NikkiB #21

[NikB]

Thanks all for checking in! I do have internet so posting quickly.

ST
Yeah no kidding! That L was insane. I think I only thought of the panic button because I hit it accidentally last week and it reminded me about that "feature." Glad it came to me though.

Glad you like the futon! I will keep you posted on how comfy it is. I thought of that too, maybe getting a featherbed for the top.. will just have to see how it is. I like the rug idea - not much room to "stretch out" in there but I might put one under the bed and across to the closet, just to cover the carpet (it's this indoor/outdoor dark green carpet, really ugly.. I'm trying to embrace it but, it's not easy!). You reminded me too, I have a desktop fountain that I made in a class with my dad years ago and I haven't set it up in a long time. That would be perfect for the night stand.

OT, jak, cliffy, thanks!!

I just have to share... in contrast to yesterday's insanity, I have had a WONDERFUL day. I feel like I've lived 3 days again, but most of it good.

Why don't I do this mini road trip thing more often, again?? (rhetorical question... answer being I NEED to do it more!).

I finished posting here and forced myself to video the house and all H's "toys"... that was tough and took longer than I thought it would. I felt "sneaky" or something which I know is silly but, I did. Got on the road about 2 hours later than I planned... and promptly had to pull over while I had an anxiety attack. geez.

And then... got myself calm and back on track, got headed the right direction, and have had a GREAT time.

I got totally lost in Napa then remembered I kinda like Sonoma better... so took a "wrong" turn (turned out to be great!) which led to this totally beautiful winery. I went in to do a tasting and the server guy was really nice and had traveled a lot. I was the only one in there, being mid-week, so we talked for about 1.5 hours and he told me about wines and stuff he'd tried all over the world. The wine was great and relatively cheap (my fave bottle was only $13, in Napa ANY bottle would've been twice that). So I bought some to enjoy on the rest of my trip and when I get home.

Got back headed to Sonoma and made ANOTHER wrong turn, and found another cool winery. (don't worry, I allowed plenty of time between tasting and driving!). I definitely found the "off the beaten path" places, that's for sure. Super sweet (and super cute!) guy serving the wine there.. he's also really into food so we had fun sharing ideas of what foods/meals would go well with each wine. The place is owned by this Greek guy who has built all kinds of things on the property to remind him of home, gorgeous statues and stuff. I took a ton of pictures. And he happened to show up while I was there! He's gotta be at least 90 years old (and his name's Socrates, how much more Greek can you get?). He comes in every day to have his glass of wine and check on his visitors. Cool to meet him.

On a whim I asked the server "I know this is probably a crazy question but do you know of any cheapish places to stay in Sonoma?" He made a few phone calls to friends/business connections, and found me this place with a walk-in rate of $119 for nights where they aren't fully booked. I know that sounds high but for wine country it's not at all - my guess is this place is normally $200 at least. It's 6 blocks from downtown, neat neighborhood, and GORGEOUS!!! I just finished taking a walk through the gardens and pool area, which is all landscaped with amazing tropical flowers. Then got back to my room and sat down on the bed to post here, and I must say this is THE most comfy bed I have ever sat/slept on. If I can force myself out of bed later I might go enjoy the spa... which is nestled between palm trees and tropical flowers... but I may save that for tomorrow.

I've already decided to skip Mendocino for now.. will book this place for 1 more night (or 2 if I can get Friday but that's unlikely in this area). Go get my massage tomorrow, go to Calistoga about 30 minutes away, then come back and stay here. Maybe stop by and visit cute winery guy (hey he DID say "hope you come back again tomorrow and let me know what you think of the hotel!).

I'd love to see the Mendocino place too though - might drive by it on Friday if I can't get the hotel, then plan to go there for another weekend getaway soon.

Ahh.. vacations. Gotta love it.