Blumenhoff Winery

So, the winery last weekend wasn't exactly what we expected... I guess I've only been to wineries where you actually see the winery, maybe take a tour, explore, etc. This was more like you were invited to a friends bbq in their backyard, and they had a live band (an accordionists to boot), and lots of intoxicated red neck cousins running around...yeah...interesting. Needless to say, I didn't really take many pictures...but here's one to give you a general idea...
We had packed a picnic of bread, cheese, crackers, fruit, etc. and it was a gorgeous day (if a little warm), so we found a nice shady spot on a hill and had a nice time. But, it was definitely NOT what we were expecting. Colby was hoping to be home in time to watch some football that afternoon...but, that didn't happen. We left here at 12:30, and didn't get back until after 10:00 that night! It was a long day and we were exhausted by the end.

The area we went to was about a 45 minute drive from St. Louis...beautiful countryside! Lots of changing leaves...blazing red, orange and yellow set against some still bright green. Gorgeous! If Colby and I had been by ourselves, we would have stopped and taken pictures...but we were others in their car...so we didn't get any pics. Maybe we'll take a drive some evening or coming weekend and get some pictures...I hate to miss all of this gloriousness of an actual season change!! We can see a little of it from our back patio...I'll show you some other day, when it's not raining. :)

The advantages of being surrounded by trees! I love it! :)

Off to Dinner...Let the Weekend Begin...

I'm on my way to Forest Park for a charity dinner. Colby played in a golf tournament there today with 3 guys from work (actually, 3 VP's from work...he was a little nervous about it...) and they have a dinner tonight where I'm joining them. I know of at least one other wife going...so, it should be fun. It's kind of an expensive dinner (for "Southern" barbecue...that's what the brochure said...the brochure didn't have the quotation marks...but I thought it was appropriate, at least until we see what Missourian's deem as "Southern" barbecue...I think we'll be the judge of that, thank you very much.)...but it's for a good cause. The ALIVE organization...Alternatives to Living in Violent Environments...don't know much about the organization, but it sounds like a good thing.

Anyway, there having a silent auction afterwards too. I've never really been one for silent auctions...but we'll see.

Then tomorrow...we're going to Augusta, MO with a several couples. Apparently, that is in the Missouri wine country...who knew MO had a wine country?? Anyway, it's supposed to be a gorgeous day tomorrow, and should be a gorgeous drive, as Missouri really does have some breathtaking beauty and scenery, especially this time of year when all the leaves are changing! We're packing a picnic lunch and meeting at 12:30 to drive out there...I'm really looking forward to it. I'll take lots of pictures, and post them later this weekend.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!! Breath in that fresh, crisp fall air...gotta love it!

A Visit "Home"

I got to go to Lubbock last week for work! I was so excited when Liz called to ask if I could come down and help out with some stuff...of course the answer was YES! But, then I realized my parents wouldn't be there while I was there...they were off gallivanting through the Northeast...through Boston, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Cape Cod, etc., etc. (they had a fabulous time by the way, and judging from the pictures and longing now that they're home...Colby and I MUST go there some day!)
Anyway, I was so sad I wasn't going to get to see them!!! But, to make a long story short, the interview I was going down to help with was moved, so I did end up getting to see them after all!

I flew down on Wednesday afternoon and stayed with Mandy and Trent for two nights. Worked all day Thursday, and then drove to Lameesa to meet my sister, Lauren and my in-laws, Kim and Danny and Colby's grandmother, Muir, for dinner at a great little Mexican food place there. Have I mentioned you can't really get good Mexican food up here??? So, I had it 3 times while I was home...mmmmmmmm!
Anyway, I worked 1/2 day Friday through the interview, and then mom and dad got in from their trip that afternoon. Erin drove down from Abilene from the weekend too, and Lauren came to Lubbock as well...so we had a really nice family dinner at Olive Garden that night, before going to Lockney.

Saturday, Lauren had to leave to go back to Midland early for an appointment she couldn't miss. So, the rest of us got ready and I got packed and we headed to Lubbock. The plan was to eat lunch at 'It's Greek To Me'...one of mine and Colby's favorites restaurants...and then go get my rental car at Lauren's old apartment (I had left it there the night before so as not to have 4 cars driving between Lubbock & Lockney), and then me go to the airport to go home and mom, dad and Erin go to a movie.

Well...we were going through the county, and got right on the other side of Petersburg when dad asked if I had my rental car keys. "Yes", I said...without thinking twice. But, then I felt a little twinge of doubt, and checked my purse...and...nope, no car keys. So, we had to turn around and go all the way back home! This put us back about an hour, and we really had no time to spare as it was...so, needless to say, I didn't get my lunch at IGTM. :( Maybe over Christmas.
We had just enough time to drive over to my car, get to the airport, and then they dropped me off at the terminal and went and returned my rent car for me...seriously...we Mangold's can do nothing without at least "some" drama/flusteredness.

All in all, it was a GREAT trip though!! I got to see ALL of our family, which was awesome! I miss them all so much! It definitely has put a little twinge of sadness on this week though...made me miss them even more.

I'm really glad we've decided to drive home for Christmas though...we're taking 2 full weeks, packing up the dogs and making it a fun adventure. It will be so nice to have so much time with everyone! And my dad, for one, is thrilled with the prospect of getting to see the puppies!! :)