A Motley Crew

I just returned from a quick getaway to the Coast with my friend Kate, her two dogs and mine. Oregonians go to the beach anytime of year, but winter offers a unique experience - you could wind up storm watching or stroll the sand without a soul in sight. We lucked out with crisp weather, blue skies and empty beaches.

We walked for miles while the dogs played along the shore, sniffing logs and anything the tide washed up. Then our motley crew crashed early in the evening... there's nothing better than seeing a pack of dogs curled up after a long day on the beach. The snoozing fur balls gave us a chance to drink wine, eat fresh crab and read in front of the fire.

There was also time for a trip to my favorite wine shop, Nye Beach Gallery, where Wendy stocked us with some favorite Oregon Pinot Noirs and turned me onto a LAN Rioja - young, but with plenty of flavor and spice. Then to Panini for handmade pizza and the best Caesar salad ever - whole leaves of romaine stacked log-cabin style, drizzled with a garlicy dressing and topped with homemade croutons.

Sometimes the simplest trips are the best... happy paw prints in the sand, good food, yummy wine and a pal to enjoy it all with.

Wherever you are, it is your own friends who make your world - William James