Wine Tasting 2012

Jenny, Jeremy, Mark and I had so much fun on our fall wine tasting tour along the St Croix River last year, there was no question we would try to repeat the pleasurable weekend in an encore performance.

We actually ended up going the exact same October weekend as last year. This year the air was crisp and the skies threatened rain, but it was no matter to us. The wine was fine, and the leaves were on grand display ase cruised along the back side of the Forest Lake to the Wine Haven vineyard outside of Chisago. The tasting at Winehaven was actually our second drink of the day. The first was a Bloody Mary with our delicious lunch at the Dockside Cafe in Stillwater.

After tasting a wide array of red wines, white wines and specialty wines (including Cranberry and Pumpkin)  we headed back toward the river. We made a pit stop at Holiday for non alcoholic beverages (and CAFFIENE). Yes, I needed COFFEE at this point.

We crossed the boarder into Wisconsin and stopped at The Indian Creek Winery and Grill on Main Street in St Croix Falls. Since this "winery" is on Main Street, it is more of a "bar" and grill then anything else. We decided to fore go a paid tasting and simply decided to purchase a bottle of their "house" red to enjoy along with the hospitality. It was drizzling (snowing?) when we arrived. By time we finished the bottle, the sprinkles had ceased.

From there we headed a mile or two north to Chateau St. Croix (home of the endless Groupon/Social Living discount wine tasting). About once a month you can pick up online discount voucher for a wine tasting for two with chocolate, cheese and souvenir glasses.

And so we each turned in our 6 wooden nickels to taste the wine.
We ate the chocolate and the cheese.
We bought more wine.
We drank another glass....and we got out the camera.

After, we headed back toward Stillwater. Like last year, we happened upon the perfect pasture to watch a perfect and peaceful sunset. Per Jenny's lead last year, I was prepared with a corkscrew (and plastic cups) in the trunk, so we cracked open another bottle as the light waned in the west.

(Coming soon - Sunset pasture photos courtesy of Jeremy Lyons)

But, the day was not over. Back in town, we had reservations at Dominique Wine  Bar. Our meal was fabulous (so was the wine....).

and then we went to the bar.

and then we acted like college students and went through the Taco Bell and White Castle drive thru.

and then we went back to our hotel room with out bags of food and laughed .

and then we woke up in a wine induced haze and ate free hotel breakfast.

and then we went HOME and took a nap at 10 am before we had to pick up the Twinners from Kelly and Pat's.

Next Year? The Thomberg Lyons wine tour weekend will  most likely head south!

**What I Wore Footnote**

Skinny Jeans - KUT from Hot Mama

Sparkly Tank - Banana Republic last winter (Christmas gift from Chris)

Hoodie - Prairie Underground from Hot Mama (Christmas gift card from Mark plus some)

Boots - Super clearance from DSW two years ago.

Gold Scarf - B.P. last year

Long locket necklace - Esty seller!

What I Wore

There are a plethora of blogs devoted to "What I Wore". I enjoy visiting them from time to time, for outfit inspirations. Anyone who knows me (even a little) might know I love to shop.

I shop online at places like Etsy, Amazon, and exclusive web shops (like ModClothe or Shabby Apple where I have never actually purchased anything). The usual fixed stores I frequent include Banana Republic, the cool new JC Penny, Land's End in Sears (for my kids), or DSW for shoes. I shop in boutiques - those expensive ones (like Hot Mama), and those dedicated to inexpensive trend pieces (like Lillian's). I shop in thrift stores (like Goodwill and Savers) because you never know what you might find.  I shop in many a store I happen upon in my goings-on. I always scour the clearance rack. Does anyone ever pay full price?

When an occasion or event comes up, I immediately think about the "outfit". Truth be told (on the down-low) I am already scheming for the Crystal Ball gala in MAY!

(This whole post is very honest reveal of the VERY material side of my phyche, and the  embarrassing amount of time I invest in my own personal appearance...)

So when I learned Mark's downtown Minneapolis Caribou was hosting an Amy's Blend Launch Party for their 'bou bean that supports cancer causes each fall, I immediately began to wonder, "What will I wear??"

The launch party was dubbed "A Gala Event to Kickoff the 2012 Amy's Blend Collection"
The tag line said, "Deck Out in your Best Pink"
(The color this year is fuchsia to be more exact.)
It was set for last Saturday.

