I couldn’t wait to taste every morsel of this locally-sourced meal. When I received the tickets for this event, the food was the thing I awaited with the most anticipation. To be honest, I’m not a die-hard organic purist and I would never consider myself a locavore. I am a big fan of freshness and creativity, however. The idea or eating something that has been recently harvested and creating a menu from ingredients immediately available intrigues me.

Upon arrival at this picturesque farm surrounded by mountains, we were served wine and appetizers. Crostinis with carmelized onions, pixie tangerines, and pesto were passed before our tour of this farm with an interesting history. Rio Gozo used to be a state prison that produced many of the vegetables consumed by the California penal system. Now locals join the Rio Gozo CSA to receive fresh fruits and vegetables every week.

After the tour, we gathered at the communal table for four more courses. We began with fresh bread and avocado spread served with beet, avocado, and blood orange salad with mint and goat cheese. Next came grilled squash, meyer lemons, fennel and wilted romaine. The main course included braised short ribs, carrots, and the most delicious creamed chard I can imagine. We finished with limoncello and mulberry brioche french toast for dessert.

While I enjoyed each dish (especially that chard), I was surprised by my experience at Outstanding in the Field. I expected that the food itself would be the most important element for me. In fact, the most powerful part of the experience for me was the people. We talked with a couple from Palo Alto about Paris and gardening. Two couples who sat with us during dinner shared about their careers, supper clubs, and language studies. I met the president of a southern California historical society and a young dentist from Atlanta.

What a joy it was to be with such interesting fellow diners sharing a meal in a beautiful space. I’m glad that the table was so enriched by these people and that the experience was truly outstanding.

My sister gave me a collection of books including The Dressmaker’s Technique Bible, Take One: 80 Structural Design Ideas, Wreck This Journal, and 25 Kites That Fly (she got that one at the Fullerton Library sale). She also subscribed me to my fave glossy: ReadyMade Magazine.

Hayley gave me my very own copy of Fran Bigelow’s Pure Chocolate. I’ve enjoyed some of her recipes myself, some vicariously through this dear friend, and I’ve dreamt about others. I’m excited to not only try them out but learn more about the ever-enigmatic substance that is chocolate.

Knowing that I have envied her side of our yard for a year now, Melissa delighted me with white Iceberg rose bushes for my little flower bed. They were gorgeously blooming when she brought them over and now I’m anxiously waiting for round two of blooms.

To support my growing love of power tools, my brothers- and sisters-in-law gave me a Dremel 300 Rotary Tool. I’ve been stumped about what to use it for first. I’ve got to come up with a project that requires some intricacy. I’m often a slap-it-together kind of gal but my projects can now be much more precise with this addition to my tool collection (yes, I have a tool collection).

With some coaxing from Tim, my parents gave us tickets to what promises to be one of the best nights of my life. This coming Saturday, we’re headed to Ojai for the meal of a lifetime at Outstanding in the Field. It is a traveling restaurant that takes place on farms across America. They’ll have a regional chef, locally-sourced food, and a table for 200 people in the middle of a field. Doesn’t it sound amazing?!?!

I also received a spectacular gift from Tim and my in-laws. They gave me a Brother Serger! I can’t believe it. I’ve loved dabbling in the little bit of sewing I’ve pursued but I feel like my world of projects is now wide open. I’m sure I’ll just be serging all the time. In fact, I am probably serging something right now as you’re reading this.

Thoughtful gifts have always been very special to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not just a material girl. Good gifts just make me feel known and loved. I’m thankful that I was blessed so much this year on my birthday with well-wishes, cards, phone calls, friendship, …and this great stuff!