Let's Get This Party Started

Heather here: So here we are...excited to start a new adventure in blog world, yet realizing it can take some time to get up and running on a new project.

Though we didn't get it blog worthy, for the sake of continuity, here is our first blog of the year.

January 1st, 2008

It's New Years Day and we are sipping on a bottle of Freixinet and wondering what excitement we can come up with for the New Year. Goodness knows-we need a plan. That's not to say we don't have a great life, but at 46 (she) and 55 (he) it's time we make the most out of this proverbial "mid-life" chapter.

A few days later we find ourselves at home in Chico packing for a getaway to Sonoma, CA.

Tips for packing:
*always bring a scented candle (for mood lighting or to refresh your room as needed)
*always bring comfortable shoes (for when the sexy ones are bringing you to tears, and only then)
*always bring a wine opener--you never know....

The weather in northern California has been cool but sunny all week. The biggest storm of the year is predicted for the next 2 days. Oh well, we figure we can stay indoors, crack open a bottle of red with bread and cheese and "catch up" if the weather is horrid.

We are staying at the 'Inn at Sonoma' http://www.innatsomoma.com/ a charming place with an extravagant wine/hors d'oeuvre hour and a full breakfast. Our room has a gas fireplace, a mood setter at the flick of a switch.

We dined at Sonoma-Meritage Martini Oyster Bar and Grill just steps off the square with a storm raging outside. We were warm, deliciously fed and happy as clams at an oyster bar.

A note about the Napa/Sonoma Valleys--truly some of the most beautiful, verdant country in the U.S. As travelers to Europe, we find a trip to our local wine country to be like a slice of Provence or Tuscany. Or perhaps San Casciano is really like a slice of Yountville or Glen Ellen? Either way, a fabulous way to spend even a quick weekend.