Pushing and Sorting

Harvest Luncheon - Alpha Omega

Here I am "pushing"

Egret at Chateau Montenela

"Sorting"

Delicious Vino

Fall in Napa

How fun it was to participate in The Harvest at Alpha Omega Winery this past weekend with Marc and Franci. This involved "pushing" and "sorting" of the grapes. (I quickly found an appreciate for my own job when I was faced against what the workers endure at a winery to get ready for harvest.)

We were tasked with "pushing" which is a method used to crush the grapes in the barrels by hand with a special pressing tool. This will build your triceps for sure!! We also helped with the "sorting" which is the method used via conveyor belt to filter out any unneeded leaves, twigs, raisins, or debris in the grapes. Yes - this made me dizzy and I immediately thought of the "I Love Lucy" show when she worked in that chocolate factory inspecting chocolates on the conveyor belt.

Although it was raining quite heavily, they had a tent set up for our scrumptious lunch which consisted of various brick oven fired pizzas, salads (so very fresh), spreads, and tons of wine. Pizza desserts were served - I definitely overate but it was worth every bite!

Throughout the remainder of the day, we visited:

- Frank Family Vineyard

- August Briggs (the last winery serving free tastings)

- Chateau Montenela (gorgeous grounds)

A day in Napa is never complete without a delicious meal at Rutherford Grill; one of our favorites. Their french dip is to die for! Their key lime pie isn't too bad either. It was so worth the 1.5 hr. wait. Highly recommended!!

Mission accomplished: a new wine experience in Napa during a rainy day.

Love it!

V

Fabulous Fall

Fall fun!

Weekend Recap:

Had an exciting Saturday doing house chores:

- Painted entry and hallway ceiling
- Touched up fireplace
- Touched up kitchen cabinets
- Tons of yardwork


On the fun side:


Went to Peanut's for a BBQ - he also made his special homemade menudo. Not my cup of tea but the company was awesome! We swam, giggled, ate and drank!


On Sunday I did a family photo shoot for my friend Jen - we dodged the rain and managed to get about 12 good photos out of 103.


Happy fall,
V

HAPPINESS

is when....

What you Think,

What you Say,

& What you Do

are in {Perfect}

HARMONY

Fall in Michigan & Wedding Bells

Sculptures in the Fred Meyer Garden

Greg enjoying the Fred Meyer Gardens

Beautiful fall color

Bride and Groom: Doug and Kate Harrison

We had the great opportunity of attending Greg's college roommates wedding this past weekend in Michigan (Grand Rapids). So much fun! The boys had not seen each other in 14 years.

The rehearsal dinner was held at the bride's parents entertainment home overlooking a lake. The festivites included tri-tip steaks, baked potatoes, salad, and lots of beverages. The groom made corn hole games for everyone in the wedding party.

The wedding was held at a quaint church in Grand Rapids with the reception being at Fred Meyer's Garden. This was a beautiful garden with sculptures, indoor green houses and a great reception hall overlooking a lake. The guests were welcomed to the reception with a "funny photo" experience where you could use different props posing for a unique photo shoot. There was also a "make your own favor" table which consisted of filling a small bag with candy (malt milk balls, pear jelly beans, and after-dinner mints).

There was a great slide show displaying photos of the bride and groom separately, photos together, and then photos of their actual wedding day (which were taken earlier in the day). The speech from the bride's father was very emotional and heartfelt - great speaker with motivating words. We loved this wedding!

We spent half the day Sunday visiting Greg's parents in Manton, MI (a 2 hr drive from Grand Rapids). The colorful drive was beautiful! Fall has really set in Michigan. The remainder of the day was a dinner with the bridge and groom.

Such a great trip!
V