Taking a winter break down under!

The signature cocktail of the Australia Open. Grey Goose Lemon Ace…..

I am so yearning for lavender season, I must say - the heady fragrance, the warm air, the markets. And I would be crazy to say that I look forward to the dormant season with the chilling temperatures, the sleet, snow and mud, and the voice in the back of my mind telling me I have so much to do to prepare for the next year.

What do I look forward to in the bleak midwinter? Traveling across the broad Pacific to Australia to see the boy, his bride and my sweet grandbabes. It is bittersweet that my son and family live in Melbourne, and that - other than Nana Fridays on Facetime - I see them twice a year, yet it’s pretty special when I hear Tatum say “I cahn’t” or “Nahna” with that awesome Australian twang. And heart wrenching when standing at the ticket counter when leaving and hearing Tomas wail in the sweetest, saddest tiny 2 year old voice…. “Nannnnaaaaaaaa”. But in the grand scheme of things, it is truly a blessing that my life now allows for vacations without demands or stress - no business emails, no employee emergencies that need immediate attention, no CEOs demanding I get on a call at 3am. Yes, I’m coming home with a nasty cold and orders to fill, but my heart is full to the brim and this will carry me over until the fall and once again board the 15 hour flight down under.

Pretty cool though, we did get to experience the Australian Open. Even though my favorite was knocked out in the semi-final, it was incredible. Thank you Grey Goose for making the Aussie heat bearable, to my son and his wife for being the most incredible hosts, and to my amazing (as always) travel buddy and business partner.

Now back to business!