Dog Days of Summer

Okay, so we have been home from the Motherland for a few weeks, but we still haven't really quite caught our breath. There have been trips to Denver, LA, San Diego, an attempt in mastering the art of making a perfect margarita, drinking wine in Russian River, and even an attempt to channel our inner child by jumping rope in Petaluma. The end of the summer flew by in a blur, although, as far as summer weather goes, in our neck of the woods, it is really just the beginning......

The 4th of July came and went way too fast. We had a fantastic time and it was definitely one of the highlights of our summer. We couldn't let any more time pass without a mention of it here, and posting a few Kodak moments. The Keeleys came to town (my sister and her husband) and we started out with a trip to the city via ferryboat for a Giants game.

Peen and Peter walking to the ferry

Heading across the Bay

A glimpse of the Ferry Building

Walking to AT&T Park.

This is the spot where Tony Bennett supposedly left his heart in San Francisco.

Sisters at the ball park.
Fireworks after the game.

P and T heading back home in the cab.

After a great time at the Giants game and one too many handfuls of garlic fries, the next day we headed out for our annual 4th o' July sail in San Francisco Bay. This has become somewhat of a tradition and we were thrilled that the Keeleys were in town for it this year! Also on deck were the Fenirattys, who came equipped with a barrel of laughs and gourmet sandwiches of course, and Joey and Erica were also able to join us. With our trusty captain and a cooler full of cold beer, we were off to set sail.

Our captain making his final checks

Lucas girls ready to go

Rob, gourmet chef, and avid sailor

Joey and Devon don't look like they are going to have any fun at all

Ahoy!

Our captain having to make a few last minute adjustments MacGyver style

Rob at the helm

The Keeleys
T and Devon

Joey and Erica taking it in

The crew

T. putting her back into it

Pedro and The Fenirattys

P. always happy to be out on the water

Peen on the lookout

Nielsens and Fenirattys

Monkey and The Frog at sea

A bit blustery for the Peanut

Although our day had come to an end on the water, things were just getting started back at Chez Nielsen. We had a little BBQ and a handful of people stopped by for some fun and fireworks. The evening ended in polyester, some Euro-trash beats, and a super-model walk-off. Definitely off the hook, and will be tough to top next year!

Boats starting to accumulate for the fireworks

Jamie taking in the view from our deck

LP getting after the prosciutto, goat cheese and fig crisps. Mmmmm.....

Peen and Devon a little uncertain about the leftover tequila/watermelon juice

Devon's cheesecake we affectionately referred to as 'the flag'

Somehow Michael ended up in my one piece polyester number from a previous party.

Work it Michael. Work it.

And the Shaws proceeded to get the dance party started.

Peanut sandwich

Kelly, Christina, and LP. Cheers, girls!

T. at her post in the kitchen.

Until next year.....

Back in the City by the Bay

As I stood out on the balcony this morning, the fog was rolling in.  It's not quite the 30 deg. C temps I have been accustomed to this past week, but It's good to be home!

Sucka-free Dimanche

A beautiful Sucka-free Sunday in the Village of Pegomas. It seems the Sunday morning ritual is to pick up some fresh croissants for la petit dejeuner. We had to stop at 2 different boulangeries to get the last 3 in the village. As we didn't want to return to La Pitchoun short a croissant, we had to pick up an additional baguette which was hot out of the oven. It took everything I had to keep it intact on the ride home. Not to mention the croissant. I feel happy just thinking about it. The golden sheen, the flaky crust, the soft, buttery innards. Oh man.

Best. Croissant. Ever.

Now we are off to the Farmer's Market in Cannes, followed by an afternoon lounging by the pool. I understand this is the recommended way to burn off aforementioned baked goods.

I am considering having the mail forwarded here, and my pants taken out. Viva la France!

Off to the Motherland

Flying above the fog as it is rolling in over San Francisco

We are off to Sweden for the pending nuptials of Magnus and Johanna!  We could not be happier for them!  We are looking forward to spending some time with family and some much needed time off!  Posts may be scarce in an attempt to 'disconnect', but we are thinking of you!  Skål!

Best. Sister. Ever.

My sister and her husband Chris came for a visit over the 4th of July weekend, which of course, I have yet to post any pics.  She was sitting at the kitchen counter and we were talking about the fantastic cookbook she put together for us at Tastebook  for Christmas a couple of years ago.  I always wondered why one of the recipes was marked in the book, and she said it was specific to go with the accompanying gift.  To which I replied, "what accompanying gift?"  She was absolutely mortified and then realized she forgot to send us said gift, and would not let it go.  I told her it was no big deal and that we loved the cookbook itself.

After some good times and sisterly shenanigans during their visit, she said she would send me copies of the pics that we took on a thumb drive.  I waited, and waited (thus the delay in post) and checked the mail, but alas, no thumb drive.  To my surprise, the other day I found a giant box sitting outside the gate from her.  In it were a couple of fantastic serving plates (not pictured) which I loved!  Perfect for pancetta goat cheese crisps topped with fig and honey. (recipe to follow)  She even wrapped it in X-mas paper with a tag that said Merry X-Mas 2007!  She is too much.  This is only one example of why she has earned the title:  Best. Sister. Ever.  Miss you Peen!

Note the thumb drive being conveniently used as an adornment to the gift tag.  

Again, too much!

Mill Valley Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting

Last weekend we went to the Mill Valley Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting.  The weather was perfect, so what could be better than drinking a little wine in the sun?  There were over 70 wineries, and several local restaurants cheffing up some quality snacks.  Tyler Florence was also there and he was grilling up a fantastic strawberry sandwich with some Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam cheese (pictured above).  Deelish!

P. getting after some pasta while trying to determine who had the best Rosé.

Trace and Devon classic self portrait

Buttonwood Winery.  I was really more impressed with the presentation than the wine.

Rob and Devon are always up for a good time.

As I was waiting in line for my aforementioned grilled strawberry cheese sandwich, there was a girl behind me that was disappointed she forgot her camera.  I, having mine with me, turned around and offered to take a picture of her and her husband.  To which she replied, "oh, I don't care about taking a picture with my husband, I want my picture with Tyler."  So, of course I couldn't resist jumping in the picture with her.  I e-mailed her a copy, and I am sure I am sitting on her mantel.    

Lydia and the picture with her husband she could care less about.  

Kodak moment with Tyler Florence

Personally, I am a bigger fan of Bobby Flay, so of course I had to bust Tyler's chops for being too hard on the contestants of The Next Food Network Star, but that's another story.  

I'd rather have my picture taken with this guy any day!

Live jazz band

Is it hot in here, or is it the Mill Valley Fire Department??

Good times were had by all.  See you next year!