Remembering November

Late again, but I can’t believe it’s already time to write this post recapping November. The good thing about time going by so fast means that winter will be over soon, right?
November started off with a Halloween hangover. Actually, I felt fine, but Tom needed a little hair of the dog. After we explored the U.S. Arboretum on the first, we wandered around our neighborhood (my Fitbit was happy) for a bit enjoying the warm weather.
After awhile we decided to find refreshments at one of our favorite local spots, Scarlet Oak. I just love Tom’s face in this picture as he contemplates his delicious pickleback and PBR combo (and by delicious, I mean I wouldn’t drink the whiskey if you paid me).
The following week was very social. I made a conscious effort to say yes to more social invitations to avoid going into my usual Fall/Winter hibernation. We said goodbye to a friend moving to Denver at Big Hunt in Dupont Circle one night, followed by a night out in Arlington with friends who left DC last year and were in town visiting. I sure hope everyone doesn’t leave us!
That Saturday, we met up with friends/former coworkers for a day of Top Golf at the new location in Ashburn. We’ve gone to the Alexandria Top Golf (which is apparently closing at some point) many times, but were shocked at how much nicer this one is. It was a cold day, not quite suitable for outdoor activities, but the heaters in the bays made for a warm and toasty afternoon and a great way to pass a dreary day.
This is me making an effort to post more pictures of myself, despite the bad hair day, bad swing form and general loathing of my photographed self. Progress!
The next week was just as busy, with a work dinner one night and then meeting Tom’s parents at Tupelo Honey Cafe for dinner the next night. They only live about an hour away, so we get to see them fairly often. Tom and I both had that day off for Veteran’s Day, so we went on a long walk around the city, visiting the Capitol and the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. It was a pretty perfect day. I feel like as long as I can get out in the sunshine to walk around at least once every other week, winter won’t be as miserable.
I had two different girls’ nights to attend this month, which was so much fun. One was a wine night at my friend Jenna’s in Arlington, with lots of silly and serious conversation. I didn’t know all of the girls that well, but it was really nice to get acquainted and make new friends.
The following day was rough, so I immediately decided an all-day brunch needed to happen, which was also an excuse to catch up with my friend Lauren. I’m so glad we’ve become so close over the past year or so. She’s one of those friends I can talk to about anything, and she loves food and wine as much as I do.
We got home in the late afternoon and I could have gone straight to bed, but I had a football game to watch. Oklahoma won big over Baylor, putting us in the playoff conversation. Who would have thought after a fairly modest season start and then a devastating loss to Texas. I’m biting my knuckles in anticipation of how the season will end. I honestly can’t even believe I’m writing about it because I’m so superstitious, but it’s a big part of my November so I’ll fight the urge to delete all of this. Boomer Sooner!
The next day got off to a slow start, but ended well with a trip to the U.S. Botanic Garden and Sona Creamery. My favorite Sundays are those with few plans and my two favorite guys. When we got home, we spent the majority of the night cuddling on the couch, a pretty regular occurrence now that the sun sets before six.

They really know how to work the camera, don’t you think? I’m  pretty sure they were consulting about what to get me for Christmas.
The following week I got a haircut, which is usually a boring occasion because I only get a trim that no notices but me. Feeling fresh with my blowout, I felt like I needed to go somewhere even though I’d already planned a dinner to cook at home. We decided to pop into Dino’s Grotto for a quick drink and a snack. The “small” charcuterie board I ordered ended up being one hell of a carnivorous feast. Oops.
Insider tip: Dino’s wine pours are big enough to share and they give you all the free pickles you want.
That Friday was another girls night, with the same group I went out with last month. We went to Zaytinya and ate all of the dips and spreads. 
We’ve made these get togethers a monthly thing and have been really good so far about sticking to it (something that’s rare with a group of busy women) and I’m so glad.
The next day there was more football as well as some early Christmas decorating. This is staunchly against my beliefs that decorating should not occur until after Thanksgiving, but since we were going out-of-town for the week I didn’t want to have to deal with it when we got back. We don’t have room for our tree in our new smaller apartment, but we still managed to instill some cheer into our little space.
We have a few other little things put up around the house, just enough to make things feel jolly. It’s the second year we haven’t had a tree. Even though our apartment last year was a lot bigger, there just wasn’t a logical place for it. And honestly, I didn’t miss it that much. Taking that sucker down is way less fun than putting it up. Tom and I don’t exchange gifts, but we do silly stockings for Christmas and it’s turned into one of my favorite things about the holiday, so we always have to find a way to display them. Of course, we won’t forge the dog!
On Monday we left for our trip to Oklahoma, one of the best we’ve had in a while. I’m glad we were able to really put in some quality family time.
We volunteered to work at the winery on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, since a lot of people were still traveling. We always enjoy going, but unfortunately the day turned out to be cold and rainy and very few people came out for wine tasting.
Few people, but several pigs…
The highlight of the day was this group of wine enthusiasts, who wandered over from a nearby farm. Never a dull moment.
And with that, November was over. It may have ended on a cold and gloomy note, but I’m working on accepting the fact that winter is upon us. Luckily, we have a ton of fun stuff to look forward to in December – a trip to the mountains, visiting friends, Tom’s 30th birthday (!) and of course, Christmas and getting to spend time with family in New Jersey.
But don’t ask me what I’m doing for New Year’s. I’ll be hibernating. (I hope.)
I’d love to hear about your November and what you’re looking forward to in December. Or not looking forward to, keep it real!
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