On Vacation

Wrider... that is why I have not been posting. Enjoying a few days (week actually) of total relaxation. Well here goes my super long Wrider type post:

Got a lot of work done on Saturday and Sunday (lawns, wash both cars, oil change, etc) then off with some neighbors to Santa Ynez valley for some wine tasting.

Now of course, I did not wine taste (well I took a few sips of the swill) as I cannot stand wine and still don't but it was so beautiful up there. On Monday, we drove up and took the back way into Solvang so that we can stop at a winery called Gainey that our friends are members of. We got to go back to this room, past the wine barrels, for members only and that was cool. I do gotta say for me, the dark oak, deep leather chairs, etc. made me want a scotch and a cigar rather than wine but it was still very nice. We also past a small airport out there and someone was flying their P-51 which was bitchin. One of my favorite fighter planes ever.

From there we went through Solvang and to our kick ass Best Western in Buelton right next to Anderson's Pea Soup. Pool, Jacuzzi.. and about $70 a night... I love it!!!!

Kids loved the pool (ours and theirs - thank god they are all girls and all friends) and we adults loved the jacuzzi. If I had a jacuzzi I would never leave it..

Got up on Tuesday morning - free breakfast (woohoo) and off to more wineries. First stop was called Babcock (hahaha). This was the first winery our friends went to together 27 years ago so I thought that was cool. Next was off to Melville - very beautiful building (see building in photos - link below) After this, the wifey is not only buzzed but now seriously liking wine. UGHHH.. this is gonna cost me - damn wine people!! hahaha

Now we are off to another winery called LaFond. I loved this one as it was tucked away in a small valley on Santa Rosa Road which in many places barely fits one car. It was green quiet and remote and this is where we had our nice picnic lunch. Wine, cheese, crackers, meats, fruit etc. I felt like a yuppie I tell you but it was so good and relaxing and as our friend puts it "bucolic". (see picnic photos)

There was also a lot of bike riders - gonna bring the bike next year - such an awesome place to ride.

Now we were off to the miniature horse farm. Kids loved this. Wrider, check out the photo of the baby mini - not even two week old and this girl was running and bucking etc. you would have loved it!!!

Finally - off to the Lavender Farm. SOOOOOO relaxing. I am telling you - live there and no need to ever get stoned.... you are beyond mellow.

Back to the hotel, more swimming and jacuzzi - a few beers at Firestone Brewery (way overpriced - not worth it) and some sleep.

On Wed. we did a little walk around Solvang then home. We all had a great and relaxing time..

Here is the link to the photo's - finally another use for Dropshots.

Finally - it seems YOUR MOM was upset I removed her from the list so she is back but you better blog damn you!!!!