Travels with Susan

Friday, November 13, 2009

Christmas tree lighting kicks off the Christmas season in Greer Arizona on November 14

Christmas tree lighting kicks off the Christmas season in Greer Arizona on November 14

Posted using ShareThis

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

A Veteran's Day tribute to my son and all those before him

This isn't your typical travel blog. Since tomorrow is Veteran's Day, this blog is dedicated to my son who is in the US Army, my husband who served in the US Air Force, my father and father-in-law who both were in the US Navy, my mom's brothers who were in the US Army, and the long line of Laniers who have been in just about every branch of the military. But mostly, it's for my son.

Obviously, we're a family deeply rooted in the military. In fact, I've looked it up and as far back as I can track it, there has never been a generation of Laniers (since the 1400s it appears) that hasn't served in the military. That's pretty amazing.

My son says he's a little embarrassed when someone comes up to him and thanks him for serving. He says that, after all, he's still only part way through his 14-month training program. He hasn't been in battle. He hasn't put his life on the line. But he's wrong. He DOES deserve that thank you. He's there training so that someone else can go put his or her life on the line today. He's sacrificing precious time away from his wife and three children to dedicate a whole lot of time and what could ultimately be his own life for very little pay and little recognition.

I'm proud to say my family has served this country in every war as well as in times of peace. I might not always agree with the wars or want the men and women to be in the midst of conflicts without clear objectives - but I'm proud of them for standing up and making a sacrifice every day.

I'm also very proud of my daughter-in-law Kamilla who, like many other military spouses, goes it alone every day. She raises their three children (Nathan, John and Zoe) by herself on an income most of us would scoff at and she does it with strength and courage.

My son may be away from home, but he is never alone. In this war, unlike some others, I think people do care (although they need to care more about our men and women who return home with little support and few jobs). But more than the country behind him, he has generations of family behind him, each one of whom would stand up and be proud of his duty, honor, and service.

And, of course, he has mom standing behind him, brushing away the tears she tries never to let him see anymore.

Thank you Private First Class Patrick Graham for your service.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Biltmore Original Tequila Sunrise is example of Arizona Biltmore's lasting commitment to guests

Biltmore Original Tequila Sunrise is example of Arizona Biltmore's lasting commitment to guests

Posted using ShareThis

The Twilight Saga, New Moon: The movie premiere is perfect time for a girl's night out

The Twilight Saga, New Moon: The movie premiere is perfect time for a girl's night out

Posted using ShareThis

Monday, November 2, 2009

Spago Las Vegas: Finding that one perfect bite

I found my one perfect bite at Wolfgang Puck's Spago Las Vegas. I recently enjoyed, as a special guest of the restaurant, a tasting menu at Spago. The entire meal was out of this world. The Executive Chef, Eric Klein, introduced himself to me at the beginning and told me he would create a great meal for me. That he did.

It was all delightful, but I'll forever remember that one magical bite. You know the one. You take a bite and you know you've never eaten anything so good your entire life -- maybe never will again. You savor it. My perfect bite was hand-rolled, homemade ricotta gnocchi served in a black truffle butter sauce.

I had six little gnocchi sitting in this butter sauce on my plate. Each one was like a soft little pillow, coated in that toasty, earthy flavor of the black truffles. I stared down at the last one remaining on the plate. I wanted it, but I wanted to linger over it. My husband made it worse when he pointed out that the chef made them just that night. They aren't on the regular menu. Chef Klein loves to cook specials - it's one of his signatures - and this was one of those.

I took a deep breath, reveling in the smell of the truffles, the ricotta, the butter. I forked it, rolled it in the butter, popped it in my mouth. I closed my eyes. With each bite, I felt the wonderful ambiance of the restaurant, tasted the flavors in my mouth, felt the chef's soul in the tender bite. I smiled, knowing my husband sat across from me, relaxed my shoulders, thinking of a great day, and downed the last of my very favorite food of all time.

One bite. One simple bite, but so many pleasures. Even if I can't get the recipe from Chef Klein or someday have him replicate that morsel for me, it will remain forever in my heart, changing my palate slightly, refining it a bit, thrilling my senses every time I think about that meal at Wolfgang Puck's Spago Las Vegas.

For your own special bite, visit Wolfgang Puck's Spago at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on Las Vegas Boulevard. Call 702-369-6300 or visit online at http://www.wolfgangpuck.com.