Kieslings Go West - Episode 2

As I think I've mentioned, part of my deal with the move to the desert was that we'd do some serious exploring in the western half of the country.  Having only lived east as an adult, the west coast was never somewhere easy or affordable to visit.  So for Episode 2 of Kieslings Go West, we visited Portland, OR and Willamette Valley wine country to celebrate Brad's 35th birthday.

VooDoo Donuts, a maple bacon bar!

The weather was stunning, the food and wine delicious, and of course, the company was perfection.

                                                   

Kieslings Go West - Episode 1

What? Windows down?! YES!

Penny catching up on some history

In the first episode of Kieslings Go West, we took to Prescott, AZ.  We were in need of a getaway from the kitchen craziness and wanted a break from the heat (temps average 10 - 20 degrees cooler than the Valley and it's only 1:15 from our house!), so decided to explore Prescott, the original capital of AZ back in the 1800s.  A darling old mining town, much has been preserved and it's just a cool (literally) place to get away.  Just there for a daytrip, we stayed near the town square, had a lovely lunch and explored the shops and galleries.  And as if it couldn't get any better, Prescott is a very dog friendly town, so we were able to take the Moosh!

Love the adobe rooftops

Whiskey Row

Raven: delish lunch spot

Home on Hold

We took a trip back to DC last week - my first time back since the move - and I will admit, I was nervous about how it would make me feel.  Someone else lives in my house for goodness sake!  But landing into DCA over the amazing views of the Capitol, Washington Monument and all the GREEN, I felt something strange.  Yes, I was a little sad and definitely nostalgic, but I quickly realized what I was feeling was content.  I miss our old life, but there's so much fun and excitement going on with the new one...I'm doing okay.  I looked at Brad and told him that even though it was tough, DC just felt like home on hold.  And knowing it's there waiting for us to come back someday somehow makes it easier. 
It was wonderful seeing so many great friends, as well as seeing with a few people I hadn't been able to connect with before the move.  Until next time, DC - know I think of you often and am sending love from the steamy Southwest!

The money shot

At POV for the quintessential DC happy hour

So grateful for so much time with our goddaughter!