Fine Already!

So apparently the thought of me not having a tree up this year has put many a friend in a tizzy. My bff actually went out and bought me a tree for this year. So to put your minds at ease I'm posting a picture of my tree. And yes there are now presents under this tree.

Bah Humbug!

I think I've become Scrooge. As everyone else is putting up their trees I've been sort of avoiding the holiday.

I'm not putting up a Christmas tree this year, so here's my nod to the holiday. I got trees painted on my toes.

I'll be sending out my Christmas cards and presents, but will not be decking my halls. Here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

Ingleside Vineyard's Harvest Celebration

So this past Saturday I went to Ingleside for their Harvest Celebration.

There were vendor's selling things from jewelry to melted wine bottle spoon rests to dog treats to items made with alpaca fur. (Is that how it's worded? Fur not wool?)

And of course there was wine tastings. And wine for sale. By the bottle or the glass. I opted for a tasting and glass or two while my buddy Melanie and I caught up.

They also had grape stomping. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to snap a picture or three of my friend, Neil, stomping the grapes. They had an Italian opera playing in the back ground and Neil decided to sing along with it. I was nearly doubled over in laughter.

And no I did not stomp grapes. It was a little too chilly for me. The good thing was that at least the bugs weren't really hanging around. There was no way I was sticking my bare feet in that cold gloppy mess.

I may be blond, but I'm not crazy. lol

On occasion you tend to be in the right place at the right time. I was lucky enough to be around when the wine maker let a few of us try the Petit Manseng. It was really sweet. I was tickled to be around when he offered it up. And those who know me, know I would never pass up that kind of opportunity.

And how could I not get a picture of Beth with Ghirardelli from Camillo Valley. He was the sweetest thing. And their fur is SO soft! And they have some wonderful items they make up for sale.

All in all I think it was a pretty good day.

Rainy Days Are Meant For...

Vegging!
And what better way to show that than by posting some of these really cool photos of vegetable or fruit art?

I love listening to the pitter patter of the rain. The day is made for sitting on the couch and watching a movie or reading a book. Drinking a glass of wine and doing nothing else.

We really haven't had a lot of rainy days, so I think I'll just sit back and enjoy this one.

Maybe even take a nap in the middle of the day.

How decadent!

I hope you've enjoyed the cute photos.

Fall Again

It's fall again. The leaves will change, the air will get brisker and kids are finally back in school. LOL

I hope you all enjoy the cooler weather. I know I will as soon as it happens.

And yes I realize this photo is an old one, but I will not be leafing this year and no self respecting person blogging about fall would NOT include at least one picture of the leaves. So at least I have some self respect. LOL

Glimpse of Carl Flemer

Today's glimpse is of Mr. Carl Flemer.

Not only has Mr. Flemer written two books (Four Centuries of Little Known Washington Parish History and Birthplace of the Nation: A Story Worth Telling) but he also started up Ingleside Vineyards. One of my favorite wineries!

We were able to catch up with him at his book signing at Ingleside back in December of last year.

I used to work at Ingleside and remember carrying wine out to Mr. Carl's car on many occasions. He couldn't remember my name, which is fine, but he did remember my face.

And that's just a glimpse of Mr. Carl Flemer.

A Glimpse of Phil

Today I thought I'd do a glimpse of my buddy, Phil McKenney. It's a long overdue glimpse, for sure.

Phil is an artist. I own a number of his works, but he also works at Vault Field Vineyards. I snapped this photo of him hard at work. Most of my friends have learned to ignore me when I have my camera out. It's probably a good rule of thumb. I met Phil a few years ago when we both worked at Ingleside Vineyards.

I could sit for hours and listen to him talk. He's got tons of stories that are very interesting. He's met interesting people and one of the things I love the most is our conversations about older movies. We share a common fondness for the Duke. And if you have no clue who this is, then there's no hope for you. Got educate yourself!

I also loved the cartoons he would sketch out for me on the whiteboard in the kitchen. There were many a time we didn't work together and would leave funny cartoons for each other. Of course his were better illustrated than mine. But he is an artist.

Recently he was on a morning program that airs in Richmond. If you're interested, you can click here and go to a video clip of it. I still swear he could have a talk show and I'd be sure to tune in whatever the time. He can talk about anything, but I think one of the things he can really talk up is baseball.

And that's just a tiny glimpse of Phil.