Christmas City by the Bay

At long last I made a small trip to my hometown San Francisco for Christmas. I live really close to the city-just across the Golden Gate bridge, a hop, skip and a jump away, but like most Northern Bay Area Californians I am just plain lazy and don't bother to leave my little, warm nest and venture on over, or maybe everyone is broke like me! Anyway, we all hopped in the suburban, my husband and I, kids in tow, and set off for our journey across the bridge. The plan was first to meet my brother and his son at fencing practice in South San Francisco, drop his son off and head off to downtown SF Union Square and then proceed to act like tourists visiting the city for the first time. I of course would bring my iPhone and huge digital camera with me- okay, now I look like a tourist. If you are from here it is uncool to bring your camera... Anyway, it turned out that we actually met on the bridge under the first span heading out of Marin as they were only a few cars ahead of us which we discovered as we were busily texting each other-mind you neither one of us was the driver! Long story short, fencing was canceled and we, eight people total, played tourist in the city which was so amazingly beautiful. Palm trees wrapped in golden, glowing Christmas lights, very Cali style. There was a huge lit Christmas tree in the center of the square next to an ice skating rink chock-full full of ice skaters. Kittens were just waiting to be adopted (by me) in the store front windows of Macy's. Building windows were adorned with beautiful sparkling wreaths row by row. The city was magical, glittering for Christmas, and the crowds were joyously celebrating. We had fun, I took lots of pictures and especially loved the Beatles billboard on top of one of the buildings above the Square- a nod and a throwback to my 60's days in SF. We barely spent any money except for gasoline, parking and huge soft pretzels from a vendor. We had a great day in the city and on the way back home stopped at the Golden Gate Viewpoint to take in the beautiful evening city lights. What a perfect little trip!

Autumn Past

I haven't blogged in some time now, except for the occasional photo and one- liners sent from my cell phone on my moblog, calgaltravels.blogspot.com. This past summer we moved our family of six twice. It was incredibly painful, the economy hit our family hard, really hard, but...that's another story- you'll just have to read the book! :) Now that we have settled down and I have recovered, I am back to blogging! I really wanted to share with you my photos of autumn in Sonoma County, which is in Northern California (for those of you who might not know where I live). I love how the hot summer days here turn to cool, breezy autumn days, such a welcome relief! In October we had two, 100 degree weeks back to back, but we still managed to pull it off, "Thank you God!" I lived in Ohio through my teen years and what I miss most were the spectacular autumns. Californians experience fall but you might have to hunt it out! I have found some favorite neighborhoods and parks where I like to walk my dog Goldie and take in all the beauty. I find myself collecting brilliant yellow and gold leaves, fiery red and orange burnished oak leaves, acorns, berries, and like a kid, pick up the giant leaves bigger than my 24 inch TV screen and bring them home to wave and show off to my family. Here are some pictures I took on my morning walks.

Lake Sonoma

California listen up-we are no longer in a drought. Recently we checked out Lake Sonoma on the Yorty Creek end of the lake by Cloverdale. The lake was brimming right up to the grassy area covering most of the sandy beach! We are forecast to get even more rain this coming weekend which for me just means, more beautiful water in my favorite lake in Sonoma county. As I walked down the pathway to the beach I passed a fisherman who held up two lovely fish on his string. One, a sunfish big and juicy, the other a trout! This time of year if you are lucky you'll catch a trout because the water is colder in the lake. Usually it is considered a warm water lake given our mild climate and the warm springs that feed the lake so trout are found closer to the dam on the other side of the lake and swim deep. A couple of kayakers were paddling along the shoreline and a fly fisherman was practicing his cast on the lakes edge. This summer the beach will be packed with sunbathers and the lake full of happy kids swimming. Camping and boating on the lake will be fabulous as well. So yes,Cloverdale is a cool town having been recently named one of the 21 Coolest Small Towns in America and the lake is full!

Sonoma County Winter in Wineland

Here we are in the middle of winter in wine land yet signs of spring are popping up all around. The wild mustard plants are getting ready for their starring spring debut. The grape vines are still in their dormancy period but storing up nutrients for a a great display of grapes and leaves and good wine sure to come later!I took a walk with my dog Goldie down this picturesque country lane and here are some of the shots I took. Enjoy!~

Jack London State Park

We celebrated my Dad's 76th. birthday October 18  here at Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen,Ca. The park has to be one of the best places in Sonoma County to visit. Usually the vineyards are ablaze with all the fall colors you can imagine, this year you can see that fall arrived late and the leaves are just starting to turn! Hopefully next year I will time it right to visit this amazing place in it's full colorful glory.

Korbel Vineyards in the Summer

Driving through Guerneville,Ca. on a hot summer day by the Russian River I couldn't resist but snap these shots of the gorgeous Korbel Champagne Vineyards. I live so close to here but driving down the road on the way to the Korbel cellars for a picnic or a day at the beach or a day to splash around in the river is like being on a vacation~heavenly!

Early Spring Vineyard Mustard Fields

Spring has arrived in wine country with waves of yellow mustard fields! It's time for Sunday drives and picnics in the countryside with local cheese,artisan bread, new wine and maybe even some wholegrain mustard! Spend the day with those you love...

Foggy Fall Mornings

It's autumn once again. The leaves have changed beautiful colors. My youngest daughter and I love to go for walks, kicking the leaves,some of them bigger than our faces. In the morning when I take the kids to school I drive by the vineyards. Here are some shots I took one foggy morning in October.

Black and Whites

Grapeland

Glorious Autumn

Aaaaaahhh, Wine country is beautiful year round. But something about fall. The vineyards in Sonoma and Napa county are breathtaking. Bright yellows and deep oranges color the hills as you drive around. Photo opportunities abound with the skies ever changing hues, sometimes vividly bright and blue other times dusky grey. Here are some of my photos that I would like to share with you...