Shelby's Life and Whatnot

Doo Doo Doo

Lots has been going on lately. We spent the weekend at the Santa Barbara County Vinter's Association's Harvest Festival (say THAT three times fast!). We met up with my cousins Geoff and Tracy and had an absolute BLAST! The Harvest Festival is a large wine and food event. Booths are set up everywhere and wineries pour their wine while restaurants and catering companies give out samples of food. For some reason, we didn't think there would be as much food as there was, so we loaded up at IHOP before. Mistake. We porked out like it was the apocalypse once we were there.

In fact, a highlight of the trip was the famous "Pasta booth." They had this rigatoni pasta in a cheesy sauce--it was to die for. Geoff and Tracy first went and got some, plus two extra bowls for their "friends" (us). It was so good Geoff went back, and the woman said, "Oh, do you want an extra bowl for your 'friend'?" Too bad Geoff was wearing a distinctive plaid shirt and was easily spotted. We sent Kevin for thirds.

We tasted tons of wine but really took it easy and enjoyed the afternoon. The weather was beautiful and we were very comfy in jeans and t-shirts. Before and after the festival Geoff, Tracy, and the two of us played games in their room. Okay, that sounded a little dirty. I mean BOARD GAMES people! We forgot our favorite game, Apples to Apples, but we played a bunch of other standbys.

I've got some busy days ahead of me. Friday I head to Oregon for a writer's retreat over the weekend. I come back Sunday, and then Tuesday I'm heading for Chicago (more on that in a second) and return Thursday. Friday is the critique of our stained glass windows--yikes! Then Monday the 24th I'm going to Disneyland with some girlfriends, which should be a blast (of course, it's the happiest place on earth!).

On a more somber note, my Uncle Ted, my mom's brother, is back in the hospital. He has lung cancer and has been having a rough time of it lately. I'm flying out to Chicago Tuesday-Thursday to visit and say hi to the rest of the family. Any prayers you could send would be welcome.