I heard Mark's boss was wearing cocktail attire with pink/fuschia, thus setting off my wardrobe search escapades -Online/Offline/Everywhere. I quickly decided a fuchsia dress would be less then flattering on me, but I searched anyway. I thought about black, grey or navy, with pink accessories. I stalked E-bay, Amazon, Zappos, Overstock, Piperlime, Etsy, Polyvore, and a multitude of sites I will likely never google upon again for dresses, shoes, a handbag, and jewelry.

I searched for two weeks. I ordered several items (some late in the game) and hoped they would arrive on time (and had a reasonable return policy). I bid (too low) on some E-bay jewelry. I went to antique shops inquiring after vintage fuchsia crystal jewelry.

I shopped to the MAX.

Toward the beginning of the search, I purchased this black tunic from an Etsy seller. I had been eye-ing it for many moons and decided to pull the trigger. After it arrived, I went to JoAnne Fabrics and purchased chiffon to sew a replacement fuchsia sash.  I returned to JoAnne a few days later for black fabric. The shirt/tunic was shorter then I hoped, and wondered if I could improvise. While there, I discovered hot pink, stretchy, ruffle tiered fabric. Could I create an easy-sew, three seam, maxi-skirt on my own? I had managed the sash. Already, I was worried my other options would fall flat....

The stunning earrings I bought from an Etsy jeweler arrived in the post last Thursday, along with a custom order necklace she whipped up to match .  The only pair of affordable non-hooker-esqe, fuchsia pumps (with less then 4 inches heels) were delivered Friday. I was armed with an arsenal of in-expensive accessories from Claire's, which I planned to return when un-used.  I wanted OPTIONS.

At about 8:30 pm Friday, my various fuschia game plans were failing miserably. The black shirt (with self-made hot pink sash) wasn't coming together the way I wanted. It got a big red X from dear husband. His rejection was relevant. I needed a dress!

I moved on to the black frocks in my closet (...too formal... too tight in the wrong spots because on my pudge...didn't really lend themselves to the fuchsia...you get the idea.). I wanted to look "just right" for the 'Bou corporate staff who would be attending, and the managers and staff Mark oversees. At 9:30 pm, Mark went to bed...while I sat at the kitchen table, searching the web sites of stores I could pop into Saturday morning.

Top of the list - Francesca's (cheap enough, several potential items noted on line, convenient).

On Saturday, Mark went to work early for the Amy's launch. The kids watched cartoons downstairs. I returned to the kitchen table and struggled to sew up the maxi skirt.  At 11:30 Saturday morning the Twinners and I set out on the final hunt. I was dressed in the hot pink skirt with a denim shirt. Maybe my silly sewing project would work... with the right shirt - BUT PROBALY NOT. (..and I wouldn't be able to wear the pink heels with it.)

I bribed the kids with a trip to Cherry Berry if they would politely visit up to three stores at Arbor Lakes. Guess what? They were almost angels and we only needed to visit one retailer (plus Ulta for lipstick).

This was the final cut on the "pink carpet" Saturday night!
(photos courtesy of Jenny's Iphone)

Fuchsia Shoes - Fergalicious from Amazon

Royal Blue Dress, Fuchsia Clutch and Earring - Francesca's at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove

Fuchsia Belt - already owned from Target

Fuchsia Bangles - Claire's

Mark's pink and grey striped shirt - Nordstrom Rack

Mark's Suit - already owned from Banana Republic

Saturday night at the "launch" Tim Mahony played, there was a "pink" fashion show, pink velvet cupcakes, a DJ, a nice crowd, and nice sales of Amy's Blend.  Jenny joined me. After all of my super silly, totally materialistic whoo ha, and outrageous time spent over my damned party attire, the two of us quickly slipped away from the "gala" for a non-caffinated big-girl drink and a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant.

**If you all vote I should  have went to Francesca's first, I wish I had. (I will be adding them to stores I frequent). I love the little blue dress I found. It was affordable (sturdy polyester), and I suspect I will wear it with leggings and black heels to Brett's Birthday dinner at Manny's, and to dinner in San Fransisco when I visit Dawn later this month.
**If you think I am a bit obsessive about my wardrobe, you are correct. It is too much fun for me.

**I spent about two hours (or less) at the pink shin-dig. I refuse to tally the hours or dollars invested in the costume madness leading up to the shin-dig.

