Midday Wine and Melting in Palm Springs.

It's the middle of the day.

It's warm out.

The kids are in the Wade Lagoon in the backyard.

Mom's working.

I'm drinking wine.

[yellow tail] Tree Free Chardonnay.

In a virtual wine tasting event, you want my job don't you?

Just "tasting" not chugging.

Paired it with jalepeno cream cheese and wheat thins.

I was sent a free bottle of wine to taste and participate in this online event.

Did I mention it's noon?

It's a fabulous varietal not aged in oak, hence it's lighter, crisper taste with hints of grapefruit and melon.

Ahh.

I can't wait until it's after 5pm to attack the bottle a little more vigorously.

So what are we doing this weekend, again, as part as my job?!

Heading to Palm Springs.

We get the opportunity to try out this fabulous resort and write about it.

I think my first line will be, "Someone turn on the AC outside please!"

The forecast is 117 all weekend.

Really.

I didn't think that was humanly possible either.

Palm Springs may be a road to hell.

Luckily the resort has Spashtopia, waterslides, pools, and AC indoors.

If we don't make it back, you can find me in a puddle on highway 10.

The Bachelor: On The Road Again...

Despite feeling like crud, Hubby and I indulged in another drama-filled episode of the Bachelor.

Last week I didn't chime in.

I don't know, maybe I was uninspired...same garbage different night...wait, creepy Michelle got the boot, or booted herself, or ...anyway she's gone. Elizabeth's gone. Moving on.

In reality TV true-form, last night's episode scored some points with us, Jake is really holding his own on this show.

Showing some power as the man in charge of his love life, Jake sent 4 girls packing last night! FOUR! He was only asked to dump two. Go dude.

So on the road they go, all the girls in two RV's headed up the California Coast for a dysfunctional "family" vacation.

Finally stopping for some vineyard camping, Jake choose Gia for his one-on-one date. Gia is a city slicker, so immediately everyone believes she'll fail at the date and be sent home in her stilettos.

After acting age-5 with their games of hide and seek and spin-the-bottle, turns out the couple is really compatible. And sorta cute together. Well, cute in a Joker-meets-Calista Flockhart sort of way.

BY THE WAY....can anyone tell me how Jessie fits into this whole gig?! Yeah, Jessie, the dark haired, doe-eyed girl. WHAT?! You don't know who that is? Truly she hasn't had a second with Jake, and he's keeping around because...??

Anyway, the group date is next and more driving down the coast to Pismo Beach. The cast includes Vienna, Jessie (yes there is a Jessie on the show!), Ashleigh, Ali, Tenley, and Corrie.

The group plays in the sand by way of dune buggy, sand-boarding, and just rolling down hills on top of eachother. Corrie scores her first major points here with Jake and he's impressed. Later they head to the Madonna Inn to clean up and have some fun in the themed rooms.

The girls all hate Vienna, they think she's loud, obnoxious, and keep tattling to Jake how he needs to watch out. When alone together, Jake comes out and tells her he's starting to see what they mean, he basically says you are asking for it.

Tenley shares with Jake a bit more of her divorce story and while he's laying in her lap (hubby said it was like he was nursing...ew) she asks him if he's comfortable around her. "I'm laying in your lap!" he retorts. Yeah, duh. She ends up with the rose.

The last date is a double-team, Kathryn and Ella. Ella's the one with the son that Jake met last week. She is really pretty, there was potential there, but tonight he said goodbye to her, don't know if it was the instant-family, but she left. This left Kathryn giddy, but there was no connection there. Jake sent her home as well.

At the rose ceremony, more Vienna garbage and when Jake got down to his last 2 roses, he bolted to look for Chris. He cannot keep one more lady around that he doesn't see fit. The girls are shocked when Vienna is chosen to stay around and it's good bye to Ashleigh and Jessie.

I don't know who i'm going for anymore, I originally liked Ali, but she's stirring shit about Vienna left and right and made such a scene at the rose ceremony she was ridiculous. Tenley or Gia have my vote right now. Can this show take any more drama!?

I Am NOT Hard to Buy For!

Dear Hubby,

It's almost my birthday.

I shouldn't have to remind you, we've been together for 18 years.

You'll say "I know, February 17th!" and I'll fake-punch you because you're teasing me and you really know it's FEBRUARY 6TH!

6th of February, 2010. It's a Saturday.

2 weeks from this Saturday.

So, you know that I love flowers in a vase.

You still won't send them because you think it's mean and flower shops are actually killers that hurt defenseless tulips and baby's breath is what they steal from newborns.

But, if you ask I'll still say that's what I want.

Like I have the last 18 years.

So, what else?

Hmm...I want to go on a wine-tasting trip.

A few couples.

Maybe a limo, so no one has to be responsible to drive.

I know a Napa trip isn't in the cards, but the local vineyard tour is nice.

I'll give you the numbers to call.

Or the email because that may be easiest for you.

Okay, face it, I'll plan it.

You just come along for the ride.

And, tell everyone you came up with this fabulous idea just for me.

I'll act surprised and in awe of you.

We'll drink a lot of wine.

It will be fabulous.

See how easy it is to get me a gift!

Love, Jen ♥