We Are So Back - 04.22.26-04.23.26

It has been six months too long since I have last seen the west coast. I headed over to the Philadelphia airport right after work on Wednesday, April 22 to catch my flight to San Diego, California. I was heading back west to attend my cousin's wedding and to visit my dear friend Hannah. My time at PHL went smoothly, I dropped my luggage off and went through security quickly. Unfortunately, the lounge I intended to visit preflight was filled and I grabbed a bite to eat at Jack Duggan's Pub. My time at the establishment was less than desirable and I do not plan to visit again. Fortunately, my flight went well, and I was able to catch some z's before landing across the country. After I collected my luggage, I was picked up from the airport by Hannah and Alexa, who also flew out from the east coast for our quick reunion. It was so wonderful to be together again, and we yapped all the way back to Hannah's house in Murrieta and for several of hours after.

The next morning, we started off slow, shopping and getting ready for the awaiting day. Alexa had plans with her friend Khaitlyn as I had my cousin's wedding to attend. After Alexa and Khaitlyn left for a day at Disney California Adventure Park, Hannah and I got ready for some pre wedding winery tastings. Hannah and I went to Churon Winery and Truffle Pig Winery in Temecula. At Churon Winery I had the white wine flight for $24.00. The flight included 2023 Pinot Grigio, 2023 Chardonnay, 2024 Viognier, and 2023 Sauvignon Blanc. At Truffle Pig Winery I had the tasting which sampled 5 wines for $25.00. I selected the Market White (honeydew, clementine, crisp apple, clover honey), 2024 Arneis (yellow peach, honeysuckle, nutmeg, golden apple), 2024 Chenin Blanc (Meyer lemon zest, orange blossom, apricot, crushed stone), 2025 Marsanne/Roussanne (fresh pear, Turkish apricot, orange blossom, honey), and Tawny Port (candied fruit, hazelnut, cocoa nib, butterscotch). Hannah and I had a lot of fun visiting the new wineries and sampling the various fruits of their labor.

From Truffle Pig, Hannah and I went to Bel Vino Winery, the venue for my cousin's wedding. The wedding was nice and it was wonderful to see my family and spend the night with them all. After the wedding, Hannah picked me up from the venue and we went back to her home where we ended the night by relaxing in her hot tub. Tomorrow would be another long and exciting day as the three Disney girls did what they know best.