Next stop London!

The 2008 Beijing Olympics concluded last night, and as we have come to expect from the spare-no-expense Chinese, the finale was quite a showstopper, with more high flying performers, computer wizardry and plenty o' pomp.

Midway through, the London 2012 organizers got to have their moment in the spotlight. With a double-decker red bus and a mix of characters from many different ethnic groups, they introduced themselves with a glimpse of what Brittania will bring to the games in just four short years.

Compared to the Chinese-only Beijing performers, the mix of different ethnicities on the London team was a breath of fresh air. They even had a disabled actor in wheelchair spinning umbrellas with the rest of the team.

Eventually, the red bus opened to reveal the London Skyline and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page playing Whole Lotta Love -- Fantastic!
But then.... out pops the ultimate secret weapon: DAVID BECKHAM !!!!
Kicking a soccer ball into the crowd, a giddy Japanese athlete caught it, beaming ear to ear.
Take that Beijing! You may have state-sponsored billions to produce a two-week public relations infomercial, but only the Brits have BECKHAM !!!
And no one can bend it like him.
Game(s) over.

Tea Time!

We went to a lovely birthday tea for Allie's friend this afternoon. An authentic English Tea Room can be found in Calistoga, and our scones, clotted cream and Victorian sponge cake were Dee-lish -- and so was the Princess Di and Royal Family memorabilia!

A note to her sisters.

From Ava, age 8.

Jack London day trip

Off on our last summer vacation day trip. Jack London State Park is about 30 min. from where we live, so off we went last Friday. Turned out to be one of the hottest days of summer, so after a hike, the girls used a water fountain to cool off. The grown ups got sprayed too !

I shared my obsession/fear of Poison Oak by pointing it out everywhere we went. Turns out Mrs. Shindle has a snake phobia so together we were quite the hiking guides! Actually, she kicked my butt on the hills, at several points even giving Ava a piggy back ride as I panted behind her.

We saw it all that day, the main house/museum, JL gravesite (next to two pioneer children - cool!), Wolf House ruins AND the barns and cottage. What a day!

Barbie Road Trip!

To my Barbie-lovin' gal pals:
My dear friend Donna and I went on a fun field trip -- to Sandi Holder's Doll Attic in beautiful Union City, Ca!
Oh, the Barbies! The accessories! The GLAMOUR!
Sandi Holder's collection includes thousands of Barbies, Barbie's friends, cases, clothes and MORE. If you {heart} Barbie, this is the place for you.
I shall return.
(P.S. The pink princess phone isn't Barbie, but isn't she CUTE ???)

Happy Birthday!

It's not a birthday without cute cupcakes!

Manhattan Transfer!

One of my favorite bands played at our Napa Fair and we got to meet the group backstage! The first two songs at our wedding were from Manhattan Transfer, "That's the Way it Goes," and "Heart's Desire." Among others at the show last week they sang "That's the Way it Goes." Awwww.... me and Mr. Planet Claire were happy about that. Great show!!