National Wine Day

 Today is National Wine Day and there are many ways to participate.

 First, decide on which wine you would like. I prefer red, either a merlot or a cabernet. Some experts say you shouldn't chill red wine because it makes it taste too strong, and brings out the elements that can make a glass less enjoyable. Some people don't like room temperature, either. So what I like to do is pour mildly chilled wine over frozen fruit. Today I used frozen dark cherries and it was a tasty treat.

 When most people think of wine, they automatically think of cheese. There are a lot of guidelines on how to pair wine and cheese. I say, whichever cheese I have on hand pairs best with whatever wine I have. My favorites, though, when I have them are colby jack with reds, and mozarella or monterey jack with champagne.

  Always serve the cheese with crackers.

 I had a glass of red to start, as I said I poured it over frozen cherries.

 What I really enjoy the best is champagne. Depending on where you are in the world, white sparkling wine can't be called champagne unless it comes from the Champagne region and made with specific grapes. What I had was California champagne.

Another popular pairing with wine is chocolate. I prefer cheese over chocolate when I drink wine, unless I am given the combination as a gift. Or sometimes if I have baked a fresh tray of brownies, I may have some chilled red wine to go along with it.

Whatever your wine preferences are, remember to drink responsibly. Observe all local laws, and never drive or operate heavy machinery during or after drinking.

Party Time!

 I had a big party for my twelfth birthday. For my dinner, a very special human made chicken fingers from a cook book, they were delicious!

 I was lucky to be surrounded by so many friends.

 There were so many of us that it was hard to get everyone to look at the camera at the same time. Isn't that always the way? 😄

 I got this great unicorn balloon.

 Chewbacca flew in again in his Mliennium Falcon.

 Sir Wellington was nibbling on Lil Bub's ear.

 Doug spent a good part of the party sleeping, but he did wake up for a bit. Maybe if he wasn't wearing pajamas then he wouldn't have felt so sleepy.

 My friends brought me birthday gifts.

 I had some of my favorite candies to share with everyone.

 We had Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids, M&Ms, and Teddy Grahams.

 Also as part of the appetizers we had turkey, cheese, and crackers.

 I do like a plate full of cheese.

 I had some bubbly to celebrate.

 Look at all of my friends having fun.

 We got to eat sweet potato fries. Yummy!

 One of the things we did was we watched Rilakkuma. It is a very cute show.

 Celebrate!

 It was time to open the gifts.

 What is in here?

 Toy Story jelly beans and a Snickers bar!

 Cinnamon bears!

 I got a flamingo pool floatie and I can't wait to try it. I do love the water and am ready for swimming season.
I also got bear paws stickers.

 Do my friends know me or what? I got so many tasty treats. Chocolate is one of my favorite gifts, you can't go wrong with a candy bar.

 My friends also gave me this beach bucket of sand toys. Now I have to plan a beach trip very soon so I can make more sand castles.

 Thank you, my friends, for the great gifts!

 We had a delicious cake, it was a white cake and covered in these candy dots. It was sweet and moist and I want more! CAKE!!!

 Happy birthday, dear Califia!

 Make a wish!

I wished for a slice of cake.

My birthday was very special because of the people who hosted it, and invited all of my friends. And it was nice because there was no drama and we all got along. Life sure can be sweet and wonderful!