The Grape Escape

My boss took the managers out on a Grape Escape yesterday and we visited Domaine Drouhin, Domaine Serene and Archery Summit. While we had a ton of amazing Pinot Noirs, I was pleasantly surprised by a chardonnay which is unheard off from a die-hard red fan like myself. Was really impressed with the company and scheduled a return visit for my team to WillaKenzie , Adelsheim and a yet to be decided on vineyard. Can't wait!

Afternoon at the Ballet

Had lunch at Stanford's before seeing the matinee of the Oregon Ballet Theatre, the fall program opened last night at the Keller. Marley, Abby and Stasha were all frilly in pink, black, white and lots of tulle. The program was in 3 parts called "Movement as Metaphor" CONCERTO BAROCCO - Johann Sebastian Bach / George Balanchine. Stark and pretty with the soloists dancing the parts of the two violins and the corps de ballet represented the orchestra) ORPHEUS PORTRAIT - Franz Liszt / Kent Stowell. It ended with Eurydice on the river Styx, great effects with a long flowing ribbon, wind and lighting. SWAN LAKE, ACT III - Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky / Christopher Stowell. The last act with the Black Swan and all the courtiers/entertainers from Spain, Naples, Russia and Hungary gathered in a lavishly decorated castle hall to see Prince Siegfried pick a bride.  

Girlfriend in a Coma

Have you ever wondered what song is playing on the radio? I love my new car because the stereo tells me. Not sure what the technology is, but as I was driving to work this morning and heard (and read) the following: Jump - house of pain Slither - velvet revolver girlfriend in a coma - the smiths Fuel - metallica Rollercoaster of love - red hot chili peppers Technology rocks....but music rocks more!!

the nibbler

i lost one of my friends yesterday - i had to put my big orange kitty to sleep. he caught a virus after his surgery last month. john is heartbroken and both of us are in a bit of a daze. whose going to come into the bedroom every night purring and curl up on my shoulder? i'm going to miss him sitting in the window during the summer making chirping sounds trying to attract the birds. curling up in a ball on his back, tittling his head and looking all innocent after he has escaped or knocked something over. his musty belly smell. nibbling on my rings, my nose, my ears or chin in the middle of the night or early moring when he wants some attention. coming into the bathroom and knocking stuff in the toilet. sniffing john's head and then chewing on his glasses. i'm going to miss so much about him. i got the chance to see him and cuddle yesterday morning. he was in a bit of discomfort, but thankfully no pain yet. he stuck out his chin like he does and i was scritching under it until he started to purr like a train. his purrs are soo nice. he wasn't just a cat, he was my friend. he was a great judge of character, loved playing with kids, knew just when you needed some love and demanded to be pet at that exact moment. he was compassion and sweet, there will never be another big orange kitty like him. he was a kind soul and i can't wait to see him again someday. goodbye my big stinker, my lil' poo kitty, tinky tinky.....my cat Tigger