Fun Filled Weekend Recap

This past weekend, I went on a mini road trip out to my cousin's house. She lives just over an hour away, so on Saturday morning after my long run, I loaded up my car and it the road.  45 minutes after my only rest stop Starbucks break - I arrived.  Nort's always good about having things to do (and backup plans if need be, say if like the original plan to belly dance may have fallen through due to the higher than anticipated cost) - she's good like that.  We unloaded my overnight bag and went on our way...

First stop, Victory Christian Center for a little church shopping. The church was holding their annual rummage sale.  While I didn't find anything that I could currently use (there was plenty I could have bought for sits and giggles, but I held off), there was quite a variety of items from household pieces, books, toys, jewelry, clothing accesories, sports/workout qequipment and electronics.  For sure keeping this in mind for next year so we can get there early.  I have a feeling there were many treasures that were sold/picked up well before we got there.

From there we headed to the Wilhelm Winery Outlet to try out a couple of wines (since it would not be a trip with Nort without some wine tasting ;-).  I was expecting very sweet and fruity wines - and boy was I surprised. I tasted a couple of reds, and the Sunrise blush.  I enjoyed the Sunrise Blush - it was not overly sweet, and has a nice concord grape taste.  Out of the reds I tasted, the Wilhelm Red was very good.  While it is on the sweeter note, I love that I will be able to enjoy this with J as he likes his reds sweet.  My favorite is the Dechaunac.  It is a mild red, with a full flavor that is great for sipping.  So smooth.  I bought some to bring home, but I don't see them lasting the spring.  It is a good thing my cousin lives near the outlet, as it is in PA, and they cannot ship alcohol to Ohio.  Booo!  (I might have cried alittle when she told me this).

After working up a hunger tasting wines, and spending some money - Nort took me to Montana's Rib & Chop House for some linner (Yeah, I said it, linner).  We started with the fried green tomatoes, and while I would never admit this to my Grammawl - they were probably the best I've ever had. The combination of the FGT with creamy blue cheese, balsamic and lump crab meat was like a party in my mouth.  Deeelicous! (Of course, Gram's never put lump crab meat on hers before... So...yeah).  For our main meal, I had a plan to get ribs - but decided that a nice juicy steak was in order.  I mean how often do me and Nort  get to have a linner date just the two of us.  We both decided on the ribeye, and I got a side of baked beans and a cup of clam chowder.  They brought our steaks out sizzling... so we had time to finish our soup, which was chock full of clams and potatoes and was just enough for a pre-meal appetizer.  Onto the steaks - holy hell - like butter in my mouth!  Not to mention they were the size of roasts...  Needless to say, we both took a doggy bag home to enjoy later (which I certainly hope Nort ate since I forgot it in her fridge - Boo again!)
I give it 4 stars for my first visit and will definitely go back next time I head out that way.

With full bellies, we headed back to her house for the main event... The Pure Romance party. If you know me, you know I am not the most "romantic" person (and I have the maturity level of a junior high aged boy). To say these parties make me uncomfortable/giggles McGoo is an understatement.  I thought the Consultant was fabulous - she really put you at ease, made you laugh, was very knowledgable and discreet when it came to ordering.  Will I be hosting a PR party anytime soon?  Hell to the No, but I had a great time and I can check it off my list of "things to experience."

After the party (was the after party! ha!) Nort's friend came over to tattoo us. Not real tattoos silly! Henna tattoos.  Not knowing anything about it - except I was going to be walking around with my new temporary tattoo for the next 2-3 weeks - I told the artist to just be creative.

Right after the henna paste was applied - with alittle glitter for fun
(because we all know glitter makes everything more fun!)

3 days later.  The color has gotten deeper as the days go on. 

I think he did a great job and I can't wait to start looking for my next design, perhaps something a tad more intricate and detailed... (my wrist is not bruised as it looks in the pic above... chalking that up to bad lighting and the angle I was holding my hand).

After a good nights sleep, we got up Sunday and headed out to the 4 Seasons Market Place for some fresh fruits and veggies to take back to the homefront.  This place is bigger than Hartville, but for as much stuff as they sell, much of it is like the flea markets in Sugar Creek moreso than the Hartville Marketplace.  I would for sure go back - I am sure I missed so much, as it was like sensory overload trying to take it all in.

Alas, it was time for me to say Goodbye to Nort and head back to the CLE after a quick detour into Pennsylvania for a Starbucks Mocha Frap for the drive (this road trip was fueled by loud pop music and Starbucks).  Needless to say, we had a great time, if ever so short.  But no worries - I am already x'ing out a weekend or two in my calendar this summer to head back out as I believe we have some belly dancing in our futures!