The First of Many Hearty Thanks

This is the third of more than a few stories that will come from this past weekend traveling to Central Oregon and back. As Dickens said, "It was the best of times and the worst of times." Though in relation to the French Revolution much less blood was shed.

When we travel there is always the element of the new and exotic. But even more often is the experience of the old and already known shaded by the novel and fresh. Napa is that to me. John and Ashley have invited us into their world with open arms and hearts. This past Sunday they weren't even there but their presence was very evident.

How often do you get to stroll through a family's house with them nowhere to be found? Maureen and I got that opportunity Sunday night and the initial thought of just a place to rest our bodies while on the road quickly turned into more. It had been a long journey in many ways. Leaving a loved child twelve hours from home is problematic even when it is your third experience of such. Fifteen hundred miles in a car that doesn't quite fit adds to aching bodies and souls. Walking into a welcome house is a gift. To sit, eat and watch an old movie favorite with the comfort of familial amenity is something that the Holiday Inn will never be able to duplicate.
Thank you, Derrs.

What better way to celebrate changes in a family than watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding? That was the beginning of the karma that wouldn't end. The reasonably priced Cab turned cheap with a discount card continued the night. Movie, wine and cheese with no whine makes for a good time at my age. Great conversation is icing. All was present.

The morning dawned early, but good shades prolonged the rest. Sneaking out to finish the journey was expected, welcome, and we looked forward to the end with relish. Maureen and I went to one of our favorite Napa spots. We have heard of the French Laundry in Yountville for years, but discovered the garden a few years ago. We figure to never eat at the restaurant, but can always look at the food before it is prepared. As fellow food growers it is fun to see what other growers are doing.

We then were on to the Mustards Grill garden. Remember the new and novel with the old? Napa we've seen, but also try to discover something new each time. This garden was seen often but never visited, and the new gardener taking time to talk to us made the stop all the more special. Different techniques and style than the other garden that were not better just different. Just like all gardeners and cooks.

So again, thanks to John and Ashley for opening their door with Zoey and Socks welcoming us into their house.

P.S. Sorry, Eli. The Giants weren't on TV so we watched the movie about getting married.