Vino!

I got the privilege of helping Sandee & Pinky Piluso bottle their fabulous wine today! It was so cool to get to be a part of the process. We had a very efficient assembly line going bottling a whole case in under a minute! Of course, we had to take a few little breaks to "test" the wine...and a few "imperfects" will make it home :-). Piluso Vineyards makes wonderful wines and they are a couple of my most favorite people. Drop by their farm for a taste some weekend...you'll be glad you did.

We did the bottling at another local winery, Pudding River Wines Cellars, I love their Pinot Gris! The pictures above are from their winery.

Tracy and her mama, Sandee.

I got a workout on the Spinner (wraps the foil around the top of the bottle).

Pinky fillin' them up!

The Dynamic Duo!

Danny & Anne's Visit

My little brother, Danny and his girlfriend, Anne, came up for a visit this past week. We figured he hadn't been up here since he was a kid, Alex's age. We had a great time seeing the sights, playing games every night and hanging around the farm.

Danny and Anne went over to Pacific City. We had gone there back when Danny was a boy. What perfect weather they had!

A gorgeous morning at Silver Falls. I love showing off my beautiful Oregon!

Danny especially enjoyed the tractor and the lawnmower!

It was great to have a man around the house too. Danny trimmed my huge maple tree for me. It had got so big we could barely drive under it! Thanks, Dan! We had a GREAT dinner at Andina in Portland - LOVE that place! I'm so glad they came up for a visit. Now I have to get my other little brother, Kevin, to come up too!

Taekwondo Summit Meeting

Alex and I went to Ocean Shores, Washington this weekend so he could participate in a Taekwondo workshop. Even though he was one of the lowest ranked participants he did really well and learned a lot. It was so cool to see all these blackbelts there, from little kids to older folks. Alex's favorite events were board breaking and sparring. Here's a little clip of him breaking boards. He's so strong!!!

Sublimity Harvest Festival

Alex and I spent the afternoon with the Arntson Family out at the Harvest Festival. I hadn't been there for years and years. We enjoyed hanging out with The Arntsons' as well as seeing old friends we hadn't seen forever.Tracy, Rylee, John & Jake (a BIG monster truck fan)
Alex helped Jake through the big obstacle course.


Outlaw was my favorite! Look at that AIR!!!

This guy could do some cool wheelies...

He broke an axle and I thought he was going to tip for sure (that would have been really exciting!)

I have no idea who these people are...but check out the cool "Monster" wagon!

More Birthday Celebrations!

Another fabulous Ya Ya's - the best one of the year - because it's mine and Cindy's Ya Ya Birthday Celebration! Our Ya Ya's spoil us every year with the best gifts, yummy food and delicious cake.

I received so many beautiful gifts from my Ya Ya's (thank you!!). They all know how I love my wine!

Cindy and I LOVE our Peanut Butter and Chocolate Ice Cream Cake each year-sooooo good!

I love sharing my birthday with Cindy. I'm the only one aging though....

First Day of School...

It seems like only yesterday Alex was starting his first day of preschool. I didn't want to leave him but he was very excited to be there. Oh, how I wish I could just go back and start all over again!

September 1998

September 2008

Alex's fist day of 8th Grade!

Ruby Tuesday...

I figured this glass of RED WINE would be an appropriate picture for Ruby Tuesday as I enjoyed just a bit too much of it last night!