Our last day
.... but what a last day!!!
What a finish to 2 glorious weeks. We ambled out toward the Sonoma Coast through the sleepy town of Occidental, and down another 1 1/2 lane winding road to the home of Pete and Barbara Marsh. I don't believe I've ever met 2 more gracious people in my life. They invited us into their home, fed us with wonderful hors d'ouvres, plied us with excellent wine (the Delinger Pinot was incredible. I think it was a 99). We talked and talked about things from soup to nuts, and then walked the vineyard. Now, Pete and Barbara may already be grandparents, but I think we were introduced to their new child that day. They know the character of every row, and fret over any single vine that's not doing well. They told us which rows ripen first, and which last. They showed us how they prune the vines, and all that was missing were the baby pictures... oops, I'm sorry. We saw them, too!!! If I had one jealous moment on this trip, this had to be it.
and after all that hospitality, they invited us to stay for lunch!!! Unfortunately, we had to decline, because we had to drop off a large boatload of 'olive oil' to the shipper's. In fact, it's probably a good thing we did leave at that point, or we might still be there.
Pete and Barbara - thank you for your warmth, your pride in your new 'line of work', and your willingness to share it with others.
Well, that's about it. We're back home and wishing the trip had never ended. We never expected to have such a great time, and it's all due to you, fellow forumites, who inspired us to make this excursion. Our thanks to the Bresslers, the Nulls, the Marshs, the Goldfarbs, Micheal Browne, Andy Peay, Randy Sloan and the many other folks who inspired us, welcomed us, and made us feel like family.
God help you all when we come back!!!
