Wine and Chocolate

Emily mentioned that she was going to the 22nd Annual Ghiradelli Chocolate Festival in San Francisco last weekend.  I tried not be jealous.  But then I had a thought.  Chocolate was involved in my weekend too and wine.

Saturday morning began early for Mike and I because we were taking part in the Vine to Wine 5k as walkers.  It began and ended at the local winery which is a 10 minute drive from our house.  Just like the Ghiradelli Festival, the profits went to charity.  It was a very nice day for it.  Unlike last year, when the fields around the winery were really muddy.

After the race, they served wine.  It was the house wine and delicious.  It mellowed me out which was a good thing.  Just as we were crossing the finish line, a rude man got into my personal space and inched ahead of me.  I was bummed.  According to the race results, his time was better than mine even though our pace was exactly the same- a 14.17 minute mile.  Some people are ridiculously competitive.  

Vine to Wine 5k Race Results from the Official Website:
#541   Michael Peterson  Time 00.44.18.106   Pace 14:17
#540   Kim L Peterson     Time 00.44.19.273   Pace 14:17

Even though there was going to be a party after the race with food and music and mimosas, we could not stay.  Mike and I had chores to do before our guests, Alison and Hunter arrived mid afternoon.  Their parents had an adult evening planned and had asked us to host their kids.  Since it was going to be a late night for everyone, we all decided the kids should spend the night and then accompany Mike and I to church the next day.  

Mike's chores involved moving the fire pit from Morton Building #2 (where we had moved it for the wedding) back to the backyard.  In the meantime, I ran to the store for some food for cooking over an outdoor fire.  I grabbed hot dogs and buns and s'more fixings.  Alison and Hunter arrived just as I was making the deviled eggs.  Alison took over and used the pastry decorating kit to make them even more fancy then normal.  She also made Mike a batch of Cowboy Cookies.  

Unfortunately, I was in such a hurry I bought Hershey almond bars instead of all chocolate bars.  This actually turned out to be a fortuitous mistake as all concerned thought the thicker almond bars tasted even better in a s'more.  Although I think that if I had consulted Alison she would have asked for York peppermint patties instead.  Heath had bought those for s'more fixings at the wedding and she thought they were great.  

We actually did not eat our hot dogs and s'mores until really late.  The boys were determined to get some fishing in and the girls were crafting.  We also found time to play Old Maid and to watch the Yogi Bear movie.  

So there Emily.  Mike and I were able to participate in wine and chocolate festivities too and we did not even have to leave town to do it.