21 in Snug City

To kick off the twenty-second year of the oh-so-precious Mack Daddy, Travis and I arrived at the birthday girl's apartment door just before midnight, balloon at the ready and candle wax slowly melting toward the icing of her ice cream cake...

...but enough of that. Then we went to a bar, where I had the unparalleled honor of buying her first drink!

Family portrait! We love you so much, Mackadoodle!

But the next weekend, I wanted my little cuddle bug all to myself! I planned a girls night out, texting hints about the secret activity as the evening approached:

Hint 1: Don't wear perfume.
Hint 2: I realllly hope you ate dinner.
Hint 3: I received this gift for my 21st.

 Well, Sherlock? Any guesses?

WINE SCHOOL!

I finally redeemed my gift certificate to the Wine School of Philadelphia (thanks, Marsha and Dick!) and reserved two spots at the Wine 101: Wines of the World class. We learned the 5 S's of tasting and the subtle yet critical difference between "straw" and "golden hay" hues for whites.

Then I confirmed my love of Chianti.

Mackenzie utterly captivated the school's owner with her hound-like nose and fervor for vinology. We were the final two stragglers, sipping the leftovers with our instructor and discussing pairings for Pinot Noir and price points for American and Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon.

Indeed, this smile delighted the proprietor so much that I've now the task of returning this weekend to collect our autographed cookbooks -- good work, cutie!

In a very cozy wine-and-friendship-inspired haze, we then met Justin for a long-awaited jaunt to the Ranstead Room, a speakeasy renowned for its erotic art and tasty cocktails. No photos allowed, so you'll just have to check it out yourself...

Happy birthday to you, Mackenzie -- I wouldn't ask for any Little in the world but you!

xoxo,
L, aka Biggums