Lotusians converge on Bodega Bay

This year the Winking Lotus group rented a house in Bodega Bay for a New Year's retreat. Nearly twenty people gathered in two spacious houses with hot tubs and stellar views of the bay. Even the showers had a view! Folks brought lots of decadent food and drink, and we played games late into the evening or hung out listening to tasty tunes spun by Mattpaul and Doug. We spent our last day chasing Sonoma wineries and managed to sample a few yummy wines. I was a bit reluctant to be a designated driver, but once everyone drank up and piled into my car it became a highly entertaining outing. Imagine four drunk adults spooning in the back of your car, arguing over directions and giggling nonstop about some lesbian bread nonsense.

Here is my Flickr photoset from the trip.

A Pittsburgh Christmas

I had a great Xmas this year in Pittsburgh, the city where my parents attended college and where I was born. My aunt Priscilla graciously invited me, my brother, and my dad out to spend the holiday at her house. She has three girls in college, each one as unique as can be. It was great to see them all and catch up on all the goings-on in everyone's lives. Pittsburgh is an interesting town - gritty, rusty, and industrial. Adding to the city's character is a smattering of large gothic cathedrals that utterly dominate the horizon. Below is a picture of Chatham college, which my mother attended; one of the monstrous churches that I believe is called the "Cathedral of Doom"; and the cutest picture of Priscilla's dog Charger amidst grandma's knitting supplies.

I will not include a link to Marc's photo set because he has posted some pictures of me acting like a dog. It was the wine, I swear.