Sunday Bloody Sunday

Ah, Sundays....a little football, a homemade ham and mushroom quiche, the Sunday paper and some Bloody Marys.
A 'Sucka-free Sunday' indeed!

Trip to Calistoga

We decided to take a drive up north into wine country and make a visit to Calistoga. But first, we made a quick stop at the Oakville Grocery for some lunch. It was a beautiful fall day and a great day for a drive.

Caffe DiVino

Last night Peter and I indulged in a little Italian fare at Caffe DiVino which has quickly become one of our favorite local spots. My pal EP introduced it to me awhile ago and it turns out they make a mean plate of Pasta Carbonara, which happens to be Peter's fave. It is an unassuming little place that makes you feel like you are in a small Italian neighborhood. Throw in some live music and a good glass of sangiovese, and it can't be beat.

Note: the poor picture quality is due to an attempt to capture the moment with the camera on my phone.

Talar du svenska??

School is back in session, which means I am back brushing up on my mad Swedish speaking skills. Classes are on Wednesday nights at Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley. So far, I have progressed from 'I drink coffee in the kitchen', to 'Where are my socks??' I am going to be quite the conversationalist on our next visit to the motherland. The studying continues.....

Fantasy Football Update - Week 3

A few of you have asked me how things have been going with my first stab at Fantasy Football. There hasn't been much to report because I am taking a serious beating! I am currently 0-3! There really aren't any excuses other than I wasn't present at the draft, my quarterbacks are terrible, the new QB I picked up just injured himself and was pulled from the game, the Denver Broncos cannot get their act together, and I don't even want to talk about Miami Dolphins defense! Ugh! It is still early in the season, but it has sure been a rough start! Especially with all of the trash talking that has transpired! (Most of it actually coming from me. Go figure.) I will continue to take the verbal beatings (since I will still continue to dish them out) and hold my head up high in hopes for a win later in the season.

Sausalito Chili Peace Summit Revisited

Well, on behalf of Sausalito Underground, we collectively decided to throw in the towel for the 29th Annual Chili Cook-Off. It was a fun-filled weekend, and we decided to have a sucka-free Sunday instead. We were going to stop by the festivities, but between a late breakfast and a day of football, it slipped away from us. See you next year!

Michigan Rummy

Saturday night Brett taught us all how to play a childhood favorite of his: Michigan Rummy. He hand crafted the board based on a design originally created by his grandfather. Lots of pennies, lots of drinks and lots o' fun! EP also chefed up some amazing corn chowder, complete with fresh warm bread and a fantastic salad! Deelish! We haven't seen our pals Brett and EP in a long time since we have all been traveling and going opposite directions and now we just can't get enough! Not to mention, it was just one year ago when we first met on the bocce court at Dunphy Park in Sausalito. Ah, memories! Here's to making many more.....

Lost Balls Wins Again!!

Bocce update: Currently Lost Balls is 3-0!! Peter and I missed last week since we were in Hawaii, but the Van Emsts really stepped up to the plate and brought home the win. This week, it was a tough match against Rolling Thunder. They came to roll, to win and to drink excessively! A tough team to beat, and it all came down to sudden death. Thanks to Jan, a top draft pick from Italians at Heart, who pulled out all the stops with the final winning throw! For more details, click here.

Happy Birthday Jeff!

Happy Birthday little brother!! Best wishes for a great year ahead! You sure finished the last one with a bang! Fantastic! Sorry, but your card is late! (imagine that!) Love you Scruffy!

Jeff seen here (on the left) looking very excited after just blowing out his birthday candles with his buddy Andrew. (Sept. '05)

A Visit From Steve and Erin

This week we were graced by the presence of Steve and Erin who came for a visit from Halifax. Unfortunately they were here mostly for business. Steve kept busy at the Salesforce conference, and Erin, being a sommelier, had a great time up in Napa for a few days, but we were able to squeeze in some good times as usual. Thanks for stopping by!

Mahalo Hawaii!

Alas, just as we were getting into our groove, it is time to go home. We will miss the weather, the warm ocean water and the mai tais. Until next time.....

North Shore - Hale'iwa

Back to the North Shore for some more time at Sunset Beach and a stop in Hale'iwa. Great little surfer town with some good restaurants, shops, and art galleries. We stopped for lunch at Kua 'Aina and had some killer burgers and then some of the best shaved ice ever at Matsumotos!