Whisked Away

Yesterday, (after scrubbing baseboards like Cinderella!!) Dana and Amanda whisked me away for my very low-key Bachelorette Party. Keep in mind, we're not really the party type of girls - and bars really aren't my thing. Therefore, I made it pretty difficult to have any sort of stereotypical Bachelorette Party.

A few weeks back I was told to keep Sunday, August 23rd open - but, like always, wasn't allowed to know any details. In typical "Emily" fashion, I begged and pleaded for details - tried prying them out from everyone, but got nowhere. And, even more impressive - Mom knew about this trip as well and kept her mouth shut! Good job, Momma! :)

I was told to arrive at Neil and Amanda's at 2:30pm, no questions allowed - and I didn't even find that out until Saturday night! I did request details for attire - you know, a bride's got to look her best! Therefore, Sunday rolled around - I put on a nice "blouse" and headed out the door. My only fear included three little words: Indiana State Fair. For those who haven't figured it out - I don't do fairs, camping, fairs, dirt, fairs...however, when Neil squeaked and said, "I've never been there," I knew I was in luck.

We, of course, had to take make a pit stop at Speck's for dog food. Who doesn't wear heals into a pet store?! After that, the three of us headed towards SR 37. Because my sense of direction has improved over the years (unless you speak with Randy...) I figured we were heading towards Bloomington. I had it set in my mind that we were not going to be stopping in Mooresville or Martinsville - they know me too well. It took us about half way there, when I noticed an Oliver Winery billboard. At that point, I figured it out.

Oliver Winery was the absolute perfect place! First, Oliver Wines are my favorite! Second of all, the wine which will be served at our wedding reception will be various Oliver Wines. And, third - just Saturday night I was telling Amanda how I'd love to take a trip down and taste the wines.

To our surprise, it was packed. That whole law in Indiana, preventing you from purchasing alcohol on Sundays, kind of makes a winery (which there was an Amendment written in the law by Professor Oliver for wineries to be open on Sundays - there's a little fact for ya!) a poppin' place. However, we walked right in, took a look around and then scoped out our bar spot.

Just for the record, between the three of us - we're all over 21 and I'm the oldest. Once we took our spot at the bar for tasting, a not-so-friendly woman came up and asked to see our ID. Almost like synchronizing swimming, we each whipped out our wallets and gave her proof. I kid you not, the lady looked at me, then looked at my ID, then looked at me again, and back down at my ID. She then said, "This just doesn't look like you." Are you kidding me?! Sure, my hair is half up and a bit brighter now, but really - you think it looks like someone else?! Apparently she must not have been in the mood to argue, because she quickly gave in. I swear - it's me!

Either way, we got the entire spiel of where to start on the list, what means what, yadda, yadda, yadda. We each were allowed 6-8 wines to taste. I'm not a big dry wine fan, therefore my selection was closer to the bottom of the page. About half way through our selections, a young gentleman came up to us and said he'd be our server for the rest of the afternoon. Two words - Thank Heavens. Of course, after we introduced ourselves - Amanda may have slipped in that this was my Bachelorette Party - he introduced himself as Brian W. Not just "Brian" - Brian with a "W." Kind of like James...James Bond.

At the very end, we each opted to taste a desert wine - something to send the afternoon off with a bang. Talk about yuck - it was horrible, not our favorite whatsoever. Of course, there were two wines on the desert list we were only allowed to taste if we paid for it. However, that Brian W. gave me a taste "on the house", which I shared with my girls. Now, it was rather tasty!

We then each decided to purchase a glass of wine to take with us on the winery tour. Then again, Brain W. was our host for the afternoon - and gave us our glasses "on the house" one more time...what was the term he used: "throwing your life away". Buddy, if I was concerned about that - I would have stopped six years ago! Either way - a big thanks to our new friend Brian...Brian W., for helping to bring some laughs to our afternoon!

We took a small tour of the winery where they house and barrel their wines. We were able to learn a few extra facts about Professor Oliver and the name, as well as how the wines are made. Afterwards we toured the grounds - which are stunning.

The last below was a picture taken using the time on my camera...no, the place didn't suddenly clear house - but apparently we were too scared to ask for help!

Afterwards, the girls and I put together a case of our favorites - which including adding a few bottles to the reception stash! Yummy Sangria! :) (For a fun fact - it just hit stores on Thursday!) We then headed to The Cheesecake Factory, where we met Mom and Kathy for dinner. We sat outside, and enjoyed every minute of the strange, fall weathered evening!

Dana & Amanda, I never say it enough - thank you! You out-did yourselves...yet again. :) Love you!

11 days, 2 hours, 34 minutes and 26 seconds