VGNO (and SHOES!)

After recent unsavory events, I am pleased as punch (pun intended) to be playing at the Virtual Girls' Night Out this weekend. It's just too dangerous to party in public these days.

I do have a meeting tonight, so I'll be bloghopping and partying through the weekend. I hope you enjoy hopping mine.

The Fourth of July always makes me feel like my small hometown is the best place on the planet. I think this holiday was made for small towns. The feeling of community and friendship is amazingly cool, and provides a recharge to drained mommy batteries. On Sunday, Chelan will be having a cool "Fifth of July" event, too, with more fireworks and activities. I'll be on the old bridge, holding down a table at the Historic Downtown Chelan Association's event. Here's the bridge:
That photo, by the way, was taken by my friend and talented photographer, Richard Uhlhorn. He took the floating head photo that appears at the top of my newspaper column. I adore Rich, and I hope he doesn't sue me for stealing his photo. Thievery really is the best form of flattery, don't you think?

In honor of my town and small towns across America, let's groove with John Mellencamp, singing "Small Town" live (be sure to yell "SMALL TOWN" when he pauses for audience participation!):




Oh! Let me offer you a drink! This recipe is my very own creation, from back in my bar managing days:

The Gonzo Mama's Apple Martini

You will need:

1 oz. Stoli Vanil vodka
1 oz. De Kuyper Buttershots
1 oz. De Kuyper Apple Pucker

ice

a Granny Smith apple (left over from dutifully baking your family's apple pie for the Fourth, of course!)

a martini shaker

a large martini glass

a soft place to land after six of these

Put all of your liquor into the martini shaker. Fill the shaker 2/3 full with ice. Put the lid on and shake until your hand is freezing and a thin layer of ice forms on the outside of the shaker. Strain into the martini glass. Garnish with a thin slice of fresh Granny Smith apple.


Mr. Wright bought me the most fabulous shoes for our anniversary! Since I am neither a photographer nor motivated to stray far from the bed I am lounging on as I type, you get to see my impromptu photo shoot from the bed.

Aren't they adorable? Isn't Mr. Wright the best husband ever for finding them? Aren't shoes a totally hot anniversary gift?

What did I get him? Well, um... I got him beat up when I tried to make the world a better place. If you see Mr. Wright out tonight, buy him a drink. He needs it.

If you're new to VGNO, head on over to Ann's blog for the 4-1-1 and to sign the Linky so we can party together. Happy Fourth, and happy VGNO!

Appletini photo by capn madd matt