Summer Getaways

Kevin and I headed to Christina Lake for a few days in mid-July to visit with the fam, and have a few days of relaxation on the lake. Stopped in Osoyoos at the Burrowing Owl winery http://www.bovwine.ca/ for a snack and a drink. The vineyard resort is perched up on a hill overlooking the valley and the lake - a beautiful view. We first went into the tasting room to taste their varieties of wine. Ended up buying 4 bottles - mmm, lovely wine! And then headed over to the restaurant, sat out on the balcony and each ordered a glass of wine and two wonderful appie platters.

Spent 4 days at the lake, mostly visiting with family. My brother and his kids (and his new girlfriend and one of her two kids) spent a lot of time up at Mom and Dad's with us so we could visit. Weather was nice, so got a bit of dock time in the sun.

Then we headed back to Victoria on a Tuesday, and flew down to Newport Beach CA on Wednesday (just enough time home to hi say to the cat). Kevin had to work down there for 2 weeks, so I joined him Wed-Sun. Had a great time. Weather was fabulous, so spent some time out by the pool. Our hotel was right across the street from Fashion Island - the area's biggest (and ritzy-est) shopping plaza, so ventured over there pretty much every day to do some looking (and a little buying - ended up buying a few tops, a new watch and 4 pairs of shoes!!). We went for 2 fabulous dinner - one night to Flemings, a steak house near our hotel, which was incredible! I had a surf n turf platter that had a delicious steak, 3 giant seared scallops and mushroom ravioli. And the last night, we went for sushi, at a place called Blue Fin, which we decided was the best sushi we've ever had!

All in all, July was not a bad month: a couple nice getaways, and the time that we've been at home, summer weather has been pretty good here in Victoria!!

Now, preparing for a quick trip back to Saskatchewan at the end of August to visit with the grandparents, and my Aunt and Uncle...and another trip to Australia coming up in October. 2010 is turning out to be the year for travel!!