Ringing the old year out

And so it is the last day of 2010. I can hardly believe it. It's been a funny year; in ways it seems to have stretched on forever, and yet it also seems to have gone by so fast.

Today began with blue skies, bright sunshine and everything is so green. It feels more like spring; lots of rain and crisp but not cold temperatures. As the day worn on, clouds rolled in. It has been quiet and dim. The Christmas tree lights are shining in the front window, candles are flickering around the house and Mozart is playing softly. J has been sitting on the couch playing his xBox and I've been in the kitchen making pizza dough and pumpkin pie.

We shall bid the old year goodbye and greet the new year quietly. There is a bottle of pink champagne from Napa chilling in the fridge. We will drink it with our homemade pizza. No big plans, which suits us perfectly.

So until the clock strikes midnight we will be cozy on the couch, watching college football, reading, eating, relaxing. I hope that whatever your New Years Eve holds, it will be enjoyable! Both of our brothers are working tonight (one in the ER and one in Qatar) and so we remember and thank all those who make it possible for the rest of us to enjoy our holidays. We pray the the new year will be a good one, for us and all of our loved ones! Happy New year!

The Sacramento Zoo and a bowling trip

The last full day of my brother's visit (Monday the 27th) we decided to try out the Sacramento Zoo. Although it was chilly and damp, it didn't rain on us. The zoo was on the small side, but it did boast some very nice exhibits.

An eccentric collection of geese, ducks, etc. This large fellow up front (grey) have the most enormous feet!

The ever popular flamingos

We spent a good amount of time strolling slowly through the reptile house because it was nice and warm!

The beautiful tree frog really is that blue, but it also has poisonous skin.

The boys enjoying the reptile house

Check these giant, ugly toads out! They are actually found in the Colorado river

It's hard to see because of the fence, but this bird is HUGE (he's also eating)

A little better shot of the same bird

A kookaburra! Luke and I immediately broke into song, and J walked away

The name now escapes me, but this giant looking bird weighs merely one pound!

They boast a very nice giraffe collection here and you can really get very close!

This was the best of several bad shots of the kangaroos. They just wouldn't cooperate and kept standing in a back corner area.

Two zebras

A handsome ostrich

I don't remember what this animal is called either, but he is certainly striking with his red coat, big stripes and huge horns

A chimp

This is a 9 month old tiger. He was running around and playing just like a kitten. This was our favorite thing by far!

Here is Momma tiger

Some very sleepy lions

Giant ant eaters

Look very close; there really is a snow leopard in here! For the longest time we thought he was inside... and then we spotted him up high blending with the rocks and camo netting.

After the zoo we made our way back home and spent the afternoon at the bowling alley. Thought I'd share a few shots from that outing.

I can not believe how quickly Luke's visit flew by! We all had a great time and hope that he can come back soon. Miss you already!

A rainy day in Napa

The day after Christmas the three of us headed over to Napa despite the clouds and rain. It is very strange for these mid-westerners to see so much green in December!

Please note the TINY road ... the GPS took a very scenic way to our first winery. Ended up not working and being slightly frightening (it was like hiking in the car) but it was pretty. Thanks for being a great driver J!

Our first stop: The Hess Collection Luke picked this out of a guide book we have and it was a first for everyone. The drive to the winery is up a pretty hill and aside from some great wines, they have a large art gallery and a very informative 16 minute video about their various vineyards. We really enjoyed it!

With a little photo editing you'd almost think we had snow ;-)

Inside Hess looking down into the main lobby from the glass elevator on our way to see their art

Some views from the windows in the top floor art gallery (we weren't allowed to photograph the art).

Back in the Hess lobby; loved their Christmas decor

The boys browsing in their gift shop

The Christmas tree in their tasting room

Back outside Hess

Winery number two was another new one for all of us. Clos Du Val is on Silverado Trail (one of the two main roads that run through Napa), is obviously French and quite small. We enjoyed their wines as well.

Walking around their grounds before tasting

They had olive trees!

It may be December, but the roses are still blooming along with all the citrus fruit around here.

Some of Clos Du Val's vineyards

Inside for our tasting

More pretty Christmas decorations :)

Our third and final stop was at Mumm. Since Luke had never tried champagne (or sparkling wine as it's called in Napa) we had to take him here! This was J and I's third visit to Mumm and we still love it.

Even on this dreary day the views here are beautiful

These photos are from our drive home.

A sign for the famous Silverado Trail