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More of Lake County

Lavender attracts bees, small buzzing ones to fat, fluffy bumble ones. Lavender grows all over northern California and is plentiful at wineries, making for great smells as you walk towards a tasting room.

Looks like fall flowers…

Since my dad owned Studebakers for many years, we had to eat lunch in this deli in Kelseyvillle. Food was fantastic.

Know what this machine does? Better yet, who wants to operate it…bottle after bottle after bottle?

Grapes are so close to being picked here. Clear skies, limited fog, low moisture level and abundant sunshine provide an ideal climate for growing wine grapes. There can be a 50 degree differential between day and night temps in this part of Lake County.
Grapes were planted here as early as the 1870’s. Then came the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and tourism declined. Vines were ripped out and pears and walnuts were planted.
In the 1960’s a few vines were once again planted. From fewer than 100 acres in 1965 to 8,500 acres today…wines from Lake County win awards and even get served at the White House.
Just a peaceful pond at a winery.

If you are looking for Italian varietals…look no further than Rosa D’Oro. My personal favorite was their Aglianico. I’ll go back just for that…that is when all the bottles I purchased are gone.
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Lake County, California

Clear Lake is California’s largest natural freshwater lake.

Lake County’s volcanic past is evident as you travel up, down and through different terrain. Crops vary from olive trees to nut trees, from red grapes to white grapes, from pears to pears depending upon the soil. Clear Lake, at 1,326 feet, sits at the foot of a dormant volcano.

Even though the volcano is dormant, geothermal activity is still apparent in the natural hot springs throughout the area, as well as the Geysers, the world’s largest complex of geothermal energy resource in southern Lake County.

Mount Konocti, the dormant volcano, rises 4,300 feet.

Lava flows resulted in a diversity of soils that are obsidian rich and high in mineral content. Black rocks, obsidian, shine in the sun along road ways.
More on wine tomorrow…
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Street Markets…Flea Markets…

Whatever they are called in your city, Street Markets or Flea Markets they are worth a visit. Flowers to food to goodies to great information…you can find it here.
This one in Luxembourg offered a kaleidoscope of flowers…in all colors.

In Trier, Germany this guy made sculptures out of wire.

Olives from Turkey were at one in London.

Cambridge offered scarves to jewelry to coffee to fresh baked bread.

Budget Travel tells us of some in the US not to be missed:
The 127 Corridor Sale runs 654 miles (yes miles) of scenic highway from West Unity, Ohio to Gadsden, Alabama the first weekend in August. Put it on your calendar for next year.
Brimfield Antique and Flea Market Shows in Brimfield, Mass. runs six consecutive days in mid May, July and September. Billed as the country’s largest, more than 1 million visitors flood in every year.
The Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire in Alameda, California runs the first Sunday of each month. The San Francisco skyline serves as a backdrop for this 800 plus vendor market on the main runway of a decommissioned naval base on San Francisco Bay.
Do you have one you like to visit?
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Packing Tips

Even though the photos have nothing to do with today’s post…I like them

When packing, think about including hand washable, quick dry fabrics. Maybe you can pack less items that way. Or if something gets dirty, it’s an easy fix. Even better are those that need no ironing.
Take a couple of plastic hangers to hang up those wet items.
Always throw in some empty one gallon resealable bags. Uses are many, including food (which is really what they were intended for), wet swimsuits, sea shells, maps, souvenirs, camera when at the beach, glasses…on and on. Don’t forget to take a couple of plastic forks, spoons, and knives. You would be amazed how often these come in handy.

Purchase an inexpensive pair of flip-flops. Use them as slippers, at the beach, walking down the hall or anywhere you don’t want to be barefoot.
Keep an “emergency kit” in your luggage. Some items might include ear plugs, tiny flashlight, band aids, anti-bacterial cream, safety pins, duct tape wrapped around a straw, or alcohol wipes.
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Napa Grapes and Vineyards

Are they ready to be pressed? Or are they escaping?

Leftovers from a press…stems and dried up skins…yum.

These are about ready.

Lots and lots of ready grapes.

O’Brien Winery makes some fine red wines. Try it sometime.

After all, what winery doesn’t need a chandelier? There is a story but the photo says it all.

Leaves are turning and grapes are hanging.
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California Capital Airshow

Check out this airshow next year in Sacramento, California for an amazing display and performance of aircraft. This airplane, a KC-135, was flown here by a friend from the Iowa Air National Guard in Sioux City, Iowa.

The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

The Patriots L-39 Jet Team

The F-22 Raptor…who did amazing things you wouldn’t think an aircraft could do.

The USAF Thunderbirds Jet Demo Team

The F-22 Raptor, the F-86 Sabre and a P-51 Mustang in a Heritage Flight

Flying over us…

The Thunderbirds during their airshow.