Over the River? Looking for home and drinking some wine

The original poem, "Over the River and Through the Wood" by a New England writer named Lydia Child, wrote it to recall childhood memories about going to her Grandfather's house for Thanksgiving. A lot has changed. When sung, Grandmother has replaced Grandpa and many of us fly everywhere. Recently for Turkey Day I flew across country not to see G'ma or G'pa, but my children.

Landing in California, a state with many people 👩👨👧👪👳👫👭👬( I believe the most in my country) was a far cry from the nostalgic, snowy ride through the forest to grandparents, back in the day. Oranges, flowers & sun
greeted me....as did traffic and more traffic.



Additionally, the lure in Cali was vino. Yes, I will admit that🍷A visit to Napa valley Wine region ensued. While I didn't see much fire damage in that particular area, natives reported homes were ruined up in the hills; their eagerness for customers was apparent, and no doubt understandable. So there I was. Ripe for




the picking, so to speak..So much to learn and
so little time (over 500 in that one region) Stags Leap Winery (1893) was the first: loved our guide Brian. A passionate dude when it comes to these particular spirits. Verdict: amazing reds. Bucolic surroundings. Grapefruits on TREES.

Another winery, Trinchero was especially sweet. Mr. Trinchero (Mario) traveled to California in the 1940's from New Jersey. With a wife and 2 children..and no guarantees of anything.

So thankful am I, yes. Mostly in awe of Mother nature to tell you the truth. Over the rivers and through the mountains, where vistas and sceneries popped, and everywhere there was a Grandparent's house. And for those homes lost in Napa and beyond, blessings to your recovery.

xoxo