Ramblin' On

As a kid I wasn’t much interested in my historyclasses. Impatient for my future, I didn’t see the point of re-hashing all the “stuff” that went on in ourpast. Now, actually in that future of mine, I often contemplate what it would be like to see and experience how people worked and lived in the very town I live in today. In downtown Napa I’ve observed the Victorian homes, remnantsof riverside industry and majestic giant ... (more)

For my birthday this year I wanted nothing more than to enjoy the day in perfect “Napa Style”. No,no; I didn't book a suite at Auberge du Soleil, or even the new eco-chic Solage Resort in Calistoga. My hubby and I started our day with coffee and quiche at my favorite bakery, Sweetie Pies, in the Historic Napa Mill. It was a cozy prelude to picking out my birthday cake;one of Sweetie Pies adorable, absolutely ... (more)

I find it inspiring to learn about how one chooses a profession that brings joy and gratitude to their clients or customers, and to themselves. Many women are coming to full bloom in their 50’s and this is wonderful to behold. In our 21st century the 50+ woman is vibrant, charismatic and has the confidence and wisdom to proceed with projects she knows are important; that bring joy to her heart as well as others. Our evolution has accelerated in just ... (more)

Shortly after my return from East Africa, in 2006, I was doing my usual grocery shopping at Vallergas, a locally owned store in Napa. I was browsing the tea isle with my new awareness of Fair Trade products. In Kenya our group visited the Kimlea School for Girls and I had met these smart, clever, industrious girls and learned that most of their families made a living from picking tea in the Kenya plantations for $3.00 a day. A day. Now, back ... (more)

1. For your first trip to Uganda, how did you “get the nerve” to go to Africa? Since childhood I have had a longing and connection with Africa. My heroes are Albert Schweitzer, Jane Goodall with the chimps, Diane Fossey with the gorillas and the Leakeys searching for the oldest human remains in the Oldavi Gorge. I just love all of the wildlife and the new knowledge based on their long-term research and discoveries. Over a ten to fifteen year period I probably read ... (more)

I'm workin' on it... (more)

One of the most beautiful places in California (and Nevada) is Lake Tahoe.  Over my entire life I've enjoyed all of what this majestic Sierra Nevada recreational area has to offer: boating, swimming, hiking, skiing, and the glittering, glamorous casino nightlife.  Lake Tahoe is one of the most brilliant and deeply blue lakes you'll ever see.  A sapphire blue, year 'round and I'll bet there's even a paint chip somewhere called "Tahoe Blue".  Here you ... (more)

This year, in September, I will be participating in a 3-day walk to fundraise for breast cancer research. Yes, three days, sixty miles.  Obviously I need to get used to walking…a lot!  I enjoy going for walks, but I don’t enjoy just tromping around in circles on a track to gain mileage.  I like to make up excursions to give myself a destination or really see something at the slower pace that walking provides. Yountville is ... (more)

If you’ve ever been to St. Helena, you know how pleasant it can be to take a stroll along Main Street and enjoy the ambiance of this charming town with its historic architecture and special shops.  I’ve been known to drool in front of Foot Candy’s display on more than one occasion!  That’s mostly what the tourists see, but we know there is more than immediately meets the eye.  Recently I was informed of five ... (more)

When talking about ecotourism, I don't think many people envision the Napa Valley, California and its infamous Wine Country.  I live here, in Napa, California and in 2006 when I returned from an inspiring trip to Kenya and Tanzania my head and heart were full of the concept of responsible travel.  I had seen the vast beauty of the Rift Valley and I became aware of how our Earth is actually the same no matter ... (more)

My dad lived to be 91 years old and was an enthusiastic advocate of good food and wine long before I’d heard the term “foodie” in conversation.  My family and our friends have enjoyed many outings throughout the Napa Valley, picnicking in the shade of mighty oak trees on hot summer days.  One of our favorite wineries to visit and roam about was the majestic Christian Brothers Winery in St. Helena.  The formidable stone structure, ... (more)

