rising star vineyards...and other junk

If anyone is curious, last week I was taken aboard an alien ship and forced to make pot brownies (apparently a bit of a time consuming process) while whistling Greased Lightning. [strange aliens.]

Now I'm back.

Oh-and on the way home, Boyfriend and I stopped off at a junk store then headed to a vineyard to sample some goodies. Mmmmmm....fermented grape juice....

 

 

 

 

 

it's about time

No, not the short lived TV series from the 60s. It's about time for me to post NYC photos! I've been back from my trip to The Big Apple for almost a month, and I'm just getting around to uploading pics. Contrary to what you would be led to believe (by most who know me, especially Boyfriend), it was not due to laziness. Exactly. I'd attribute the first week of procrastination to laziness. The weeks that followed without picture posting can be attributed to my misplacing the camera battery charger. By the time I got around to making time to sift through and edit photos, my pretty little silver Sony pal was dead. Dead. Dead. Dead. And unlike my last Sony pal, I was not gifted a second battery that can be charging while I use the other. Sad, I know. So, I've been searching like mad around the house. Not a single nook or cranny went unturned. But alas, there was no charger to be found.

Just when I thought all hope was lost (this morning), the big moderately sized light bulb in my head suddenly illuminated in a moment of sheer genius! Although I had checked both desks and their drawers, the coffee table drawers, the paper filling nook, my backpack, my nightstand, and even Boyfriend's catch-all tray, I hadn't thought to check my purses! Insert forehead slap with palm of hand accompanied by a big fat "duh!"

So....all that to say this. After a short charge this afternoon, Sony pal's battery was ready to work. Without further ado...a NYC photo tour!!!

NYC: checking in

I have officially walked and walked and walked for hours in NYC. Sadly, I have very little to show for it. I hiked 60-70 blocks, I think. Maybe a bit more? Either way, as much as I walked, I covered only a tiny little speck of Manhattan. Still great to get out and explore. People watch. Learn how to cross the street! Seriously, it's very intimidating. I mean, I know there's the little guy who lights up when it's your turn to cross (just like everywhere else) But people seem to cross the street whenever as long as no one is coming. That's all well and good...except for the intersections where there are essentially eight lanes of traffic (N/S/E/W are all separated by medians on the bigger streets) and someone is always turning, and honking, and confusing me! It's quite crazy.

When I got around to Little Italy I wandered into Landmark Diner for a California Omlette. So, so so good! It came with home fries and toast and was way too much food for one person! But it was perfect, all the same.

Back to the present. I am in GC's apartment, writing and watching/listening to General Hospital–relaxing before venturing back out in the cold. The ambient noise provided by all the big trucks, honking taxis, ambulance sirens and shouting pedestrians is actually quite...nice. I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to live here.

the big apple

these streets will make you feel brand new

the lights will inspire you
lets here it for New York, New York, New York

It's official. I am headed to New York in less than three weeks. Sixteen days. A little less if you consider that my flight is at 10 in the morning. Actually, in sixteen days (God willing), I'll be in a supershuttle traveling from the airport to GC's work. You see, I'll be meeting her there and once she's off we will begin our girls weekend. (Save the half day she'll put in on Friday while I traipse around her neighborhood keeping an eye out for Ed Westwick.) Then Sunday afternoon, Boyfriend and LM will fly in to meet us. I am so looking forward to spending time with GC, who I haven't seen since 1996! (and that was the only time we've seen each other since 1991, when we wee little 6 year-olds were separated by 800 miles!) That's right ladies and gents, GC and I were kindergarten BFFs and have been keeping in touch for the 20 years since she moved away. ::sniffle:: But alas, we are finally getting together again! And oh what fun it will be to spend time in the city with Boyfriend and LM too! YIPPEEEEEE!!!

So...for any curious minds...this is a general idea of where we'll be. I'll actually be staying with GC and her roomie Thursday-Sunday, then Boyfriend, LM and I will head to a hotel right near Little Italy. Pizza, anyone?

In the spirit of Christmas (it still counts) I'm making a list and checking it twice. Though this list has nothing to do with behavior. The truth is, I'd make a list even if it wasn't the holidays cuz that's how I roll. (I even received Love Listography for Christmas to satisfy my penchant for list-making)

1. Figure out which luggage makes the most sense for me and Boyfriend to take
2. Decide which clothes to take (this will soon become it's own list)
3. Organize travel documents for myself and Boyfriend
(including details for navigating from the airport to Manhattan for Boyfriend,
who is certain he will get lost)
4. Camera (purchase or borrow because mine broke)
5. Book for the plane
6. Pack airline friendly purse and carry-on (more lists!)
7. Find a new pea-coat!
8. Compare "to-see" items with Boyfriend an LM so I can
hold off on certain things they would like to be a part of

That's all for now. But you can be certain I am not done penning checklists.

More to follow. Ciao.

DENVER & other parts

This place deserves its own post. If you squint and look at most things sidesways through your sunglasses, it still posseses all the glamour and swanky stlyings of it original state. However, with open eyes and tinted lenses removed the place is pretty run down. On the upside, the indoor pool with its huge western mural and twenty-five foot skylights is predy-friggin-cool.

This is the hotel's ride.

Ryon's attempt to photograh of a solar car while in a moving vehicle. Ha!

If you've never seen this episode of South Park, not only are you missing out, but you may have no idea of the fabulousness that is Casa Bonita. And if you have been there, well, you understand why I had to make record of our trip there (Ryon's first).

Inside Casa Bonita. Yes, those are pirates.

Wristbands from The UMS. Woot woot! (that was for The UMS, not the wristbands though I was rather fond of the sparkly one.)

Pretty boyfriend looking at Red Rocks.

Cooper & Charlie

This is Bob.

I don't really know what this is. Ryon took this photo. I do know we were at a Colorado Visitor's Center where we received free hats in exchange for our email addresses. Neat-o!

Last but not least, us!