2011 began just as good as 2010 ended. This was Ashley's first Christmas away from home but we were lucky enough to have great friends out here (Rox & Brad) to spend it with. We piled all of our Christmas presents under their gorgeous tree (real of course unlike ours) and then proceeded to play some obligatory Christmas Eve drinking games (A**hole in case you are wondering). Then it was time to get some zzzzz's while Santa went from chimney to chimney. Everyone slept in a little bit but we were all anxious to see what was inside all the wrapping paper. Since all of us must have been good boys and girls this year it took some time to open everything up. Afterward we decided to go see "Little Fockers" to get some laughs in before the rest of the festivities.
Roxanne prepared an amazing prime rib dinner (from Whole Foods where even raw meat looks tasty!) that was washed down with some equally amazing beverages. The Samuel Adams/Weihenstephan "Infinium" beer was a hit as was the Fat Bastard Cabernet (very good for a low priced French wine). Keeping with the theme we even had some tasty wine for dessert. "Wine Spectator" magazine had an article about port wine recently and one that had good reviews was a 10 year old Dow Tawny Port. It had been 11 years since I had a port wine (first type of wine I remember trying actually...outside of Adelaide, Australia wrapping up a six month deployment the ship was nice enough to arrange a wine tour) so I figured it was time to give it a shot again. Being around 20% alcohol it might not be a wine for everyone, but even Ashley was willing to give it a try.
There is never a dull moment when spending a couple of days with Rox & Brad and we would not have it any other way. So much fun was had that we decided to have a more relaxed New Year's Eve. Ashley had to work that day (booo!) so I had planned a Whole Food's dinner of my own (remember the beautiful raw meat!). Flank steak, rice pilaf, salad, Bordeaux for me, Riesling for Ashley was on the menu. Ever since going to Paris (France that is...not Rox's hometown of Paris, IL) we have been spoiled by REALLY good champagne so we found a deal on a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut. This was the perfect occasion as we were able to utilize our champagne flutes that Ashley's Aunt Debby and Uncle Al got us prior to our wedding in October. It was a tasty, easy drinking champagne that we wanted to get the most out of hence the reason we toasted 3 times zones!
Both of us are very thankful for the 2010 we had (new job and married) and can only hope that 2011 brings as much joy to our lives!
Read more...
Posts
