This time it was me!

Will and I just got back from an invigorating mini trip to the Napa Valley in California.  Will was there on business and I was his guest.  We stayed at a spa resort and while he was brainstorming with his fellow executives I was enjoying a few spa services, and yes, swimming in February too...just like the girls only two weeks ago!  There were a few couple of differences though.  The girls were swimming in a chilly pool on a really windy day in Austin, TX and I was strolling around in a heated mineral pool in sunny CA.

We enjoyed visiting several wineries including a replica of an Italian Castle, Castello di Amorosa (or Castle of Love).  We took a two hour tour which ended in a tasting of more than 10 wines.  Afterwards we went to B Cellars and Will enjoyed some deep, hearty reds, and I fed the fish. Before a lovely dinner with Aunt Gennie and Uncle Rick at a superb restaurant called Brannans we quickly stopped off at yet another winery in down town (if you blink you will miss it) Calistoga, CA and enjoyed a couple of light whites. After that we went to the local organic coffee shop and indulged in some much needed caffeine.

The day before we visited a winery called Lava Vine which was a quaint little farm in the middle of the valley.  Chickens bustled around our feet and there were also a few dogs roaming.  We made friends with three nice people and enjoyed a casual afternoon outside at one of their picnic tables.

I fell in love with the landscape and the weather while we were there. I came home rejuvenated and refreshed to a freezing day in the 40s here at the beach.  A big bummer!  It was such a tease to be able to wear my cute new spring shoes and pink jeans over the weekend and then come home to needing a big bulky sweater and warm socks/boots, but oh well.  Soon enough.  Soon enough.