Vermont Infatuation

I love Vermont. That's my confession this week. The small town feel. The charm of the countryside. The fresh, organic food.  The friends we've made there. 

I even love the cold (sometimes) and the way it hits you when you walk out the door.

And I loved this picturesque farm, where they raise over 100 goats, on our way to visit our friends Lise and Jimmy further south. We "talked" to the goats and even got to see them being milked.

Somehow, it didn't matter that our car broke down and we were 90 miles from home. 

I guess that's why I love Vermont.

Foodie Finds in Australia

You know me. Always on the hunt for a good meal. Well, a great meal.  Not the touristy places. The places I feel lucky to be dining.  The places that have great ambience. Great fellow diners.  An amazing wine list.  Unusual deserts.

Here are a few finds in Sydney:

Baroque: My friend, Anya's, friend Ollie owns it.  So I wanted to like it.  But I really liked it.  The ambience is great. The desserts, particularly the macaroons, are to die for.  And the outside deck is a great after dinner watering spot.  Throw in a few hip, 20 something Australians, and it made for a vey fun Friday night.

Sailors Thai: On George Street in the Rocks. Down a flight of steps and then onto the back deck overlooking the back of the big Sydney passenger terminal.  The presentation of prawns in banana leaf, crispy pork with quail egg and beef salad with oh-so-fresh mint was perfect.  Thanks for dinner James and Tim!

The Hyde Park Cafe: Just outside of the Hyde Park Barracks museum, I almost walked right on by.  But then I noticed the prawn salad someone was eating and the nicely shaded outdoor tables.  I had superb meal with a pinot grigio and then something they called chocolate pudding, which was actually a chocolate molten cake, with white chocolate shavings on top, citrus oil and a dark chocolate ball on top.  Need I say yummy?

Happiness Down Under

It's been an intense work week down under. Back to back meetings.  Receptions. Strategic planning.  Presentations.  I've managed to squeeze in a bit at the end of the trip.  Here are a few highlights.

What more can one say about the Opera House at sunset?

And I loved the beach town on Manly -- a short hop away from Sydney.  Good vibe. Great waves. And a wonderful day spent with a former colleague.

The flowers and vegetation at the Botanical Gardens in Adelaide were amazing.  I only managed a short walk on my way to a reception at the National Wine Center...but wow!

And if we are talking amazing....can you believe these pastries that you look at in awe at Baroque.  Dear Anya, thank you for introducing me to this treasure in The Rocks.  An evening well spent in so many ways!

And finally, Darling Harbor. This picture does not do it justice.  Last night, we were feted with fire works at 10 pm over the harbor.  Another wow moment.

Australia...again

Here I come Australia. Tonight, I'm flying V Australia. I'll let you know what I think.

For me, these long flights mean two things. Sleep. Movies.  It's like my own, private date night.

Goodbye Los Angeles. Here I come Adelaide.

Halloween Indeed

It was quite the Halloween.  And now my world is upside down or at least sideways.  I have no idea why...but hopefully you can see my little cuties!