The Golden State

 

 

At the airport yesterday with my brown bag snack from home- yet another senior moment. Ha. The flight from Seattle to Santa Rosa is only about 90 minutes, and we spent that much time sitting on the plane waiting our turn to the runway.

That’s typical SeaTac stuff during busy times but no complaints, we arrived about a hour late with a bouncy landing that got some chuckles from the usually blasé flight attendants. It was almost 100 degrees when we got off the plane.

We have a spacious room at the Golden Haven in Calistoga. This is one of the old retro spas and we’ve never stayed here before. I immediately went swimming in the mineral water pool. The motel seems to be popular with the Eastern European set, folks who know a thing or two about mineral water therapy.

It was too hot to walk into town last night, so we drove to the Mexican restaurant where we’ve eaten many times over the years. Fish tacos for me. Calistoga has changed in the 10 years since we were here last, but not as much as we feared. Some of the old familiar places are just the same. 

The Golden State is a friendly casual place. Our rental car smells of pot. It’s nice to be back. 

Bravo

 

 

We went to the first performance of our Symphony season yesterday, featuring James Ehnes playing Bruch's Violin Concerto #1. 

You are allowed to take photos after the music stops, which I did, and got that nice snapshot of the artist accepting the big standing O.

Here's a snippet from this marvelous work:

Our fourth row is perfect for the violin soloists. With the pianists, we have an excellent view of their feet, and I just spend time wondering why they press those pedals when they do. 

Anyway, we're back in the same seats we've had for years, next to our old pals Betsy and Paul. All four of us, still here, still subscribing, and still meeting up for coffee before the show. Life is good. 

Speaking of Benaroya Hall, the interior lobby underwent a major face lift this past summer.  

 

That included new artsy carpet throughout. Some wag on Reddit commented that it looked like "the site of a crime scene." Well, that’s a bit harsh but now that you mention it... 

As we were standing around at intermission, I did say to John the splotches reminded me of the water stain left on our hall carpet after the toilet flooded the floor. John said they chose that design so it won't show the coffee and red wine stains. 

But the hall was brighter had that fresh new smell of remodeling. Instead of hardback chairs scattered around, there were many new and comfy places to sit.

We are off to Santa Rosa tomorrow morning for our mini vacation. Weather in the Napa Valley looks very warm. If I don’t go into a hot mineral water coma, I’ll check in from sunny California. Ciao!

Chinese Moon Festival

 

 

Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, dating back 3,000 years and celebrating the end of the harvest. The moon cake is the iconic symbol of sharing and togetherness. 

Traditionally made with taro, lard, bean paste and salted egg yolk, an acquired taste for sure. 

 

Not much new in Seattle today, other than the novelty of rain and wind sweeping away any lingering summer warmth. We've probably seen the last of the 70 degree days until next year. The winter comforter is back on the bed. 

 

There is much discussion lately of this super El Nino winter, but no one can (or wants to) predict what that means for the Northwest weather. Little boys are full of surprises. 

 

Have a good weekend.  

 

The last big road trip

 

 

Looking back at the blog this morning, I could hardly believe the last time we were in the Napa Valley was September 2016. Ten years ago, is that possible? 

In fact, that was also our last big road trip (I don't count going back and forth to Twisp.) John was still working and what a fun vacation we had, with overnights on the Oregon coast and California redwoods.

We even stopped to see friends and family along the way.

 My niece and nephew, April and Jordan, cooking up a gourmet meal in Medford.

And friends Bill and Estelle in Portland. Sadly, Bill is no longer with us, but what happy memories.

The Napa Valley was our go-to spot in California for years, and part of the charm was Calistoga stayed pretty much the same through the decades. 

Big changes came with the pandemic, and the family run Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Motel was sold and converted into more of a luxury resort. We really have no intention of going back. It would be painful to spend $600 on a gussied up room we once got for $80! (We're trying a different old spa motel this time called Golden Haven.)

Anyway, we will soon see how much the town has changed. Good news, some of our favorite restaurants are still here, just three times more expensive ha! 

And the familiar sights to check out again, like The Old Faithful Geyser on the outskirts of town. 

And the wonderful petrified forest...

 

Not to mention, the many beautiful wineries. We are only staying four nights so no road trip this time, we're flying non-stop in and out of Santa Rosa, about 30 miles from Calistoga. We're looking forward to doing things both familiar and new. 

First day of fall

 

 

Today is the first full day of fall. By tomorrow, it will sure feel like it with rain storms headed our way. The Napa Valley looks beautiful next week (we leave Tuesday) so that will be the final taste of summer before the October curtain comes down and we start the dark season in the Northwest.

While I was in Twisp, the man next door in Seattle (I hesitate to say neighbor because we almost never communicate) came over complaining about "hornets" in our black pussy willow along the shared fence line. 

Well, they're a species of Parasitoid Wasp, a beneficial insect feeding on an aphid infestation in the tree. They are non-stinging, harmless to humans and actually a form of natural pest control. 

I enjoy listening to their loud buzzing which to him, sounds like a dangerous swarm. I suppose they could be annoying and scary if you don't know what's going on.

 

Our yard is teeming with insects and obviously not everyone views bugs through the same benign lens. The wasps will soon disappear for the winter, but I'll spray, mostly to control the aphids, and hopefully the wasps won't return next year. He wants me to use an exterminator, but I don't think this warrants calling out the big guns and having the yard drenched with pesticide.

Big dog, little dog

 

 

Never underestimate a Chihuahua. Those tiny dogs are descended directly from wolves.

Scrappy Yoko follows right behind Nica when Amanda takes them on long hikes in the Golden Doe wilderness adjacent to their farm. 

Yes, there are many potential dangers lying in wait for a five pound puppy (birds, snakes, coyotes, to name a few) but my money is on feisty Yoko. 

And she loves to snuggle, a bonus. Dogs are natural opportunists. 

A few snapshots of farm life. I've sure enjoyed spending time in Carlton on these spectacular early fall days. 

 

Only seven miles, but Carlton is a world away from the construction chaos still going on in downtown Twisp. The town is saying now the elaborate paving projects will last until November, if the snow doesn't fly before then. It all seems like a bit much to the locals, but I suppose the town will eventually grow into this new grandness. 

 

Anyway, out on the farm, simple pleasures. This afternoon Amanda and I strung lights on the old pear storage barn in the back yard. That will look so charming on the dark nights ahead. 

Back to Seattle tomorrow.