The Oracle of Omaha

Berkshire Hathaway Stockholders Weekend always draws a crowd.  If we were smart we would book out a couple rooms and make a mint.  But, could we charge rent to some old college buddies?  Nawww.  So, the Assyia's and Kelley's made the trek to Omaha from KC and stayed with us  - at no charge, of course!
And, just like the old college days, we had a blast!

Easter Feast

We had a delightful Easter Bunch at Happy Hollow with the whole family.  See -  you can dress us up and take us out!  I have, also, slimmed down considerably since my last post.

Fat App

Does this photo make me look fat? Really - does it?  Can you believe there is an app that makes you look 100 lbs heavier?  Why can't they invent one that makes one look skinny - now that would sell!

Hello Sunny CA

Wow, how long has it been now since my last post?  A very long time to say the least.  My absence has not been due to lack of anything to say but rather a crazy busy schedule.  First of all, I am sure all my readers are on pins and needles about my tennis elbow.  After having to sit out of any type of tennis for over a month, I returned with trepidation and found I could play again- but just barely.  Even after 2 months, I still have soreness and pain when I play especially when I serve.  Bottom line is this:  My professional tennis career is over.

In the last month there have been not one but two trips to very sunny California.  The first trip was a combo trip to see Alex in LA, play golf and tennis is Palm Springs and then my annual Dim Sum Eat Fest in San Fran.

LA was mainly about Alex and putting the finishing touches on his new digs.  The place is really cool albeit tiny with really no room for us to stay in (whew! says Alex).  Alex and I made various trips to IKEA, Marshalls, TJMaxx and Lowes.  He wanted to paint a chalkboard wall like ours so I helped him do the prep work.

The finished product!  I can assure you it is not the Unibomber Manifesto but a lovely poem by Alex's favorite poet whose name eludes me at the moment.

After LA, it was off to Palm Springs and then San Fran where Bob made the spontaneous decision to join me and NOT eat dim sum.  But, Janet and I did and we even ventured off to a farmers market on the warf and enjoyed the sights.

I enjoyed my last day with my friend Rozenn. We had a delightful 3 hour brunch at Zuni Cafe until I had to exit to the airport.  Delicious and goodbye San Fran!!!

When back in Omaha, I  unpacked and packed again for a repeat trip to Palm Spring to celebrate (strong word there) my birthday.

This Palm Springs trip started off with an unexpected layover in Phoenix when we missed our connection.  We awoke at 5 am to catch our 6 am shuttle. All I could think was I should be sleeping in at our luxury hotel Rancho Las Palmas and don't get me started about having to sleep in and wear my travel ensemble or the fact I had no toothbrush.  But, travel is not for sissies - so I marched on. We did finally make it to our luxury hotel Rancho Las Palmas. All was good after a shower and change of clothes that was proceeded by lunch outdoors along with a glass of wine at Tommy Bahamas looking out over the desert mountains.  Then there was shopping on El Paseo Street where, at Saks, Bob impressed the store manager with his new size - Extra Medium.  Bob continued to dazzle anyone who would listen about his new size idea.  Some were impressed and some were not. I not so much after I heard if for the 10th time. I bought myself a pair of LuLu Lemon workout pants and must admit they are like the spanx of workout attire.  We rounded out our shopping at the used golf cart lot where Bob was in golf cart heaven.

There is a strong chance a golf cart is in our future.

 My birthday celebration (again a strong word) at Roy's

Yum...

The next day was to include a visit from Alex who drove up for the day from LA.  We had lunch, again, at Tommy Bahama's where a very generous offer was extended when Alex was offered an unlimited shopping spree at the retail store below.  Surprise - he declined but only because he hates Tommy Bahama clothes (which is exactly why it was offered).  Aren't we funny?!  But, he did score an iPad for his birthday so he surely cannot complain.  We returned to our luxury hotel Rancho Las Palmas to play an hour of tennis and then retreat to our room to get ready for my 2nd birthday dinner at Blu Ember.  We sat outside and had cocktails by a roaring fire and then ate another fine meal.  And for the record, I love saying, "luxury hotel Rancho Las Palmas" and I hated saying goodbye.  But, we had to and we did.

