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April Fools’ Day (A Brief History… and a Friendly Warning)

There was a time when I took April Fools’ Day very seriously. Not in a “call in sick and pretend you’re on a beach in Cabo” kind of way—but in a very strategic, well-timed, just-believable-enough kind of way. Elli and Don were, for years, the primary recipients of this effort. They never saw it coming. Which, in my opinion, is exactly the point. So… Who Started This? Like many traditions we all just go along with, April Fools’ Day has slightly unclear origins—but one of the most widely accepted stories goes back to 16th century France. When the calendar shifted and New Year’s Day moved to January 1, not everyone got the message right away. Those who kept celebrating in late March or early April became the subject of jokes and small pranks—earning the title “April fools.” And somehow, that energy carried forward for a few hundred years. Which feels right. The Art of the Perfect Prank There’s a difference between a good prank and an annoying one. A good prank: Is quick Is harmless Create...
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A Mother's Day Worth Staying In For

There’s a certain rhythm to Mother’s Day. Reservations are made weeks in advance. Restaurants are full. Menus are fixed. The day moves quickly. And while there’s something to be said for tradition, there’s also something even more memorable about doing it differently. This year, consider staying in. Setting the table. Opening a great bottle of wine. Creating a moment that feels intentional, relaxed, and entirely your own. For me, that starts with a bottle of Silver Oak. Silver Oak is not an everyday wine, and that’s exactly the point. It’s the kind of bottle you open when the occasion calls for something more considered. A Cabernet Sauvignon known for its structure, balance, and unmistakable smoothness, it brings a quiet confidence to the table. This is not a wine that competes for attention. It elevates everything around it. And on a day meant to celebrate someone special, that feels exactly right. THE CASE FOR STAYING IN Entertaining at home allows for something restaurants can’t qui...
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Weekend visit to Healdsburg for wine, food and relaxing

When Don and I first moved to California in 2005, one of the first wine regions we explored was Healdsburg. It is about one hour north from Mill Valley where we lived. Its quaint charm and amazing wine and food have kept us going back ever since.  We love the varietals from this region, particularly the Zinfandel from the Dry Creek area, Pinot Noir from the Russian River, and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley. Some of our favorite white wines are here too, like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. And don't forget Rose.  What makes Healdsburg so special is its balance of wine country charm and a true hometown feel. The town square sits right at the center, with a fountain and pavilion that naturally becomes the gathering place. On any given weekend, you'll find people lingering, drinking coffee, enjoying an ice cream cone, listening to music, and just enjoying the pace of it all. Most of our weekends follow a similar rhythm. We spend our days tasting wine, ta...
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A New Favorite Close to Home: Scribner Bend Vineyards

Since moving to Sacramento , Don and I have spent a lot of time exploring, finding those go-to spots for wine, food, and weekends that feel a little more special. One place that quickly made its way onto that list is Scribner Bend Vineyards . We were first introduced to it while house hunting, thanks to our realtor Kim, whose family just so happens to own it. It’s one of those connections that makes a place feel even more personal from the start. What makes Scribner Bend stand out isn’t just the setting (which is beautiful, tucked along the Sacramento River Delta), but the history behind it. The land dates all the way back to 1893, when George Washington Scribner settled there and began farming pears along what was then known as Silver Bend, a busy shipping point along the river. Over the years, that original farm stayed in the family, passed down through generations. In the early 1990s, the next chapter began when the family transitioned from farming pears to planting wine grapes,...
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Lean and Green Egg Muffin Recipe

I love a dish you can prepare for a group that makes everyone happy. And that's exactly what these egg muffins do. The variations are endless. You can easily make a combination that everyone will love. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Once you get all the fixings chopped and prepped, assembling the egg muffins is easy. You could even get the kids involved. You really can't screw them up.  I prepped way more veggies than I needed. I've outlined below what you really need. If you're worried it's not enough you can make more. If you have extra, don't worry. Just toss them on a salad.  I like using all fresh ingredients - especially ones I already have in the fridge. You can substitute other veggies you might have on hand, like broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini. Just dice them up and toss them in. Don't like chopping onions? You can buy them already diced.  Have some pico de gallo on hand? Use that instead of tomatoes. Want to add some meat for...
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"Fun Home" at the Gateway Theatre is a Hit

We had a great time at the Gateway Theatre last weekend. We saw the award-winning musical "Fun Home." I'll be honest, I had not heard anything about this musical. The story is based on Alison Bechdel's groundbreaking and heartfelt graphic novel and is lovingly adapted to the stage. Alison's story is moving, funny, and at times heartbreaking. You'll find yourself rooting for her as she navigates to adulthood. If you're looking for a thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, and entertaining musical, this is a good one to see. The 42nd Street Moon team did a fabulous job, led by Executive Artistic Director Daniel Thomas. “It is at turns beautiful, powerful, poignant, and sorrowful in its look at family, sexuality, and coming of age; and Jeanine Tesori, who had already proven herself one of Broadway’s most versatile songwriters, gives us the best score of her career," he says. A groundbreaking musical based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic novel, FUN H...
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Date night in San Francisco is back!

Live theatre in San Francisco is back!!! Don and I had so much fun at the premiere of " A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING." 42nd Street Moon Theatre company does such a nice job with all their productions. We have enjoyed every show we've attended. They never disappoint. " A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING" is one of the best musical revues ever written,” says Executive Artistic  Director Daniel Thomas. “It truly takes you on a journey over the course of two hours. The song selection is impeccable - you get some of the most well-known and loved Rodgers and Hammerstein songs alongside lesser-known but equally brilliant gems. And each song is given a treatment that highlights how well it stands outside of its original context. We are lucky to have such a tremendous  group of artists bringing this show to life.”  Thirty-two of Broadway’s greatest songs were written by one of Broadway’s most iconic partnerships! Now,  experience musical theatre legends, Rodgers and Hammerstein...
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