I've been on pins and needles as we make our way through the holiday season. I've been telling everyone not to freak out, feel too much pressure and just get through all of this. At the same time, I was freaking out, feeling far too much pressure and unsure of how I'd get through all of this. The last thing on my mind was a holiday party but the time was coming and we had to do it. My inner Scrooge was released and as usual, it was something to get through rather than enjoy. We were in the weeds and we had so much work today, the idea of stopping and enjoying was pretty far fetched. I can be a fool. How lucky I am to have such a great, diverse staff. They know how to work and just as importantly, they know how to enjoy themselves. And they know how to remind me that it's OK to take a short victory lap now and again. Julia and Otto planned the party. We had it at St. Clair Brown Winery here in Napa and the food was from everyone's favorite, Pizzeria Azzurro. Carmen, our shipping goddess, took it upon herself and bought everyone presents. Some were funny, some were sweet and they all were thoughtful. And my Scrooge just melted. It was so much fun, it dawned on me that I need to see these people socially more often. I like them and they make Rancho Gordo run.