**No, I am not sure where I am going to wear the fuchsia maxi skirt I sewed for $14.

**Yes, I will be making returns to Claire's Boutique with bracelets, a fuchsia bedazzled purse from the kid's section, and pink rhinestone heart earrings.

**I have wanted the black racer-back, bowed shirt from the Fleet Collection for a year, and will defend this purchase even though it was a FAIL. It sells out each season before they make more.

**The fuchsia shoes are more comfortable then expected and may get worn at this year's Crystal Ball, which has the same color theme. Hopefully the gorgeous earrings from Etsy have the same potential.  I did wear the earrings and necklace to dinner at the Macaroni Grill with jeans on Friday when my Cousin Jared flew into town.
**The earrings I found and wore the same day of the event cost $14.00. The ones I purchased from Etsy were more...
**For anyone who recalls this year's Mother's Day post, I do have a really cool fuchsia necklace I 'gifted' myself from Patina. If you all suggest I first begin shopping in my closet, and build from there, this is usually a good idea.
**I now own black leggings, which I thought I could wear with the black tunic, which I needed anyway, and wore to church this Sunday.
**Before the event, I got a mani/pedi for the first time in eons, with hot pink polish.
**I broke out Spanx (already ownded) for this event. I curse the extreme effort required to pullll and tugggg on Spanx to encase one's flubby thighs and torso like a sausage!

In case you are wondering, I am not proud of all of this.

Playing Hookie!

Last week Dad forwarded an e mail to me from my Aunt Carol. She had three tickets to the Guthrie on Wednesday afternoon she wouldn't be using - hers, my Aunt Jan's, and Joyce Carlson's from Hector. Did my Dad want them?

We took them and put our own butts in two of the trio. I have been very busy at work with Allina's Community Giving campaign, and was excited to snatch a few hours of PTO  to sneak away on a fine fall afternoon.

And what a pleasant day it was. My morning began with an enjoyable Working with Women MetroNorth chamber meeting, I cruised back to the office, shot off a few e mails, and bolted down 94 to meet my Dad at Sea Change for lunch. The sun was shining, the leaves were glowing, the day was gorgeous. My smoked trout salad was delicious with an indulgent glass of white wine early in the day. My Dad and I had plenty of time to split a decadent chocolate dessert before heading up the escalator and into the theater. We enjoyed the spender of fall from the cantilever bridge.

Inside, we discovered Bonnie Hartung (Dad's dear friends from Hector) had the seats directly in front of us.

We enjoyed the play.

Why let such a splendid afternoon come to an end? We walked a few blocks up Washington and hopped into the Caribou my Dad frequents near his office in the Grain Exchange. I ordered the high sugar/high calorie Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte, since it was a "special" day! I met manager Mike, who is a direct report to Mark.

Finally, I headed home. I hope whatever I missed at work, I caught up with later. The beauty of "playing hookie" is you don't have to miss anything with your kids and family or friends, because heck...you SHOULD be at work.

Anyway, it was a grand afternoon. I enjoyed the carefree hours spent with just Me and just my Dad! Thanks Aunt Carol and Aunt Jan for the tickets. Sorry we couldn't see it with you!

Good Bye Summer!

It is with NO SADNESS we I say "GOOD BYE!" to summer.
It was a summer with NO missed opportunities, NO shortage of activity, and NO shortage of fun.

The Thomberg's raced through summer at mock speeds.
We were on super drive.
We didn't miss a chance to hit the water in a park or pool or lake.
We made good use of our Bunker Beach Water Park season passes.
We camped.
We saw fireworks and parades and water ski shows.
We went home to Hector, to the lake, and to friend's cabins.
There was maybe one single summer weekend that we spent entirely within the metro limits.
We spent time with family and extended family, and the kids ran wild with their cousins.
We sported awesome tans.
We ate A LOT.
By mid-July we forgot to apply sunscreen.
We had fun.

We had so damn much fun I couldn't bear to write another "Thomberg Summer of Fun" post as August ended.

There is NO POST on the State Fair.
We did take a day off work and went with my Dad as always.
We did go to basically every barn, except the swine barn.
We did go to the kiddy midway.
We did eat cheese curds, pronto pups, mini donuts (and chicken fried bacon too).
We did go home tired.