In 2006 I traveled to Africa; Kenya and Tanzania.  It was a “trip of a lifetime” and the impressions sunk in deep.  The landscape was beautiful, raw and serene.  Upon returning my head was full of the sights and wonder of where I’d been.  But what really took hold is the realization of how the Earth over there is the same Earth over here!  I know, “Duh!”  But what I’m getting at is that whether ... (more)

Sometimes I feel surrounded by traffic and noise.  All the progress and construction going on in Napa!   Maybe it’s good to just get away from it all, alone in wide open spaces to stretch our legs, our minds and perspectives.  I know just the place to do this, out on the edge of the Carneros. The Carneros is the largest of the Napa Valley wine growing regions and shared, as well, with Sonoma County.  Chardonnay and ... (more)

I think I should get a bumper sticker, or a license plate frame that says, “I’d rather be paddling”.  Or maybe it could say, “I need a good paddling”.   Ahem.  In any case I am officially hooked on canoeing and kayaking! (Or should I say “oh-fish-ally” hooked?  Okay, I’ll stop.) Throughout the Napa Valley, this gentle water sport is easy to participate in.  The Napa River provides numerous miles of paddling recreation from Trancas Street in ... (more)

This morning I am sitting on my back steps, staring out into the yard.  My musings are caught up in my goals.  You know, the big ones: fame, fortune, etc.  I’m examining how I seem stuck in my thoughts about what could be and how reality won’t change unless my thoughts change.  I think of others I know that seem to think they must suffer greatly.  That life is hard and there “ain’t much you ... (more)

I’m new to this blogging thing.  I didn’t pay much attention in the last couple of years.  I thought blogs to be just journaling.  Then I see everybody’s got a blog; even politicians, all kinds of big shots.  And now I’ve been encouraged to blog. I believe Jack Kerouac to be the Godfather of blogging.  His 12 foot manuscript of On the Road catapulted from his mind into the typewriter.  Critics said it wasn’t “real” writing.  Maybe ... (more)

In this one you are showing me off to Mom and the camera.  You are so proud to have me, your chubby little toddler, stuffed securely in your backpack, ready to roll, bouncing along on your shoulders. I don’t remember being that small up at Donner Lake.  But I remember several summer vacations there, after that.  The Sierra Club lodge; so old, with heavy wooden beams across an enormous dining hall.  Pancakes and strangers; sharing breakfast ... (more)

There are many fantastic views to behold in the Napa Valley in such places as Skyline Park and Westwood Hills Park in Napa.  Getting to them, for me, would be a “real” hike with boots, proper clothing, water bottles, even a sturdy walking stick.  But sometimes I just want to take off on foot to explore something nearby that only requires my usual sneakers or sturdy sandals, with a picturesque and comfortable destination in mind ... (more)

I have lots of stories to tell, and photos to share, from my trip to Africa. But while there or upon my return, I didn’t tell this story right away.  It was an intimate encounter suspended in a short duration of time.  I had witnessed a spontaneous and intimate exchange between two strangers, and I had sat right in the middle of it. In December of 2006 I traveled to East Africa with forty women from ... (more)

I have recently become a member of the Friends of the Napa River.  Joining the FONR has awakened a silent bond I’ve had with our river.  Maybe it’s because the river is one of the most ancient aspects of the Napa Valley.  No matter what has been built over it and around it, Nature continues to flow.  When I tap into this vein of the valley, I believe I am close to the heart of ... (more)

One of the best things about Napa is the rural look and feel it still has, even in the 21st Century.  When I drive home from San Francisco, and finally get off 101 onto 37, I can feel the tension skimming off of me and my car, like vapor trails as I’m pulling away from “city life”.   It’s the country back roads of Napa where you can experience our agricultural history, and appreciate nature.  From ... (more)