National Championship and California Visit

Well, unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard about the outcome of the Texas v. Alabama National Championship. Although we were super disappointed, we couldn't be mad or upset with the heart of our team. I was so proud to be a Longhorn that day. Not only did our team show an enormous amount of talent, heart and guts, but in Texas fashion our fans kept things classy and weren't sore losers.

As for the game itself, it was pretty amazing to be back at the Rosebowl for the third time in five years. Something about that place is just magical. It is literally in the middle of a Pasadena neighborhood (for example, all of the tailgates are on the golf course i.e. we were drinking wine and beer on the driving range) and is surrounded by beautiful mountains.

As dusk fell on the stadium, it was so neat to see a spectacular fireworks show and see the fighter jet flyover (well, more like hear, because the smoke from the fireworks prevented us from really seeing them) right before our kickoff. It was so fun to get to be at the stadium with my parents, my husband, two of my best friends, and 45,000 other Longhorn fans.

Here are some pictures from the National Championship:





After the game was over, we walked for what seemed like miles with thousands of other fans to look for cabs back to our hotel. Needless to say, it was a fruitless search. Eventually, I passed by a man standing on the sidewalk saying, "SUV available." My parents, Mike, Christine, Melinda and I climbed into this man's Escalade and he drove us back to L.A. I think Christine summed it up best when she said, "I love knowing that if we didn't pay this man for the ride, he would for sure pull out a gun and point it in my face." In spite of this sketchy story, Charles (aka driver) took a liking to us and out of the blue asked, "Would you all like to see Michael Jackson's house?" I think Christine simulateneously had a seizure, screamed, cried, and peed in her pants with joy. For all who know Christine, this might not surprise you. However, for those of you who don't, she is literally one of those people who loves him SO much that she sticks with, "He was proven innocent everytime."

Much to Mike's embarrassment at our girly giggles and excessive pictures, here is a picture of Christine and I in front of Michael Jackson's house:


The Friday after the game, Mike and I boarded a train and rode up to Santa Barbara where we met his parents for a fantastic weekend of wine tasting, beautiful scenery and delicious food.

After lunch in Santa Barbara, Mike's parent's drove us up to their home in Arroyo Grande, about 15 minutes outside San Luis Obispo. We spent Friday afternoon talking, relaxing, and having drinks at one of my favorite places in the world, The Cliffs. The Cliffs is a hotel/restaurant that has outdoor seating. It overlooks the beautiful Pacific Ocean and as an added bonus, we timed it perfectly to see the sunset.

Here is a picture of our family at the Cliffs and a picture of the sunset from our table:



On Saturday, we slept in and took our time getting ready. Later we had one of the most fantastic days I've had in awhile. We started out at the local art show where Mike and I picked out two authentic watercolor vineyard prints for our dining room. We then ventured over to Morrow Bay and had lunch at Bay City Cafe which is right on the water and overlooks Morrow Rock. It also has some of the most fantastic green chili clam chowder ever!

After lunch, we headed out to the wine country in Paso Robles. Mike's parents literally live 5 minutes away from Edna Valley Vineyards and so wine tasting is something that we do every time we go visit. However, this time it was very special because we took a chance and visited three vineyards that none of us had ever been to.

We started out looking for one place only to end up at another. Mike's mom saw a vineyard called "Changala," announced that she liked the name, and 5 minutes later we were parked and inside the wine tasting room. Generally wine tastings are about 4-5 wines, however as this was a little mom and pop operation, we tasted about 10. What was even more fantastic was that the owner and winemaker, Heidi, paired most of the wines with different types of chocolate. Who knew that I'd ever fall in love with Zinfandel and garlic chocolate? Mike and I loved it SO much that we decided to join and make it our first official wine club. We will receive 6 of their bottles 2 times a year. Our first shipment is in May and I can't wait!

Heidi recommended that we check out PipeStone, another family operation. This one was neat because the winemaker, Jeff Pipes, and his wife were into the organic aspects of winemaking and actually maintained their vineyards with an authentic horse and plow!! This is very rare and it was so neat to get to learn about it. Aside from that, we also enjoyed getting to know the winemaker, Jeff, and tasting his DELICIOUS red wines (his Zinfandel is one of the best i've ever had!)

Here is a picture of Mike and I at Pipestone:


Our last stop we picked at random, a little tiny vineyard crammed into the nook of the woods called Paolillo. We walked in to meet Charlie (an older Italian gentleman who is also the winemaker and owner,) serving another family of four. We instantly took a liking to the family and while we were tasting his FANTASTIC wine and talking, Charlie began to tell us stories of his younger days. Charlie was a very famous celebrity photographer in the 1940's and 1950's. He shot Marilyn Monroe, Jane Mansfield, Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable, Grace Kelly, Doris Day, etc. His stories were incredible, the company was wonderful, and the wine was some of my favorite. Charlie even agreed that he'd bring all of his photos out in June when we brought my parents back for a visit.

When we got home (and Mike and I finished unloading our 8 bottles wine out of the car) Dona, Mike's mom, made a delicious Prime Rib and mushroom soup dinner. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

On a side note, here is a picture of Mike and his beloved Rottweiler and brother, Zeke:


Sunday morning seemed to arrive a little too early. I was telling Mike that I just love how you can really put aside all stress and live life to the fullest out in the wine country. Not to mention, we miss Mike's parents, Dona and Rick, terribly. It was sad to have such a wonderful trip and have to leave so soon. I think it is safe to say that we can't wait for June when we will go back!!!