Pouring @ DOC

My favorite wine salesman was pouring at one of my favorite wine bars.

What a great night spent with my sister and future brother-in-law, my second family, and one of my new favorites ;-)

Bear Down!

Sadly the Bears did not win on Sunday vs the Pack, but that didn't stop my second family and I from having a great day!

Drinks at Kitty O'Sheas, then we headed to Burnham Harbor to check out Gordy's south.

Fun times!

Cumpleanos Feliz Gayle!

Cooking Club this month fell on Gayle's bday so there was extra cause to celebrate! Crystal hosted and the theme was her native New Mexico. While we all were a little wary about our creations, everything was excellent.

CP - Sweet Chile Meatballs

Chi Chi - Sopapillas

Natalie - Chips/Salsa

Ashley - Corn pudding w/ green chiles

Crystal - Chicken enchilada bake

Molly - Arroz con leche

Gayle - Vino

Plus a red velvet cake for Gayle - a smashing success!!!

And They're Off

Despite growing up in Chicago, I had never been to Arlington Racetrack so I was thrilled when Mukai-san arranged a little outing. Michael, Jojo, and Jojo's mom brought the adorable 1 month old Lyndsay. Sato and Naoko brought the precious 3 month old Yuka Grace....and I was in heaven!

Starting them young!

Mukai-san loves the racetrack...and looks the part, don't you think?

The Satos

The Wus

Baile!

We headed to Las Tinajas for an authentic Panamanian meal and local dance show - loved it!

So great to get to hang out with Maria Victoria and Jacira who I correspond with a lot.

And loved seeing my two favorite vessel planners - Jaime y Charles!

They performed many historic dances...

There was a famous drummer there too - AMAZING!

With all that inspiration we headed out to a club afterwards - great ending to a great night!

Panama - Part III

Back in Panama! Love this place! And this time I got to bring my mom! First stop - Panama Canal!!!

Going down!

We headed down the causeway to the Amador for lunch....

So fun watching the ships waiting to go through the canal!

Salud!

Northwoods!

We headed up to the Northwoods for a long weekend - gotta love all that fresh air, pine smell, and silence. Not to mention that water!

Dan spent a lot of the time fishing.

Kelly spent a lot of the time tanning...crazy that it was 85 in mid September!

We couldn't resist that glass and rented a boat! Spent the day on the water skiing!

Best skiing ever...effortless cuts, no other boats, and great nature!

We spotted a bald eagle! He stayed up on his perch all day watching us as we circled the lake over and over again.

So sad to leave....we'll be back as soon as we can!