Thursday, April 5, 2012

Quick Trips are Good....

I read something a little while ago about the importance of having fun. I don't know if it's the lingering snow or the amount of time I've been sitting at the computer lately, but this last week I've been feeling a little, well, unfun, so I decided it was time to stir things up and take a small trip.

So on Monday, the fam and I left the High Desert for a few days and went down into the "Valley," over to Portland, to see Kathleen Edwards play at the Aladdin.


Kathleen Edwards was absolutely amazing! It was the kind of concert that you walk away from feeling lucky that you were there, a part of something that was really special. She sounded incredible, her music and words were beautiful, and her passion was stunning. It'll be a night I'll always remember.


She played one of my favorites, A Soft Place to Land, a song that must be included on the 44 soundtrack. If you haven't heard it yet, go here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vV1J3cQnj0


We also were able to go to two fantastic restaurants while in Portland. The two are connected, owned by the same guys and WOW, they were both excellent! Before the concert, we stopped by Toro Bravo for dinner:

Above is the Sherry Chicken Liver Mousse that would make even Hannibal Lecter cry. That was just one item we all shared....


And then, the next morning, breakfast at Tasty N Sons...


If you're in the Portland area and are interested in going to either of these restaurants, make sure to get there early or bring some patience as both places are popular and crowded. We arrived at Toro Bravo ten minutes after it opened and got the last table.

It was a great trip. And when we got home, there was even some more fun as we watched the Barcelona game. It was a big one...playing AC Milan for a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Barca won, and I know it made Abby happy.


Well, it feels like the fun trip worked. I came home happy and refreshed and am ready to dive right back into Book Four (which will be released next month around Mother's Day).

Hope you all are having a great week and have some fun plans brewing!

Jools

Sunday, April 1, 2012

That's Entertainment...

Wow, things have gotten way fun over here lately, one of the reasons being that some of the best shows have returned this week! So who cares if it's snowing in April! Here's a list of some of my favs of the season...and why you'll find me glued to the screen lately~

Mad Men
I love this series for a lot of reasons, although the snappy, witty dialogue is what I love best. I was so excited that after a 17-month hiatus it returned last Sunday night... and the brief scene of Peggy dancing at Don's birthday party alone made it worth the wait.

"One day you're on top of the world and the next some secretary is running you over with a lawn mower."
  --Joan


Game of Thrones
I have to admit that it surprises me how much I love this show, as I'm not usually a huge fan of fantasy. But it's fantastic and I can't wait to see what happens in Season 2, which begins tonight. 

"As impossible as it seems, there was once a time I was unaccustomed to wine."
--Tyrion


Justified
Amazing show. Excellent characters, storylines, dialogue, and humor. Raylan and Boyd play off each other so well. Season 3 started up a little while back but if you haven't already, jump right in!

"I hope you enjoyed your stay, and you never forget who packed your bags."
--Boyd Crowder




Downton Abbey
 I've arrived a little late in the game on this amazing show, having only discovered it a few weeks ago. But within that short period of time, I finished up both seasons and now find it painful that I will have to wait until January 2013 to continue.


 "What is a weekend?"
--Lady Grantham


Hope you all are having a great weeke....well, Sunday!


Jools