Lots of things to say about the Olympics, Wine tasting, and the next phase of vacation

THIS MAY BE A SPOILER ALERT FOR WOMEN'S GYMNASTICS, READ NEXT THREE PARAGRAPHS WITH CAUTION.

I woke up this morning to the drama of Simone Biles taking herself out of the team Olympics due to mental health issues. Wow, what a reminder that the most excellent of athletes needs to take care of themselves. They are just like us - and yet we put them in a league of their own, on an infinite pedestal. We celebrate those who seem to not crumble under the pressure - they are superior athletes, superior human beings so they should never "crumble," right? WRONG!!!

I watched the news story on NBC as they interviewed former Olympians and US teammates, Aly Raisman and Laurie Hernandez. Part of the The Final Five, their words were full of wisdom, in albeit different ways. Aly, and I know not much about her, definitely is of the fighter mentality - and called into question the monetary desire and decision-making body of US Gymnastics to not better prepare the team for what they knew to be a "fan-less" Olympics, while at the same time supporting Simone and the team for succeeding. Laurie both celebrated and encouraged the US Team and Simone Biles for their perseverance and wisdom. But what stood out to me was what Laurie said about team USA, partly paraphrasing: "These ladies are great (in their own right)...They didn't lose a gold medal, they won a silver."

Wow, such great words, and such a huge reminder of how we should look at things in a positive, uplifting light. I know there are going to be haters out there of both the team and Simone. Those haters are not to be given any credit. These women are not only incredible gymnasts but are simply amazing human beings. What they have gone through, what their predecessors have done not only for the sport but for ALL WOMEN EVERYWHERE are only to be celebrated, uplifted, thanked, honored in our history.

I can go on and on but I'll leave it there. I want to talk about mental health but I just am not in the mindset right now to do so. I'll leave that for a future blog, maybe even tomorrow. Suffice it to say that I support Simone Biles, I celebrate the US Gymnastics team, I uplift Richard Sherman, and I'm there for my friends and family if ever they need support. 

WINE TASTING

I've been to five wineries so far, four of them new. I have one left for today and then I head to LB later to spend the night before my grandmother and I head to Oregon for a few days. I'm just going to do a quick synopsis of each winery and leave more in-depth info for later.

L'AVENTURE. I'm glad this was my first one. It was a great way to start my trip. It's slightly secluded but they've made the tasting room and outside tasting area truly peaceful. I also enjoyed the story of the winemaker and his French roots. 

JUSTIN. Okay,  you already know I love this winery. And so far, its my most favorite place to eat as well here. I'll need to check out more restaurants but of the ones I have, Justin has them beat hands down. Advice: always say yes to anyone who invites you here.

THACHER. This is my favorite of all the new wineries this weekend. I could've sat there for hours. Good wines that I don't usually like, peaceful area, great customer service, it has it all. I just really enjoyed myself. Advice: Visit here, and try the Grenache and their Reserve Zinfandel.

TABLAS CREEK. Not planned. A very unique winery, and one that everyone I've spoken to here has either mentioned I visit or when I said I was going almost broke out in song! I did have a great time here, tasting different wines I've never even heard of before and enjoyed the area it is in. Advice: Visit. I did the all red flight, but try the mixed.

LINNE CALODO. THE MOST PEACEFUL winery I've ever visited. Like completely silent area. Its in this little alcove right off the highway (46 W, I think) and I could've enjoyed the wine and taken a nap, too! I think I like the wines but I had tasted a few too many before then so I need to go back. Advice: Visit, especially if you like quiet surroundings.

VACATION

Today is sort of a free day. I have to check out of the hotel in just under 2 hours and I have final wine tasting at Eberle at 11:45 a.m. After that, my only plan is to some point head to LB and spend the night before my grandmother and I head to Oregon tomorrow. Prayers for safe travels and no car issues are greatly appreciated. 

I don't know if this vacation will turn out to be the greatest one or the most relaxed one of my life - but it is going to be one that I needed. I can see that now more clearly. Being on my own here in Paso has really taught me a lot about myself and helped me see more of my likes and dislikes. When I do this again, even come here specifically again, I know what I want to do or go or stay. I've relaxed definitely, I'm looking forward to my last day here. However, I know how I can relax better next time.

Okay, time to start packing up my car. Yes, it will take a bit. And then just a little make up, I'm ready to take on day three of my vacation (technically, it's 4 but Saturday was my cleaning/packing day, it doesn't count as vacation).

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Lots of love,

Tiffany 💋