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Where the Surf Meets the Turf

Del Mar Horse Racing

Where the turf meets the surf…Bing Crosby’s song gets sung here during every racing day.

Why? Bing and a few of his friends in 1937 opened this new seaside racetrack at Del Mar. This was to be a horse palace by the ocean where you could play all day, party all night, and leave the cares of the world behind.

Names like Dorothy Lamour, W. C. Fields, Edgar Bergen, Ann Miller, Red Skelton, Pat O’Brien, Gary Cooper…lots of Hollywood stars frequented here.

Then there are the horses and jockey who raced and won here. Seabiscuit comes to mind, winning in 1938. So does jockey William Lee Shoemaker. His 52 wins sets him apart from others. That was 1949.

Did you know Del Mar racing stopped during 1942 to 1944 due to the war? The grounds were used for training by the Marines. Manufacturing site parts for the B-17 bombers also took place here.

Fast forward to today. Opening day was July 17 this year and runs through September 2. So much goes on here, with concerts after races, food truck events, wine events, and more.

And…hats. Yep, hats. Opening day Hat Contest is all part of the tradition that dates back to 1937 when Bing greeted guests as they entered. The official contest was established in 1995, however. These are no ordinary hats. Many people spend months designing that perfect hat to wear on Opening Day. You want to be seen? Wear a spectacular hat.

What do I like about this track? Everything.

First of all, it’s a gorgeous facility. When you walk around the buildings and grounds, you can almost feel the essence of those who made their dream a reality. It’s easy to imagine yourself in their dream.

If you like horses, this is the place to be. When they are getting ready for the next race, they parade in front of you, not off in the distance. Gaze into their eyes as they look over the row of spectators. Am I picking a horse or are they picking me?

Want to get up close when they thunder around the track? Two ways you can do that. Stand at the rail when they’re running on the dirt track. You hear them coming before you see them. And…then they’re past you.

Or, walk through the tunnel under the track to the inside of the track. When they run on the turf, you have the perfect place to watch them as they seem to lengthen their stride as they fly past you. Maybe, not as thundering on the turf. Still, you can hear them coming.

These powerful horses are magical. It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement as you watch some of the most talented horses in the world.

They are all striving for one thing…reaching the finish line first.

Just like the first people to watch here in 1937, when I’m at the Del Mar Track, this is one of the best places to be on a sunny summer afternoon. The cares of the world disappear.

If You Go: The Del Mar Fairgrounds are located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014. More info about horse racing can be found at https://www.dmtc.com/

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Cite du Vin

NEW EXHIBITION AT THE CITE DU VIN:  ARGENTINA, LANDS OF CONTRASTS 

From 12 August to 17 november 2019

Direction South America! After having celebrated the vineyards of Georgia and the Douro Valley, the Cité du Vin is hosting Argentina from 12 August, for its next temporary exhibition featuring a Guest Wine Region.

A journey of the senses

From 12 August to 17 November, head for Argentina at the Cité du Vin! For 3 months, visitors are invited on a real journey across Argentina’s six main wine regions. Thanks to gigantic exhibits and digital and immersive displays, the exhibition offers a sensory and participative experience of Argentina’s nature in all its spectacular diversity. Visitors can feel the differences in altitude, landscapes, climates, geographical conditions… The goal is to understand the multitude of combinations allowing Argentina to offer such a wide range of wines with their infinite variety of flavours. The legendary Malbec and Torrontès, another famous grape variety to Argentina, naturally take pride of place. At each stage of this adventure, icons from the six regions relate the story of their wines, their gastronomy and their culture. Music and literature are also part of the journey, combining a past and a present that are intimately linked to the culture of the vine. 

2019 Guest Wine Region at the Cité du Vin 

Each year, the Foundation for Wine Culture and Civilisations gives a partner wine region or country the opportunity to present its wine heritage. “The aim is to let the public discover a great wine country from the point of view of its culture and civilisation, through an original exhibition accompanied by numerous cultural events. We are delighted that Argentina is our 3rd Guest Wine Region!” says Philippe Massol, Managing Director. 
Georgia, the world’s oldest wine country, was the first Guest Wine Region in autumn 2017. In 2018, it was the Porto region, one of the world’s oldest appellations whose Upper Douro valley is inscribed as a cultural landscape in the UNESCO World Heritage List, that took the place of honour.
Various events will be held during the Argentina, lands of contrasts exhibition, to explore the themes it addresses in greater depth.

About the Cité du Vin

Located in Bordeaux, the Cité du Vin is a new generation cultural centre, unique in the world, where wine is presented in its cultural, civilizational, heritage and universal dimensions. A cultural facility, a tourist site and a place of life and outings for Bordeaux residents, the Cité du Vin showcases vineyards from around the world through a permanent tour, temporary exhibitions, wine culture workshops and numerous events. Managed and developed by the Foundation for Wine Culture and Civilisations, the Cité du Vin is accessible to the greatest possible number and is open to all. A spectacular journey around the world, across the ages, in all cultures!

