This is Van Winkle, a little lopsided a little loopy. So full of love he can hardly stand it. Van Winkle was dropped off at Oakland Animal Services as a stray. He may only be 4-5 years old, but he has had a pretty rough start. When he arrived at the shelter he was so matted that he couldn't walk. He was malnourished, but a survivor. Van Winkle is now at the shelter trying to heal. He is slowly putting on weight and learning how to walk again. He clearly loves people and just wants someone to love him back. If you know of anyone looking for a cocker spaniel and a whole lot of love. Be sure to have them call the Oakland Animal Services and ask for Van Winkle.

The cuteness is overwhelming. Yes, she was on stage for only a cumulative of about 2 minutes, but she was the star. Dancing across the stage in her purple tutu, smiling to the audience while she whirled and twirled. For those two minutes, Priya was the prima ballerina. Everyone in that audience was there just for her, she was sure of it.

Charlie and I took a little drive to the Berkeley Botanical Garden. I had no idea it was there, and was pleasantly surprised to find it. There were quite a few people out and about, but there were several nice little nooks where we could hide away. Charlie read his book while I chased butterflies.

This was taken several weeks ago. I meant to get it posted a while back...but then with the fella's broken arm and everything else it just kept getting pushed back. As I was going through some archives I found it. I am thinking that it is about time that Charlie get back into his chacaturie. This was an amazing duck prosciutto that he made (and practically devoured in one sitting). Perhaps seeing the beautiful end product of his efforts will inspire him to get back to the chopping block. For my tummy's sake, I hope so. 

Thank you Marin Sun Farm's for the amazing duck breast!

About a week ago Charlie and I received some pretty great news. It looks like we will be moving to Stanford in the fall, Charlie got into the MBA program and we finally know where we will be...for at least two years. I was thrilled with the news, not only because he totally deserves to go to Stanford and will probably do amazingly well there, but I don't have to move to the east coast! Now don't get me wrong, the thought of long cold winters and living in a completely new place does have a particular appeal... but we get to stay in California! I don't have to start my business completely over, I get to continue to enjoy the beautiful California weather, I get to stay close to my family. All great things.

Charlie is so excited to start this next chapter, and so am I. Getting into his first choice school is a dream come true. I feel like we have been putting every ounce of good juju towards Stanford, just willing him to get in. I know my mom would have probably gone to the dean herself and begged if she thought it would  help. But, no begging was required. Despite coming from South Africa, with no network here and no job prospects. Despite his many obstacles along the way, despite his broken arm: Charlie got into Stanford. And I am so proud of him.

So, we are probably going to get in quite a bit of traveling in before moving down to Stanford in August. I am going to continue to enjoy my cute little flat as long as possible, our next abode will probably not be quite so charming. As much as I love Stanford I am not sure student housing is going to compare with the beautiful light that fills our current home. But, I am certainly not going to be complaining, we are overwhelmingly fortunate.