A fun day

Greenfield, CA

On Tuesday we booked a fun day at our favorite place, Hahn Winery.

They give ATV tours of the vineyards and winery and bottling areas.

George and I requested our favorite person, Malin, to be our guide.

We arrived at 10:30 that morning to get started.

The three of us hopped into the ATV, got strapped in,

and proceeded out into the vineyards.

We stopped first where the Malbec grapes were growing, 

and had not been harvested yet.

We also got to taste some of the grapes,

they were surprisingly sweet!

Malin drove us up to an area that normally isn't allowed.

There was a grove of avocado trees.

They had mostly been harvested, 

a few little ones were there, but not ripe.

We saw quite a few fruit trees on the property as well.

We scored a few limes :-)

It was cool to see some mechanical harvesters too.

 They go right up the rows and shake the grapes

off into the containers.

I think this guy was trimming down the rows.

Everywhere we stopped the view was fantastic.

Malin let us try some Pinot grapes, yum!

Finally we reached the top, 'Inspiration Point'

where Nicky Hahn bought the property after he saw the view.

The 3 bunches, Malbec, Pinot, and Grenache.

At this point we tasted some wine,

and had some cheese and crackers.

What an incredible view!

Down below is the tasting room..

After we were through at Inspiration Point,

we got a tour of the bottling and wine making facilities.

They had just received a new shipment of barrels.

Also a new hopper of grapes..

Eventually the wine gets aged in the barrels..

Each barrel is coded with variety,

vineyard, and clone.

We got to taste some wine out of the barrel as well, 

pretty cool!

The day we were there,

they were bottling Chardonnay.

It was a very informative tour, we loved it!

Yesterday we met up with Connie & Greg

and went out to breakfast in Carmel.

We started off with Bloody Marys..

..and I had a great plate of biscuits & gravy with fried cheese grits..

YUM!

We took a ride over to Monterey's Cannery Row,

where I was surprised to see a cruise ship in the harbor.

The harbor is very shallow, so they can't get close,

nor do they have a dock big enough.

The passengers ride a tender to the wharf.

It's been a busy week,

ending today with George finally getting 

hearing aids! Yay!!

It's been long in coming :-)

Anniversary - 50th!

Greenfield, CA

Wow, I'm really getting behind here :-)

Our good friends Connie & Greg celebrated their anniversary recently.

In fact, it was their 50th!

Their daughters Julie and Carrie hosted a party for

them at Julie's house in Morgan Hill.

George and I got to leave work early to help celebrate.

Connie's brothers Al & Doug and their wives flew in from Ohio.

There was a lovely cake..

The girls had a lovely display that included

Connie's wedding gown..

and their wedding album, original invitation,

and newspaper announcement!

Connie's brother Al is a minister,

and surprised us all with a ceremony

renewing their vows.

Oh good! He kissed his bride :-)

Al's son Ryan came as well, and they

serenaded the crowd with Elvis's song

Can't Help Falling in Love.

There wasn't a dry eye in the house :-)

We were so honored to be a part of the day.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Cooper is now 10#!

He turns 9 months in a few days,

and loves to knock all the pillows off the couch.

The park keeps being busy,

and all the fields surrounding us are full of celery, lettuce,

and other goodies.

George picked a bunch of spring mix (which we are allowed),

and we promptly had a beautiful salad!

Love living in the salad bowl of America!

More fun

Greenfield

We've all but gotten back to a normal schedule after

the cruise and wedding.

There was one more outing before family went home.

My aunt Judy, uncle Don, cousin Kelly, husband Gary,

Mom, George and I all went to Phil's for dinner.

It was very nice to celebrate my aunt Judy's birthday.

We were happily surprised to see our favorite band was playing.

Afterwards we all went up to where Judy and Don 

were staying at the Holiday Inn Express.

Don had purchased a birthday cake for her :-)

It was sure nice to spend time with them!

Yesterday was so nice out. The wind is starting to die down.

Can you believe how big Cooper is getting?!

He's drinking water (with ice!) out of the little bowl

he used to use as a puppy!

George loves throwing the ball for him.

Cooper's favorite position

on the back of the recliner.

We have a couple things in store for the next month or so.

Can't wait!