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Glamping…Where Do You Want to Go?

Recently, I came across a site dedicated to Glamping vacations and experiences.

Not sure what glamping is or if it’s for you? Check out the links to some of these terrific sounding ideas.

For winery ideas:

Medieval Converted Watchtower Retreat in the Heart of Wine Country, Corgoloin, France

https://glampinghub.com/france/bourgognefranchecomte/corgoloin/converted-medieval-house/

-This medieval converted watchtower is set in the heart of burgundy wine country in France. Located on small hill overlooking a vineyard and what is currently being converted to 350 acres of organic production, this retreat offers relaxation and bliss with an incredible French experience. 

Here are some go to tips and quick information about Glamping Hub 🙂

– When looking for accommodation, use the search filters which list over 27 different types of accommodations in over 120 countries. From tree houses to shipping containers, there is something for everyone.

– Read the listings very carefully. Every detail you need to know about the accommodation will be found on the listing. From amenities to features to activities. This will also help you pack as well.

– Ask your host for the MUST SEEs and Dos in the area. Your host knows best and will be more than happy to help give you the best stay ever.

– Read the reviews. It’s always wonderful to know what past guests have thought and that will give you a good indication of the experience awaiting you.

– Check out Glamping Hub’s collections to find accommodations and areas that will give you inspiration: https://glampinghub.com/glamping-collections/

Let me know what you think…

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What Am I Drinking?

What am I drinking tonight?

Dr. Konstantin Frank sparkling Brut is in my glass…and it’s fantastic.

What is it? Where is it from?

Based in the Finger Lakes of New York, this is a winery we discovered a few years ago. So much of it reminded us of the wines from the Mosel River in Germany.

This could be due to the fact that Dr. Frank, an immigrant from the Ukraine, used his knowledge of cold climate grape growing here in New York.

The vineyards with the grapes for the sparkling wines were planted in the late 1970s…just for the purpose of producing sparkling wines.

These grapes get handpicked and placed into small crates. Extreme care in handling the clusters is essential for this wine. They use only the first, most delicate pressing, the Cuvee. Secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle, as per the traditional Methode Champenoise.

That might be more information than you want. Just know…it’s fantastic, refreshing, and delicious. It makes my glass look pretty and my mouth jump for joy.

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TSA PreCheck

According to TSA, there will be at least 263 million travelers going through airport security this summer alone. They have a suggestion… Enroll in PreCheck. You get expedited security screening and you do not need to remove your shoes, laptop, liquids, belts, or light jackets.

In April of this year 93% of those going through PreCheck waited less than five minutes.

How do you get PreCheck? It costs $85 for five years, a short application, a 10 minute in-person appointment which includes a background check and fingerprinting. Usually, it only takes a few days to be approved and given your Known Travel Number.

It’s definitely worth it.

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Can I Bring My Canoe Paddle and My Seashells on the Plane?

Traveling soon and wondering what you are allowed to take through security? Do you know what TSA requires you put in your checked bag?

TSA has a database where you can find an item you want to take with you in your carry-on bag. Check out https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all.

If you don’t find the item you’re looking for, you can tweet them at @AskTSA or send a Facebook message to AskTSA.

Here is a list of their permitted items and where you must place them.

Permitted as carry-on or checked

  • Knitting needles–sharp objects in checked bags should be securely wrapped to prevent inspector injury
  • Canes–must undergo X-ray screening, a TSA officer will inspect item if it cannot fit through a machine
  • Tents–check with airline, but tent stakes and poles must be checked in
  • Umbrellas–Allowed in carry-on bags
  • Insulin and insulin supplies–Notify TSA officer of your condition and that you are carrying supplies. Any forms or dispensers must be clearly identified.
  • Liquid medications–Liquids, gels or aerosol medications greater than 3.4 ounces must be declared to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
  • Sand, rocks, seeds, plants—OK in either
  • Medical marijuana/CBD–Not searched for but if illegal substance is discovered, TSA will refer to law enforcement
  • Yogurt–Must be less than 3.4 ounces
  • Small fishing lures–Large hooks should be wrapped in checked luggage. Expensive reels or fragile tackle may be placed in carry-on
  • Dry batteries—AA, AAA, C and D, but not lithium varieties

Only permitted as checked

  • Golf clubs (balls and tees can be placed in carry-on)
  • Canoe/Kayak paddles
  • Walking sticks

Only permitted as carry-on

  • Vape/E-cigarette
  • Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery
  • Disposable and Zippo lighters (no matches allowed in carry-on or checked-in)

And what about those small pets?

They are allowed through the checkpoints but don’t have to go through the scanner. A pet carrying case is required to go through the X-ray machine, but the animal must be walked through the metal detector.

