Really

After a lovely day of knitting with friends I came home to this notice on our front door. Please note those are smiley faces being used as bullet points. I guess the homeowners association wants you to feel all warm and fuzzy when you get your reprimand. This is the view of the offending pot from the lawn.
This is a closeup of the offending pot.
I actually have been keeping Jake's leash in the pot.

Now, really. Someone apparently needs a life. This weekend we will be going to the nursery to buy a "live" plant. Heaven forbid it be plastic! I'm sure they would come and check to make sure.

Peeps

These were waiting for me in the kitchen this morning. Such a wonderful and thoughtful Easter bunny!!!

Wildflowers

Every day, weather permitting, Jake and I go for a 2 mile walk. We walk along the Gold River nature trails which meander behind the different villages of Gold River. In the last week or so the wildflowers have begun blooming.

These are California poppies.

Even the dandelions look pretty since they are not in my yard.

I just love the pattern on these leaves.

And you know I can't pass up purple!!

Of course along with wildflowers is wildlife. Kelsey and I saw a coyote and Hagen and I saw wild turkey. I'm not so keen in seeing the mountain lions.

The other day it was reported on the news two cubs were seen on the trails.

Jake and I have become a little more vigilant about them.

Ravleympics

Sunday was the closing of the winter Olympics and also the closing of Ravelympics. I chose to knit a sweater for the husband and threw in a sweater for Murphy as he was shivering- the husband was not. Both sweaters are done.

Although the husband is appreciative I think next year I'm knitting for myself. It's a lot like Christmas knitting - I'm done, now what do I work on next.

Fair Play

It was a beautiful day in Northern California and off we headed to Fair Play, California. "An hour from home.....a world away". Yes we headed out for some drinking, I mean some wine tasting.
Our first stop was at TooGood Estate where we had over ten different tastings. TooGood would be RealGood if they would just focus on a select few in my opinion. And onward we went to MV Winery-Miller Vineyards. This was the winery of the day!!! John Miller was a wonderful host and his wines were superb. His wife Cindy is a knitter which of course makes this place so much better.

On we went to Cedarville Vineyard. This is a wonderful place with only estate grown wines. Their Voigner, Zinfandel and Cabernet all came home with us.

Our last stop of the day was at Iverson. Again they had a lot to choose from and I do think they need to focus on a few.

It was a wonderful Sunday outing and I am sure we will return to Fair Play soon to check out more of the vineyards.

Murphy's Sweater

Murphy has a new sweater. Doesn't he look handsome!!
Of course this week the weather is wonderful but I'm told it's going to get chilly again.

Saturday in Napa

I am somewhat belated in finishing my story of our weekend in Napa. One of the reasons Charles and Dru Ann chose to visit us this past, past weekend was the release party of Silver Oak. Jim and I first attended the release party on our honeymoon and have been subsequent years.

Saturday morning we arrived about 10:00 at Silver Oak after a wonderful breakfast at the Vintage Inn in Yountville where we were staying for the weekend. As we walked in they were pouring the 2000 library release of their Cabernet Sauvignon. Since we had just experienced their 1999 for our anniversary I can vouch for the fact that it was much tastier - but I do think the current release of their 2005 was much better.

Saturday was not a pretty weather day but there was plenty of tents and other buildings that the drizzle did not matter. After having our picture taken and getting our delicious box lunches we headed out to Pump Jack for their release of their Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 and also their Chardonnay.

We made a brief stop at Mumm's for a tasting of their latest champagne and to pick up our club membership bottles and then off to a wonderful "mom and pop" vineyard, Anomaly. They only do Cabernet and they do a very good job with what they have.

After a wonder siesta, we finished off the evening at "The Press" restaurant. They are known for their steaks but I passed on that and had a delightful dinner of a chopped salad, brussel sprouts and macaroni and cheese. Yes, it was topped off with a chocolate souffle.