Hey there!

Yes, Hubby and I made it back from our wonderful trip! The vacation was everything that we hoped for and even a little more. Things have been a little crazy since we got back and to be honest, I've been in a bit of a post-vacation funk. I apologize for not updating.

I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved Europe. It appealed to me on every level, far exceeding all my expectations. Five months later, the reality of life is still depressing after the wonder of such a trip. But - life has a way of chugging on anyway.

Because it was soooo long ago, I won't even bother with telling you about Germany or the wonderful people we met there. :-) Just know that I loved every experience, every view, bite and drink.

I will tell you that the new house is ready for move in and the target closing is April 1 (I know - a colosal joke in the waiting). I'm of two minds about the new house at this point. The POTUS released a budget proposal 2/1/10 that seriously cripples the United States manned space flight program. Jobs within the NASA community are not guaranteed at all. Hubby maintains his usual aplomb, but I am nervous. The idea of taking on such a large mortgage (compared to what we currently have) is daunting. Also at issue is the fact that on our very first date, Hubby and I talked about how we both wanted to move out of Houston. Part of me wanders if this earth-shattering development in the space program is the catalyst that we've been waiting for. If we let it slip by, when will we have such an excuse again? On the other hand, I'm really looking forward to having the bigger house. I can't wait to have Hubby in his TV room upstairs and silence prevailing the downstairs. I want to cook in my new kitchen and bore you poor people with pics of homemade bread and pizzas.

I will also tell you that I just spent a wonderful week in Napa with several of my girlfriends. Several things about Napa reminded me of Germany, which reminded me of this long-neglected blog, which is the only reason you're getting an update. ;-)

I loved the Napa valley. I spent an entire day driving through small towns with my iPod blaring through the rental cars' speakers, sipping coffee and wearing a shit-eating grin on my face. I did not, however, smoke - so kudos to me! Much wine was tasted, much history absorbed and one very important lesson learned - I'm a beer girl. :-D Loved spending time with my girls. Loved, loved, loved the scenary and the Napa experience. But give me a nice draft beer over a bottle of wine any day. Not to say that I wouldn't do it again, because I totally would. I'd go back to Napa in a heartbeat just to eat at Taylor's Refresher or to grab a Tail-Wagging Ale at Downtown Joe's. I bought 4 bottles of wine and 10 (20oz) bottles of beer. :-)

So anywho - I am alive. I apologize for neglecting the blog. I make no promises, but I'll try to do better.