There is NO POST about Labor Day weekend.
We did spend it at the lake.
We ended the summer the same way we started it - with an overnight at Brett and Rachel's and hours on the boat.
We were joined by the H-we's.
Dean water skied.
Piper got her first lesson in water skiing.
We did have a few cocktails and a fire in the evening.

Fall is here.
We are happy to herald in the new season, with some time spent closer to home.
Last week we were up VERY late, in our own backyard, around a fire, with our neighbors.
Two Sunday's in a row have included walks of exploration along the bank of the Mississippi River across the street from our house.
The kids are into their third week of school and have adjusted perfectly.
We welcome the cooler days, instead of the intense heat of the past three months.
The mums are planted.
The impatients are dying.
I get to wear cardigans again.
I love cardigans.

Fall is good.
We are ready for fall (and a nap or two).

The First Day of School

Like many students across Minnesota, Marly and Dean headed off to their first day of kindergarten the day after Labor Day. The kids attend a math and environmental science magnet school in our school district. Several neighborhood kids also attend.

The first day we took the traditional front step photos, then loaded up, backpacks in hand, and drove the Twinners to their new school. Usually they will ride the bus and we will drive them to their stop, but mama duck and daddy duck weren't ready to put the goslings on the BIG YELLOW BUS on their very first day,with so many new unknowns.

We drove them to school and delivered them safely to Mrs. Loveridge's classroom at the end of the long hall, past the lunchroom referred to as the "cafe". I was resolute this whole kindergarten things was NO BIG DEAL for this mama duck.

Dean was very anxious the night before and morning of. Marly keeps her emotions close to the vest. Dean held both my hand and Mark's as we approached their classroom. Marly wanted no hand. Suddenly this whole kindergarten thing was becoming a BIG DEAL for mama duck. Mama duck started to take deep, calming breathes.

Once Dean settled into the new environment, he realized it wasn't so different from pre school. We got each child situated, and they began to ignore us, and sort of "shooed" us on with our day. Other mama ducks were holding back sobs as they exited the room.

...And so we took step towards the door.

We entered the hall.

We did not look back

This mama duck's eyes began to well up.

Walk quickly, breathe deeply!

Maybe a tear slipped down my cheek.

Maybe Mark was trying VERY hard to keep control.

Our only teeny tinies we will ever have just went off together to conquer kindergarten,

leaving mama duck and daddy duck behind with out a second glance!

The Last Day at Step by Step

Last Wednesday was the Twinners final day at Step by Step Montessori.

With director Ms. Jenni

Cupcakes from Jack's for their friends

Flowers and a Caribou card for Ms. Yelena

and Ms. Jacki

(...and Ms. Kim in the afternoon.)

Thomberg Summer of Fun 2012 - Reunions and running

Two Weeks Ago....A weekend of reunions and more.

"Best Of KSTP Eyewitness News" reunion at Sweeney's in St. Paul. CJ even mentioned it in the Strib. This is me with Maria Awes. At one point in time we worked on the desk together.

Ginther - The man I owed my job to at Channel 5, pictured with Al - The man who was made me great on the desk.

It was quite a night.... with oh so many co workers from the past, on hand from near and far. (Kari Patey from New York, Ginther and Jim Guy from Seattle, and Dean Staley from New Mexico. I STILL can't believe it.)

My Facebook post prior to the event sums it up best for me. Photos of the event are courtesy of friends' Facebook posts.

'At one point in my career, I went to work every day and wrote on a giant dry erase board around 9 am. I spelled poorly in neat handwriting. I ordered people around through out the day. I swore a LOT. I wore a headset for the phone, and checked multiple fax machines about every 15 minutes. I watched 3 TV's simultaniously at 5 pm. I got to send the chopper in the air. I woke (paged) people awake way too often. I got a major adrenaline RUSH whenever newsworthly tragidies occured. I don't do those things anymore, but I still canNOT spell. To all the fellow KSTP TV alumni/friends coming to the reunion/gathering TONIGHT, I can't wait to see you all!'

Saturday lunch in Uptown with Delta Zeta sisters I have not seen in YEARS! Unfortunately, the gathering occurred do to the unexpected death of a fine Delta Zeta sister.

Sunday we went to cheer Kelly as she ran her first 1/2 marathon. WAY TO GO KELLY! Amazing indeed.

Go Kelly! Go!

Sunday afternoon running through the sprinkler.