So much has happened.....

Seriously? I haven't written in my blog for 10 months? That seems impossible! So much has happened. First off the Medical Teams auction was held on October 31 and we raised over $1.35 million dollars! Can you believe it? And over $80,000 was raised in wine-related items - that makes a real difference in the lives of those who are desperate for help. And here we are again.....procuring wine cases, wine verticals, wine dinners....and on and on....for the 2011 Great Adventure Auction. Let's hope we can get close to $100K with wine items.

My daughter leaves for Europe/Asia in three weeks. My god, I'm going to miss her. She is my most sweetest heart. She has such an adventure ahead of her....I shall pray for her safe journey.

Many fun wine events have transpired as well. I had a wonderful time with Terri Stevens-Rader over Memorial Day. Some friends you meet along the way and the friendship is instant.....you can go a long time without seeing them and then - zap! - you pick up where you left off. She's a dear heart with a fun spirit! And another friend in that very special category is Pat Nelson - my friend from Markowitz days. We have traveled together, been a part of a wine dinner club together, cried together and a whole lot of laughing together. Oh, my women friends - how I love you!~

And my darling sweet Vienne and sweet Claire....my two most lovely granddaughters! You have grown so much over these past several months. Amazing to watch!

Oh yes, this is a wine blog! Amazing wine has graced my table this year. And, did I tell you that Custom Wine Marketing's wine club - Cellar Select - is one year old this past July! And I've gone from 6 "charter" members to 19 members!!! This is my greatest thrill! It's so great to know that there are folks who trust my palate and know that I'm going to choose great wine at great prices....such fun!

My favorite wine this past year? Too many to choose from. But I have had fun putting together a case of 2008 Pinot Noirs and a case of 2009 Pinot Noirs. I want to hold them for awhile and see how they develop. For someone who swore they didn't "like" Pinot Noir (said very snottingly some years ago!), I really enjoy it now! The complexities and fine nuances are amazing!

By the way, I've meant some nice wine acquaintances this past year. Jane Morrell is a new friend. She represents a wine brand in Washington. I met her at a tasting at Mitchell Wine Group, and we hit it off. I look forward to getting to know her this next year. And then there is Kathy Hermann. She is a new member of the MTI wine procurement committee - neat woman. Very creative, energetic, persistent. A perfect fit for an Aires!

Okay, so I digress! But like I said at the outset....so much this year. I invited you at the beginning of this blog to take this journey with me. I hope you are still there. :-)