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cherjoy

Dry Creek Valley, Healdsburg, Sonoma

Dry creek valley

The next two wineries we went to in Sonoma were just as wonderful as Medlock Ames. Ridge Vineyards has the best patio and Zinfandel in Healdsburg.We made ourselves comfortable, chatted with the wine narrator about frizbee golf and the Santa Cruz Mountains {the wine, too} and enjoyed each sip.

 

 

 

 

After Ridge, Rob was getting a little hungry so we stopped at a food truck {along the side of the road – how cool is that!?} and headed to the next winery.

 

Dry Creek was recommended to us by our friend, Olive. So enchanting! The whole ambiance and tasting room service alone makes you wish you were a member of their wine club. They’re so friendly and happy! The fresh-cut grass smelt so lovely. I’m a Michigan girl at heart and will stop and smell the grass before the roses any day ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

If I wasn’t feeling as giggly, I would have hit up Bella Vineyard, too. I heard they had hula-hoping on their lawn! Next time maybe. . . Healdsburg coming next!

September 27, 2012 by
Alexander Valley, Healdsburg, Sonoma

Medlock Ames

I’ve always wanted to take a page from Sunset magazine and do everything it told me to do. So, I did, and dragged the husband along for the ride:). It also marked one more thing off my summer bucket list, {just in the nick of time, too}.

First stop of my Sonoma birthday was Medlock Ames. Now, before I continue, I just have to say that I fell madly in love with Sonoma as soon as we pulled onto Healdsburg Avenue. More lush than Napa; and much home-ier. I was so pleased with every winery I selected. No traffic – outstanding service – amazing wine – scenic landscape everywhere you turned – it all. I, without a doubt, agree with Sunset that Sonoma wins the face-off over Napa.

On to Medlock Ames. Their 2003 and 2001 Merlot was wonderful, and their planter of lavender! It was so much fun wine-tasting with Rob – I’m so fortunate to have someone who loves red wine as much as me:) We swirled, smelled, tasted and savored.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I highly recommend! Next, Dry Creek Valley and downtown Healdsburg.

September 26, 2012 by
Healdsburg, Sonoma, weekend

I’ll always remember the lavender

The husband and I drove up to Sonoma on Saturday for one last hoorah on the last day of summer, and for my birthday. I planned us an exciting day of wine-tasting in Alexander and Dry Creek Vally and an afternoon in Healdsburg. But the one thing I will always remember about my 29th birthday, other than my husband’s eyes and the 2001 Merlot, is the lavender. Our first winery had a planter full of blooming lavender. Even our mini charcuterie plate had a stem of lavender for garnish. I was in love… I’m a total smell person and now it’s a memory I’ll never forget: the smell of lavender on my 29th birthday, with my best friend.

 

 

 

 

September 24, 2012 by
Big Sur, Monterey

Day in Monterey

Sunday we took my parents for a drive on the coast to Big Sur and then on the way back we stopped in Monterey for clam chowder at the warf. Even though the clouds wanted to stay, we had a beautiful day. The air was crisp, and fresh – the ocean so aqua. I think the Central Coast stole their hearts this day ;)

I mean, look how happy my mom looks here. She was so giggly this day; it was wonderful to hear her laugh and see her smile and smell the ocean.

September 20, 2012 by
Los Gatos

Goat hill fair

Having my parents here has been an absolute “joy”. Today is my last day with them, but I’m pretty sure they’re in love with Santa Cruz as much as we are so maybe we’ll see them soon!

While the boys played golf this past Saturday, Mother and I went to Los Gatos for the Goat Hill Fair. We took the lovely drive up Summit Rd., under the trees and streaks of sunshine, to a little farm in Los Gatos, where the goats sun bathe and a hillside turns into a vendor fair, full of etsy-style stores and boutiques galore. We parked, walked up the hill, wiped the sweat from our upper lips, paid the entry, and started to explore all of the vintage antiques and home decor.

Now, I had every intention of spending some serious dough. I even brought cash, which is something I rarely plan ahead with. But lately my stomach begins to ache horribly every time I get close to spending money. I don’t know what it is. Guess when you pinch pennies long enough, you start getting anxiety over spending $40 on a custom-made leather cuff. I did splurge for a ring by the Bombshell Betty and a refreshing lemon popsicle. Here were all the things I WANTED to buy, but my stomach told me not to {other than the popsicle}.

I’m feeling the most regretful over these set of 4, coral frames. I should have just put my guilt aside and purchased; these would have looked amazing on a wall in my cottage. *sigh*

All in all {by which I hope you can tell}, the Goat Hill Fair was very charming and down-to-earth {or down-to-farm}. It reminded me of Sweet Salvage, a monthly antique event I used to go to with Kristin. Kristin – you would have LOVED this fair! Be sure to check out the website for their next event so you can drive over for the day {or weekend!}. Goat Hill – you’re all mine next time; no holding back!

September 18, 2012 by