Michelle and me outside a nightclub in Mykonos, at what I’m sure was a very late (or early) hour – depending on how you look at it. Mykonos is beautiful but windy. I didn’t expect that. The nights are very warm. We walked into old town from our resort, about 25 minutes, all downhill. I think we’ll grab a taxi or uber back home. It was a tad precarious in my heeled sandals… adventures in inappropriate footwear continue! We’ve felt safe the whole time here. Met some great people, and enjoyed catching up with each other, planning the future, and laughing a ton.
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Welcome to my adventures. Happy reading!
The joy on Cuest’s face when he’s running – there is nothing like it in this world. NOTHING. I’ve been lucky to have multiple Pharaoh Hounds that have dominated on the coursing field – from being ranked #1, earning a spot atop a perpetual trophy, winning Best in Field, and running with skill and enthusiasm. I would drive to the ends of this country to ensure they get to do what they love. This baby, only 14 months old, earned his AKC Field Championship today in New Mexico. So proud of him carrying on his father, Cayman’s, footprints.
With a limited amount of time due to work commitments and dog events, I found the perfect dates for my next adventure. The issues were where and with whom. So, I input the dates into Google Flights, and searched ‘anywhere’ from Denver – and voila, a decent deal came up to Athens. I booked the flight, got great seats, and invited a few friends. Can’t wait to relax in the warm Mediterranean sun and take in the sights.
The boys and I ventured to California for lure coursing and 2 shows. Cayper and Calyber loved lure coursing, as always, with Cayper winning first place in the veterans stake of the PHCA Western Specialty. Calyber had a great fun too! Then, at the supported entry at the dog show on Sunday, Cayper won best of breed! This marked his 6th time winning Best of Breed in a supported entry! Just love this sweet boy, his easy going temperament, and his zest for coursing and enjoyment in showing. He’s now only 2 points away from his Grand Champion Silver (show title) AND his LCX3 (lure coursing title.) Both those titles are on my vision board for 2024 and I look forward to meeting those goals. Cuest rakced up a few more points in the show ring – he isn’t old enough to compete in coursing just yet. Gito had fun seeing his friends, and Calyber took a spin around the show ring both days looking great!
not to escape life, so that life does not escape us. I am reminded, constantly, about what little time we actually have. It’s why I rarely watch TV, or sit on the couch, or scroll aimlessly on social media. When I’m not working, I’m usually at dog events or traveling somewhere on my bucket list. And, when I have down time, I read, I play with my boys, and spend time with my friends. It’s so important for me to invest my time wisely as we only get so much of it.
One of my favorite vacation activities is visiting wine country. Meeting the local people, hearing about the traditions, and tasting the food and wine. Having previously planned a trip to Portugal that COVID canceled, it was extra special to visit this winery in Quinta de Pacheca… a winery we were slated to stay in a wine barrel room. This winery is in the lovely Douro Valley and we stayed in the Vino Verde region. We loved our wine tasting here, and would absolutely recommend it. Staying here would be fun, too! Definitely going to put it on the ‘must return’ list.
We ventured from Porto to the Vino Verde wine region, and stayed a few nights at this beautiful winery. The sky isn’t smoky, it’s from sands from Africa! This rose wine spritz with gin was a nice way to end the day, capped with a GF steak sandwich, and a fabulous salad. Our room is affectionately known as The Shed, and is a free-standing structure a short walk from the main lodge and dining area/winery. It’s a two-story room that has a private balcony, outdoor patio, and a living room/ kitchenette. It’s a welcome respite from the bustling cities of Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto. And a nice way to end the drive from Porto today.
On our way from Lisbon to Porto, about an hour from Lisbon is a delightful countryside village of Sintra. It looks like something straight out of a fairy tale novel in the 18th century… and there are castles galore. This is one such castle. We made it here after a lengthy walk from the town center, up the hillside, through the forest, and a short pedicab ride. Well-worth the price of admission and the adventure.
A friend of mine posted this quote today on TIME and WOW. Spot on. So True. It makes me realize the time I do waste and that I need to stop that.
This one is going on my vision board!
What else do you do when you’re recovering from surgery but book an international trip?
I know that planning these adventures, whether solo or with friends, helps improve my mental state and fulfill my goals and vision for my life.
I was angry – very angry – that I was forced to have yet another surgery at a very inconvenient time. Hell, I’m probably still angry, and yeah, I know I need to let that s*!t go. I will; just give me time. I looked into 2024 as the year where my heath would be at its best and life laughed at me. But, I made it through, and recovery is slower than I wanted, since apparently I’m older (big laugh!)
So, I booked a ticket for March and here we GO! Can’t wait to explore Portugal (which was a planned trip from May 2020 and we all know how that went.)
LFG – 2024! I’m here for the ups, downs, twists, turns, and living in AWE of these moments.
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