Other advice

  • Don’t forget the 3-1-1 liquid rule and pack your liquids in the front pocket on your carry-on for accessibility. Liquids, gels and aerosols must be stored in 3.4-ounce containers or less, and fit in a quart size clear plastic zip top bag, one per passenger
  • Tape a card with your name and contact info to your electronics
  • Pack items in layers (shoes one layer, clothes one layer, electronics one layer, etc.)
  • Don’t forget your money at the checkpoint. In fiscal year 2018, travelers left behind over $960,000. (The TSA plans to use the unclaimed money toward checkpoint training requirements.)
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Help…My Flight Changed

What happens when your scheduled flight is changed? It’s probably happened to all of us.

Sometimes you receive an email telling you your flight has changed. Sometimes it’s leaving three minutes earlier than before.

Sometimes, you receive a notification your flight time is a little less than the original time.

Okay…not a problem.

I received a notification from American Airlines about my upcoming flight to Europe. This one was a problem for me.

Instead of going from San Diego to JFK and then Paris, we had been rerouted from San Diego to Los Angeles to JFK to Paris. This added an additional stop. That wasn’t the problem, however.

We had less than 30 minutes at LAX to switch from American Eagle to American. Not good. Worse, coming back we had 19 minutes in Los Angeles to get to the plane to San Diego. That’s not going to happen.

What did I do?

I immediately called American Airlines and gave my confirmation number to a wonderful lady. When she looked up my flight, she chuckled. “Honey, you aren’t going to make that. Let me fix it for you.”

Her customer service was amazing, she fixed my problem, and put us on new flights.

Everything seems to be good now. Stay tuned for the actual flights…

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People Watching Vegas Style

People Watching in Vegas…At Night

After dinner we headed to the Wynn to watch the waterfall show and have a drink. People watching there was slightly different than what I found in the afternoon.

For one thing, it was cool inside. For another, I was inside a casino and at a bar.

What did I see?

More multi-generational families. Again, son helped dad and probably grandfather navigate the stairs, escalator, and tables. More males of different ages than females.

Couples walked by. She wore shoes from a designer I recognized. They are expensive. He wore worn out flip-flops.

One woman definitely had her attributes enhanced. On many levels. Others preferred to show off their bodies. Real or not?

Another couple was oblivious to everyone but each other. Hopefully, they made it to their room.

Dad with his teen-age daughters commented on the intricate, mosaic floor designs, the uniquely crafted flower displays, and the hanging glass parasols. They seemed to take in everything around them with enthusiasm.

There were those still in tank tops and flip flops. And, those in evening attire.

What did I learn?

Everyone seemed to be having a good time. People of all ages mingled with the glitz, glimmer, and neon of the casinos and restaurants.

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People Watching…Vegas

People Watching in Vegas

When you visit a place where lots of people go, it makes for interesting people watching. Take Las Vegas, for instance.

It was hot…really hot. It is the desert, after all. People still visit. People still wander around. I was one of those.

I did more than just wander, however. I sat, had a cool drink, and watched people. Tourists, business people, show girls, and families. Yes, families with little kids and strollers.

What did I see?

There were those who took photos of everything they happened to see. Some would stop in the middle of the sidewalk and take a photo of their companion pointing to a hotel or landmark. Many wore tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops.

Multi-generation families moved a little slower. The son helped the father navigate through the rest of the people on the street. Then, he helped him sit at a sidewalk café.

Couples holding hands and looking more at each other than anything else made me think they were there on their honeymoon. Or, maybe they just got married in one of the hotel chapels.

Parents pushing strollers with fussy kids made me wonder why they thought the kids would enjoy this.

Two showgirls, clad in nothing but feathers, approached me and asked if I would be interested in a pole-dancing class. They said it was fun. I declined.

Teenagers gawking at who knows what, acted just like teenagers anywhere. They probably enjoyed the feathers.

Shortly after the feathered girls, a muscular man wearing only a red, white, and blue G-string approached me and asked if would be interested in a free ticket to an all-male review. Even though he was very patriotic in his attire, I declined that as well.

What did I learn?

Tourists come in all shapes, sizes, and nationalities. Everyone seemed to have a good time and they all appeared to be happy.

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Long Flight? No Problem

When on a long flight, is there anything you can do to get ready for your destination? What if that destination is several time zones away?

For me, I adjust my schedule to the time zone where I will be landing. That means setting the time on my phone to the new time zone. I try to adjust my eating and sleeping slightly at first to get close to the new time. After a day, I’m good to go.

On the plane, I have most everything I need in a small carry-on bag. I use small packing cubes or previous amenity pouches to keep things organized. Things like lip balm, sunscreen (yes, you can get a sunburn on board an airplane), lotion, toothbrush, and toothpaste are always in my bag. In addition, I have my phone charger, a power bank, a small notebook, and at least two pens.

The air on the plane is dry…very dry. To stay hydrated, I pack an empty water bottle. Once through security, I fill it up.

What do you do?