ME AND THE MOTO BOYS!

Pardon the excessive amount of photos from my day, but it was an excessively awesome type of day. After we began what would appear to be a very civilized tasting at a bio-dynamic vineyard, a group of about 30 motorcyclists (friends of the winemaker) rolled into our picturesque setting. Now I couldn't just stare out the window and watch this opportunity pass me by, could I?!

I'm so happy I jumped out of my seat and set about photographing this motley crew of jolly guys. You couldn't have staged a more handsome, rustic group of men and a more perfect, sunny day in an idyllic spot on this Earth. We laughed, snacked, drank some wine and I photographed all the while. At one point, I found myself on a carriage with a darling guy, trotting out to the grapes, glass of Malbec in hand. I did a princess wave and they all photographed me, "La Americana!" I giggled like a school girl.

It was an unforgettable afternoon, full of laughter and great photos. Then as we were about to leave, the unthinkable happened . . . As I was photographing the group of muchachos, they started to chant my name; "LEELA, OLE OLE OLE OLE, LEELA!!" And I joined them for a photo. The miraculously strong, thinnest one of the bunch, who they all called "La Rana" (the frog), swept me off my feet and held me in the air for quite some time. As they chanted the leela song and I was smiling the goofiest of grins, I thought -- This is my rock star moment!!! and HOLY #$%&, I hope my skirt doesn't blow completely above my head.

It was a spectacular afternoon.