we used twice.  Definitely worth it.
I had wanted to eat mexican food while Jenn was visiting.  There is a place in Sedona, noteworthy, to check out.  For some reason, I felt they were only open for dinner.  The clerk at the hotel assured me that that was not the case.  I should have stuck with my gut instinct.
Mexican food out and we chose another well-known eatery in Sedona.  Again, a little lackluster.  Now, I know which places to skip on my next venture into Sedona.
Her visit continued with more wine tasting, a xmas party and concluded with pedicures.  I had a blast.  Too much fun really.  As a result, I took an additional day off to rest and hopefully recover from the cold.  I believe part of the cold is due to change of weather and the other part is due to me being a complete cerebral freak.  I am way too internal as of late.  I analyze, re-analyze, over-analyze.  It's a nonstop circuit playing in my head.  I think I have lingering cold as a result of this.
Yesterday, I decided to stop making myself crazy with my thoughts.  I guess I wonder what I am doing in my life, which direction I am heading, etc...normal things that everyone goes through at one point or another in their lives.  It's been an odd year for sure.  I just need to make peace with that I chose to be on this road and recognize the positives that have occurred as a result.
Alright, I am off to yoga to continue the namaste of the day.  I am happy to be here, safe, secure and healthy.

Visit from a dear friend

Happy Sunday!  Today, my girl, Jenn, is visiting me in AZ.  I am super excited!  I love entertaining and showing people around the Valley.  I find it difficult to narrow down where and what to do.  I mean, if we follow the food route, well, the possibilities are endless.  There are hot spots in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe that I frequent.  We only have three days.  Not nearly enough time to check out all of the amazing spots in the Valley.
Plus, we are heading to Jerome and Sedona today to enjoy the beauty of the red rocks.  I adore Sedona.  What a beautiful, soothing place.  There are fantastic restaurants there, too.  I scouted Cornville with Danny last Monday.  We wine tasted and then relaxed with an additional glass of wine.  I considered asking Danny to continue the discovery phase of Cornville/Cottonwood.  They are both lovely communities with wine.  Who wouldn't be thrilled to be enjoying a glass of wine on a Monday?  Anyways, I am excited to return to find additonal places to eat.  And, I have never been to Jerome.  I have heard many things about that thriving town.  It reminds me of the beauty of Santa Fe.  A welcoming vibe with artists, food and wine.  Sounds like my kind of place.
I know that we will hike Camelback and possibly, somewhere, in Sedona, too.  I have hiked there occasionally.  I went once with my friend, Robert, from college days.  I forced my little sister to engage in the hiking activity which she found enjoyable.  (I think Jade was shocked that she liked it.)  I hiked up Chapel Rock on a solo visit only to be scolded by a minister.  I was in the process of releasing ashes.  It was a spiritual journey on that visit to Sedona.  I climbed up, somehow missing the visible signs telling people to not climb on the rocks.  In that moment, my mind was set on the task of the journey not on my surroundings.  I remember the guy telling me to come down.  In a small voice, I explained why I was there and that I would be finishing my quest and would prefer to do it alone.  Thankfully, for both of us, he had kindness in his heart and walked away.  That is the last time I have hiked in Sedona.  Feels like a good day to return to hiking in Sedona.
Or, we could go the resort route.  Phoenix has several worthy examples of a spa day.  I believe we will be getting a pedicure at some point.  If we had more time, I think, I would push the idea of staying at the Phoenician or Royal Palms.  We still have the opportunity to spend sunset at one of these gorgeous resorts.
Whle I was planning her vacay (my staycation), I envisioned a foodie trip with some hiking.  I tried to narrow down which restaurants we must go to and then I woke up, yesterday, with a slight scratching on my throat.  I inhaled garlic trying to combat the oncoming assault of sneezing and mucus.  I looked at what supplies I had available--zinc, fish oil tabs, grapeseed oil.  Somehow, I had forgotten to resupply my oil of oregano, vitamin C and lemons.  Awesome!
Still, I am confident that her trip will be a wonderful adventure.  I might not inhale wine (like our normal get together visits).  There is food, hiking and exploration of the city.  We will be entertained!
This is a photo of our wine and painting class.  A group of us--Sara and her Jenn, the Goddess and her sister and Jenn and I--that attempted this class.  Lindsay's sister had the best painting.  Jenn's was the most creative and I think I drank the most bubbly.  It was a lovely Sunday Funday in early 2011.  Today will be the kick off to a wonderful venture in Phoenix.
Cheers!