Random Thoughts On A Hump Day

Wine tasting to me is a hobby of indulgence and exploration. There's always a list of recommended foods that when paired with a specific wine they will bring out the best in both. There should also be room for experimentation. Why not try something out of the box and see if it's a match made in heaven or hell? I had such an experience last night. 

Pictured above is my latest incarnation of somewhat healthy steak tacos. I combined Morton & Bassett's Spicy Everything Sprinkle with cumin and oregano. I expected something that might be too hot, yet I ended up with something that lacked sufficient heat for my palette. The red wine blend I thoroughly enjoyed with steak on Saturday night should've gone well with these tacos, but the avocado I smeared on the zero net carb tomato & basil tortillas interfered with my happiness. 

What should've been an enjoyable feast was just dinner, but that's okay. I learned something new, and that was the avocado made the wine taste the same as it did by itself. I'll try again tonight sans the green stuff, and I'll sprinkle Marie Sharp's hot sauce on them to see if it makes a difference.

***

I'm now six days away from my next vacation, and the fear of the unknown is dueling with an insatiable curiosity within me. I've never been to Palm Springs before, and yet every time I look at Google Maps it feels like the days leading up to my first trip to Temecula. It's an excitement that almost makes me want to sleep in until the morning I depart.

The itinerary inside my head changes as often as the weather in some parts of the country, and yet I have to decide on six restaurants to eat lunch and dinner at over four days. There's a Tommy Bahamas near my hotel, so that feels like a must visit, and I'm sure there's a few other places worth including.

I also have to account for Spo. The ideal is to meet him and others for one of those meals, but I have no idea what he does on these annual jaunts to the oasis in the middle of the Mojave Desert. I'll leave that up to him and roll with it.

***

The preparations are well underway. I bought a pair of swimming trunks that I may never use, but a dip in the pool a few hours after dinner doesn't sound like a bad idea. I'll scour B&N's magazine rack for possible reading material sometime this weekend.  

Before I can begin packing, I have to decide which MINI to drive. Artoria is the logical choice, but after reading Spo's latest entry I can read between the lines. I believe he wants to see Miku, and I don't blame him. She's a cutie no matter who you are, how you identify, and who you love. Did I ever tell you via her Carfax the first owner either lived or frequented San Francisco and West Hollywood?

My final decision has become more muddled. The ten day forecast for Palm Springs calls for 90 degree daytime temperatures that will cool to the low 60s at night. With the top up and the AC on her interior will stay cool for the Harmonique wine transportation, but she can run around topless once we get there.

This also means I cannot use the larger of the TUMI rolling luggage for this trip. I'm guessing a combination of the carry on roller and the duffel bag will suffice. One for the regular clothes and the other for workout stuff.

I guess this means I'll drive Artoria to Temecula in about four weeks to be fair to both of them?