Animal rescue is not a smart place to be after breakfast and mimosas.

With Sonia in Atlanta training our newest employee, I have been forced to revisit my customer service roots from the Chicago years and run the Basically Me desk.

When the wrong UPS driver shows up, Hemingway allows no pickups.

Huge win for UCR against the favored Cal State Fullerton. Brit played 20 solid minutes, had a quick reunion with her high school best friend who plays for CSF, then signed autographs for 100 or so fans.

Oysters for breakfast.

UCR lost tonight 2-0 to UC Irvine. Brit played a good 25 minutes in the very important league game. Only four games left in conference.

Sonia can almost claim Indian reservation casino profits.

#71 in Progress

If you’re going to see this, see it in 3D. No exceptions.

The DNA Good

I was going to pace this out, but my Aunt Ona needed to know now.

The DNA Bad

A-fib is one of the more common killers for men of my ancestry, but being over 40% is not great. Sonia’s highest risk factor for a disease was 14%, so 40% will keep me on my toes. I guess I’ll keep a closer eye on my blood pressure. Speaking of eyes, the second risk, macular degeneration is equally concerning. Being three times more likely…

Breakfast.

We even buy for a store on wheels.

Visiting a few of our client’s stores in Nashville.

Showing our girls a little bit of Honky Tonk.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful niece.

Descending toward Nashville.

#35 Done

We officially launched, bugs and all, last week. Our first retail online order trickled in today.

My DNA has finally been mapped and I have to say, I’m not that encouraged. Sonia’s risk was slightly over the world average on a few deceases, but I made the high risk list for a couple of things I’d rather not have. I’ll give some specifics on future posts, but until then I’m 3% Neanderthal. Everyone has 1%-4% Neanderthal DNA. I’m on the…

Sonia has had her results for a few days now, but apparently the lab had a problem with my sample. After testing, they determined my saliva sample to be that of a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.

My all time favorite series from beginning to end. Wish it didn’t end, but at least it did it the right way.

#71 in Progress

I’ve been getting into the backstory of the sport, so I enjoyed this. On a similar topic, Sienna, is a great F1 documentary.

Few things are as satisfying as a 3100 PSI gas powered pressure washer. Spent the day blasting cement stains, gutters, windows, cars and insects and couldn’t have had more fun.

Celebrated a friend’s 40th at a cool new speakeasy.

Not so good.

We finally got to see Brittany play in her first collegiate game. Brit played 25 minutes in her third game and had two shots. UCR lost 1-0 to Gonzaga, but Brit looked awesome out there.

Keeping with the wine theme, we watched the very good documentary about Bordeaux, Red Obsession.

#6 Done

Today we made it official. Brittany moved out of her temporary pad and into the dorms. Mom and daughter barely butted heads. A bittersweet day. School starts Thursday.

#83 Done

In 2009, I completed one of my first list items, #2, Buy A 100 Point Wine. Tonight, in honor of Matt’s mom, Noreen, getting the news that she is cancer free, Sonia and I uncorked it. Cheers, Noreen.

The curtain is closing in NoCal.

Following Brit’s game on the way to the airport. She just got into the game!

#88 Done

We finally ate at a restaurant ranked in the top 100 in world. The French Laundry did not disappoint. Happy we could do so with my Mom and Jim.

The day started out a bit sketchy weather wise, but the clouds soon parted and paradise again revealed itself.

Lunch at Redd with Mom and Jim.

Enjoyed Thomas Keller’s “other” Yountville restaurant, Ad Hoc.

An in room massage and soak to get us ready for dinner. This really is adult Disneyland.

Too much wine on an empty stomach. Gott’s hit the spot.

Duckhorn

Our favorite merlot until today. Although Pride takes the cake, Duckhorn’s Atlas Peak was phenomenal.

#58 Done

We hit the jackpot with our visit to Pride Mountain Winery. The Cab was great, but the Merlot was the best I ever had.

On Our Way to our First Wine Tour

Brittany Plays!

It’s official. Brittany is in the NCAA Division I books. Brittany made her UCR debut in the 63rd minute of the game against Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. So proud.

Dinner at Bottega

Going on a culinary vacation during a diet may not be conventional, but that’s how we roll. First stop, Tomales and Hogs Island Oyster Farm in Point Reyes, CA.

Brittany logged a full week of practice and was impressive enough to make the traveling team at UCR. First stop, Utah. Being one of twenty one players to make the traveling team means the odds are against her to play, but it’s a huge step forward for my little girl.

A farewell lunch for one of our younger employees. She gave us three good years, do no complaints.

Working on Next Year’s List

Going to dial it back to the beginning.