Turning 30

It's been some time since I posted. I need to get back on the wagon. Since I last posted there has been one major change. I turned 30 back on February 5th. 

30 came in with a bang and by bang I mean my dear Celica dying on me less than a week before we left for Vegas to celebrate my birthday. I bought Chelly Celica when I was 20 years old. We had a good 10 years together. I didn't realize my emotional attachment to Chelly until she died. It's crazy but I miss that little car. She has since been replaced by Trevor my 2012 Maxima. Which I love so much :)

So let's get to my very first visit to Vegas...OMG. I had no idea the places were so big. We stayed at the MGM Grand and I was just mesmerized by everything. The decor in these places is amazing. While we were there we visited New York, NY, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Venetian, Bellagio, Excalibur and  Ceasers. I already want to go back but the husband said not for at least 2 years. I guess you are wondering what we did for my birthday. I started my day with an aromatherapy massage which was magnificent. Then that evening we went to dinner at Fix in the Bellagio. After dinner we went to see the cirque du soliel show "O" which was mind blowing. 

I am so glad we were able to go away for my birthday because I spent no time thinking about getting older. 

2012

So 2012 is here. I don't generally make resolutions. This year we do plan to be better in different parts of our lives. We each are making a list of things we want to do better. Not just in 2012 but forever. Just to give you a peak on some of my things. I plan to eliminate as much negativity as possible from my life. I also want to put more effort into my everyday appearance. The main focus is to be the best Ditzel possible.

Did you make a resolution?

Yay

There is a blogger app! Hopefully I will be able to blog more often now.

Conversion Complete

Well the Ditzels are officially Apple converts. We have made the transition with his and her ipod touches, to a MacBook Pro then a iMac and most recently we both purchased the iPhone 4S. I never thought I would go from being a PC and BlackBerry user but I am so glad we made the switch.

Some of my photography

I know some time ago I said I would share some photos from my new hobby. Well here are a few that I have taken in the last 7 months.

This is one of my first shots of our cherry tree.

This is my goddaughter...isn't she beautiful. I love her red her and she was such a good sport this day in the park

Here are few more random shots.

I am still trying to figure out what all the buttons and settings are on my Nikon but it has been fun learning so far.

Football...woohooo!

I couldn't have been more excited last week when the NFL owners and the NFLPA came to an agreement. As a fan, it did bother me that it took 4 months for the two sides to come to an agreement but I guess that's what happens when millionaires and billionaires can't agree who gets a bigger slice of the pie.

I know, I know it wasn't all about money but who are they kidding, 95% of the last 4 months of talks and arbitration was about the mighty dollar. I kept hearing from Roger Goodell that they were doing such and such "for the fans"....Hmmm, here's an idea, how about not taking 4 months to come to an agreement for the fans.

Now that I have that off my chest and feel at piece with the NFL. It is time to start thinking about my 2 fantasy football teams. With free agency and all the trades in the last few days, I have no idea what this season will hold for me. Luckily I am not one to over-think my teams so I should be able to draft a solid team either way.

On August 6th the Ravens will be having a training camp practice at M&T Bank Stadium. We plan to attend and I am anxious to see how we look since our first pre-season game is August 11th against the Eagles. I trust that Ozzie will make a few more signings before the August 4th deadline that will complete our 2011 roster. Here's hoping that we re-sign Derrick Mason!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL ?

Dinner and a mission. The Dogwood in Hampden

After another great recommendation it was time to try The Dogwood in Hampden. We were having dinner with the Jones' that evening so we were able to share our foodie adventure with good friends.

It's not to often that you find restaurants that have a mission but The Dogwood is whole heartedly invested in individuals going through a struggle. Most of the people who work there have been through or are going through a personal struggle. Dogwood hires these individuals and teaches them a skill that they may not of considered and it helps these people realize that it's not to late to turn your life around.

Now let me introduce you to the deliciousness of The Dogwood.

Let's start with appetizers. Each couple had their own order of chips and dip. This is not your ordinary chips and dip. TD's version is fresh made Old Bay potato chips with a fresh herbed organic yogurt dip. I literally could not stop eating the chips and dip. The chips we so crunchy and had just enough Old Bay and then dip was so fresh and reminded me of the most delicious onion style dip you could imagine.

Ron also had this very refreshing signature cocktail called The Dogwood(citrus-infused organic Prairie Vodka, Coin- treau, splash of Campari, house-made simple syrup, pomegranate juice, splash of fresh lemon juice, topped with Prosecco, garnished with a cucumber round and a lemon twist, served over ice, sangria-style in a wine glass).

After we enjoyed our chips and dip it was time for dinner. I am warning you that the next few photos will have you salivating if you aren't already.

Mrs. Jones and Mr. Ditzel both chose the Ancho braised grass-fed short ribs(green chile cornbread with sage, spicy braising jus BBQ, garlic sautéed greens and market vegetables )

I went with the pan-roasted Duroc pork porterhouse (rined with rosemary, thyme and brown sugar, served with mashed sweet potato & plantain, grilled pineapple-cherry salsa).

Mr. Jones decided on the MD crab cakes. 

We also ordered some sides al carte. The Ditzels went with Pommes Dauphine (organic potato puffs- French Tater-Tots, roasted chili aioli).

The Jones' decided on an order of Mac n Bleu (artisan blue cheese, farfalle, ginger breadcrumbs).

Everyone really enjoyed their dinner and I am pretty sure I could eat those french tater tots every single day of my life. 

Next up was dessert. Ron went with Chocolate de pot Creme and the Jones' split a piece of carrot cake.

After looking at all these pictures are you ready for your dining experience at The Dogwood ? We promise you won't regret it!

www.dogwoodbaltimore.com/