Our luxury hotel Rancho Las Palmas

Tennis Anyone?

That's what I used to say before I was afflicted with a horrible, terrible, terrible condition - Tennis Elbow!  UGGGGGH.  First of all, tennis was my everything (other than wine and, oh yeah,  my husband - of course!). It all started with my first tennis clinic in years with the Duchesne girls under the Big Bubble at Happy.  It was instant love and smiles. I was hooked - how amazing it was to find something to do in the dead of winter. Then, I got Bob out there. Christmas was spent playing doubles with Mike and Fae (I was the partner you didn't want but still).  It was so contagious that my parents started playing again after being off court for 30 years!  As of last week, I was playing in some shape or form  3-4 times a week.  Just look at the fun we were having! Oh those were the days....

My injury began as a slight twinge, then advanced to sore and finally all out searing hot poker pushed into my forearm and elbow pain!  I walked out of last my tennis clinic with 1/2 hr to go and a tear trickling down my cheek.  What was my life to become?

I am in hot pursuit of a fast recovery which includes ice packs, drugs, an arm brace, massage and physical therapy.  I found a much touted cure with something called the Thera-Band Flex Bar  Here is the article I found in the NYTimes: An Easy Elbow Fix?.  Good lord this better work and fast!

Good Eats!

I love the Barefoot Contessa so much so that I read her cookbooks like they are novels.  Her Food TV show is a must see for me each day.  I have every one of her cookbooks and have made many recipes time and time again.  Take yesterday.  Lunch was Roasted Butternut Squash Soup and Curry Condiments.  And dinner you ask?  Spinach and Cheddar Souffle.  Easy, delicious and all most too gorgeous to eat!

Sunshine all the Time

It was not by accident that we planned a trip to Miami in the middle of January.  No, it was a well planned and well executed mission to exit the cold of the midwest toward the bright, warm sunshine of Florida.  The plan was to play as much golf and tennis at the Doral Resort (home of the Blue Monster) and fly out of the West Palm Beach Airport and spend the day shopping Worth Street and eating at the Palm Beach Grill (aka Houston's of Palm Beach).

Now, I must admit the most horrible part is always the flight out of Omaha to where-ever.  This was no exception and, in fact, probably up there with the worst.  First of all flight time was 6:30 am.  CRAZY, I know.  Like zombies we dragged two golf bags, tennis racquets, 2 travel bags, and a laptop.  One would think we were traveling on the QEII across the Atlantic.  However, it would have been the same difference because upon landing in Miami, we dragged our afore mentioned luggage about 2 flippin miles to the rental car facility.  No shuttles.  I repeat no shuttle - just moving sidewalks!  I was sweating profusely in wool and Bob was having chest pain.  WELCOME to MIAMI.  When the GPS was rendered dead, broken or stuck, it was not my  finest moment. However, as I was seated outdoors at the resort with a salad and a glass of Pinot Grigio - need I say it? Nirvana.  Here was our view of the infamous Blue Monster 18th Green.

We golfed and played tennis to our hearts content.  Most favorite course was the White Course at the Doral.  Designed by Greg Norman it has a truly organic feel and fun to play.  All the courses are flat - not a hill in sight and every shot was like hitting it from the practice range.  Here is the 18th tee box.  Palm trees line the fairway - beautiful!

Sadly, all good things must end was our thought as we drove to West Palm Beach for our last adventure.  We booked our last night at The Breakers Resort which is an elegant, beautiful, perfectly manicured resort.  The place oozes old money.  When Bob smoozed up the lady at the check in desk and she liked him so much she up-graded our room to an Ocean View.  She was shocked when we thanked her.  Apparently, old money does not thank the front desk lady.  Nor does old money use" the swan towels" at the pool.  "Swan towels" are for looks only, so hands off Mr. Mann!

I, on the other hand, made no mistakes as such and was allowed to enjoy to pool view of the Italian in a speedo (you can enlarge for a better view).

A private cabana anyone?

 Yes, please!

Dinner was approaching so we made our way back to our room with a view.  Wow!!! Thank you Front Desk Lady.