May Flowers

May flew by like you wouldn't believe...well I'm sure yours did too so you believe it. The best part of May is that is is my birthday month. And yes, I celebrate for the whole month. It usually works out well for everyone else's schedule anyway to do things throughout the month instead of cramming everything into one weekend.

My sister cooked a fantastic meal at my parent's house for a family celebration and on top of that, treated me to a day at the Biltmore. We started off with a tennis lesson, taught by Lon, who also happens to have his own brand of marinades, Sake To Me. We learned a lot about his marinades...and tennis, haha. We had brunch at the Adobe Restaurant, and then spent the rest of the day lounging by the pool. Love me some sister time.

JJ took me out for a wonderful dinner at T. Cook's at the Royal Palms and then we met up with our friends, who live in South Bend, at the Jade Bar at Sanctuary to enjoy the view from Camelback Mountain. Wish they lived closer!!

We went out with my in-laws for a combination Mother's Day/birthday celebration at Cowboy Ciao and I had the best salad ever (along with other things, all their apps are great).

Speaking of mother's day...Carolyn and I took Mom to The Boulders in Cave Creek for a mother/daughter sleepover. We had such an amazing time! One of the best things about being in Phoenix in the summer (besides the cool weather...not) is taking advantage of the off-season rates at all the resorts Four- and five-star resorts at three-star prices, can't beat it. We sipped drinks by the pool, hiked up and around the boulders, drank wine in the hot tub while looking at the stars, and went to dinner at Cafe Bink. None of us had spent much time up in Cave Creek or Carefree so it was all an adventure and an amazing staycation.

For my mother-in-law's present, JJ and I bought a custom wine making experience at Casavino Winery in Fountain Hills. The five of us (Carla's sister was in town too!) did a private wine tasting of all their varietals and the were able to pick one and make a batch! We picked the Dolce Rojo (ironically, it isn't sweet like the name suggests...its a full-bodied blend of Spanish grapes) and got to make it from start to finish. It is currently sitting at the winery fermenting and waiting for us to bo back for bottling, But first we have to create a custom label. It will come as no surprise to anyone that the goldens will be front and center on the label and we are still trying to come up with a good name. My current favorites are "Golden Red" or "Barney and Bella's Blend".