Remembering February

I can’t wait to tell you all about our Sonoma adventures from this past weekend! But first, it’s time to recap February. It was one busy little month. We celebrated both of my in-laws birthdays at their house the first weekend of the month, and it was great to catch up with everyone. It’s nice that we’re able to see Tom’s family so easily.
I’m never very interested in the Super Bowl (college football > NFL), but two of my girlfriends suggested getting together for bar food and a catch up at Bluejacket during the game. We ate a little bit of everything, but my favorite was the fried mumbo chicken sandwich. I don’t know why I waited so long to try it.
This is one of those food items I wish I didn’t know about, especially since it’s within such a short walk from my apartment. It’s that addictive. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The next week we volunteered to pour wines at the Code of Support Toast to our Troops event at the Arlington National Cemetery Women in Military Service for America Memorial.
We were representing the winery we work at occasionally, Maggie Malick’s Wine Caves, and had a great time. It was really nice to be a part of such a great cause, and everyone seemed to enjoy the wine!
That weekend we continued the winery theme by working in the tasting room. Even though it was freezing with negative wind chills, the crowds never stopped coming which always makes for a fun day. We got to chat with tons of interesting folks and the shift was over before we knew it. Work is a lot more fun when it doesn’t feel like work.
That evening, we had the honor of attending a Valentine’s themed wine dinner at the main house. The food and wine were excellent and the company was even better. Many of the couples in attendance have traveled the world many times over and we were regaled by their stories for hours – such an inspiration.
Ashton, as usual, made lots of new friends. I have to keep an eye on him to make sure no one decides to slip him into their bags when I’m not looking.
We spent Valentine’s Day exploring Virginia Wine Country, and then went home for a home-cooked celebration. I was excited to get a delicious box of Shari’s Berries from my original Valentine – my dad. So good! We wiped the entire box out in less than two days. But it’s okay, fruit is healthy. Thanks Dad and Denise!
Opting against an overpriced Valentine’s dinner out, a rip off comparable to the markup on New Year’s Eve, we made a simple yet special meal at home with a nice bottle of wine saved from our honeymoon trip to Napa.
I’d been craving a big, comforting bowl of pasta and we took it up a notch by using fresh bucatini from Seasonal Pantry, made by the owner just for us after a few Twitter exchanges.
We topped the fresh noodles with a Bolognese sauce, fresh Parmesan and basil and it tasted as good or better than any pasta dish I’ve had out in recent memory.
After a light snow on President’s Day (so over all things winter), DC finally started to thaw out. Work was hectic for both Tom and I for the rest of the week, so our days were relatively uneventful, but we did catch this sunset on our drive home from work one day. Not too shabby.
The Memorial Bridge is one of my favorite sites in the city. It gets me every time.
The next weekend brought beautiful weather, so we made a point to get out and enjoy it. We walked to Las Placitas for lunch and then, fueled by free chips and tequila, spent the rest of the day on patios with Ashton.
Look at that tiny, happy face! I miss him so much. And yes, I wear that pink jacket almost every day. I realize now I could perhaps benefit from some wardrobe variety. But then again, who’s looking at me when I’m holding the world’s cutest dog?
Unfortunately, the nice weather soon gave way to rain and cooler temperatures and the next week passed by quickly and with work and preparation from our trip to California.
We spent the final weekend of the month exploring the beauty of Sonoma County – more on that soon!
I’m so happy March is here, it’s one of my favorites. I’m crossing my fingers for some Spring-like weather when we get back to DC. We also get to go home to see my family this month for Easter. So many reasons to be excited. See ya, February!
Did you have a good February? What are you looking forward to in March? Do I need a new jacket? Do tell!