Check out this link for a fun event in Dixon this weekend…
http://www.downtowndixon.com/
Tag: Uncategorized
‘Best of Napa’ Award
Trying to keep up with Christine George can be time consuming. For starters, she an instructor in the School of Graphic Design. That’s one the reasons she is the recipient of the 2015 ‘Best of Napa’ Award. That’s not all she does, however.
You might find her riding trails in and around Napa on horseback. She’s loved horses her whole life. And, she understands horses. You’ll notice that when you see her paintings. Those horses look like they are looking right at you.
Again, that’s not all she does. As an official track photographer for Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown, the photos hanging in her studio make you feel like you’re standing at the wire with the winning horse.
Christine is known for her pro-bono work, assisting organizations and individuals with the Napa Valley Art Association and in the community. That’s another reason she was this years winner of the award.
When you visit her studio in Napa, you’ll quickly realize she means it when she says she’s living her dream…right here in Napa Valley.
Check out more about Christine and her award at http://www.academyart.edu/about-us/news-events/news/2015/july/graphic-design-instructor-selected-for-best-of-napa-award.
App…Find Me a Park
If you like seeing National Parks and Monuments when on vacation, you’ve probably already figured out the ones near your vacation spot. There are many state parks worth seeing as well. How do you find out about them?
With an app, of course!
Oh, Ranger covers every national, state, and local park in the United States. You can hike, bike, swim, or ride wherever you are.
It’s free and available on iOS and Android.
Let me know what you think.
No Reservation
When you travel, do you have your hotel reservation already made? If not, this app might be a good one for you. Hotel Tonight is an app that tells you what hotels with available rooms are nearby. It focuses on major cities and their immediate metro areas, so it won’t help you find a room in small towns in the middle of nowhere.
It’s free and available on iOS, Android, Windows Mobile.
If you’ve used it, let me know how you like it.
Running Through the Airport
Have you ever made the mistake of not leaving enough time between connecting flights? Have you missed your flight because of this?
When you booked those flights, did you think 45 minutes was enough time between flights? After all, who wants to hang out in an airport for hours…right?
Before you book your connecting flights too close together, keep in mind some things. How far apart are the gates? Even if you think you know, they can change. Look at how far apart the furthest gates are from each other. Those may be yours. Then, look at the size of the airport. Lots of planes coming and going? How about the weather? Flying through Denver in the winter might cause delays. Same thing with flying through Phoenix in the summer.
Are you carrying your luggage? Can you run with it? Are you traveling with small children? Do you have to use the restroom?
Maybe a couple extra hours in the airport is better than missing your connection. Most airlines will charge you to rebook if the issue isn’t their fault.
Flying and Driving
Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly into a smaller airport instead of the major one. You’ve probably read about San Jose versus SFO or Fort Lauderdale versus Miami. And, many times it is cheaper.
Remember to figure in all the facts when looking at fares, though. Will transportation costs be greater? Will you spend more time on the road? Is there the transportation you need?
When you take into account all the fees, times, and in some cases, convenience you may be surprised which one is cheaper.
Save the Date!
The 28th annual Napa Valley Open Studios is a free, self-guided tour where you can meet local artists, learn about what they do and purchase art directly from them.
During the last two weekends in September studios all over the Napa Valley will be open to bring you up close and personal with the artists and their work.
With 79 participating artists and 45 unique studio locations, this will be a great event for collectors, artists, and those who are looking for an artistic experience.
For more information, check out the website at http://napavalleyopenstudios.org/#home.
Viura…Ever Heard of it?
Ever heard of the grape Viura? Perhaps you know it as Macabeo. Either way, it’s a white wine grape used in Spain’s Rioja region and in the southernmost region of France. The Viura grape is one of the three that goes into Spanish sparkling wine, Cava. But, it can also be used on its own to make still wine.
Depending on how it is grown and used. If picked early and aged in stainless steel, the wines can be fresh, floral, and aromatic. Or, if harvested later and aged in oak you can expect heavier, more honeyed, and nuttier tastes.
This pairs nicely with grilled shrimp, mango salad, white pizza, risotto, Manchego cheese, or Gouda cheese…or an easy drink at a party. Sounds like summer time to me.
Polo Event In Santa Rosa Supports Wounded Veterans…Check it Out
6th Annual Wounded Veterans Polo Benefit
The 1940’s
(70th Anniversary of the end of World War II)
(70th Anniversary of the end of World War II)
Sunday, August 30, 2015 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Trione Polo Field; 560 White Oak Drive,
Santa Rosa (Oakmont), CA 95409
Santa Rosa (Oakmont), CA 95409
Polo players, polo ponies, stunt riders, horse drawn carriages, and military dignitaries will all be part of an upcoming polo benefit for combat injured American soldiers living in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 6th Annual Wounded Veterans Polo Benefit takes place Sunday, August 30. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. and festivities begin at 11:30 a.m.
The benefit, sponsored by the Commandery of St. Francis, Order of St. John, Knights Hospitaller, and hosted by the Wine Country Polo Club, is designed to generate support for three veterans’ rehabilitation programs:
1) Pathway Home (www.thepathwayhome.org) in Yountville, providing residential treatment for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,
2) Community Action North Bay, (www.canbinc.org) providing housing and life assistance to veterans in need in Solano County, and
3) the veterans program at BAADS, the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (www.baads.org) providing sail training and therapy on sailing dinghies in the San Francisco bay.
The opening ceremony includes posting of the Colors by a mounted Color Guard, the National Anthem and a salute to the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II. Special guests will include World War II veterans.
The afternoon features two polo games played by some of the San Francisco Bay Area’s highest rated polo players and polo ponies. The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls will lead the show at the intermission with a display of stunt riding and trick roping. Other highlights include the traditional Chandon Divot Stomp, a Ladies’ Hat Competition, a silent auction, wine tasting, and more. Premium seating includes lunch tables and a gourmet buffet. Lawn seating allows for picnics or lunch from the concession.
The Commandery of St Francis was the first Hospitaller commandery to be established on the West Coast. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, this non-profit organization is comprised primarily of serving or retired Officers of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and its Allies. The mission of this philanthropic organization, in keeping with the centuries’ old history and traditions of the Knights Hospitaller, is to support recently wounded service veterans.
Last year the 5th annual Wounded Veteran Polo Benefit, attended by over 350 spectators, raised and disbursed over $50,000.
Early Bird tickets (until August 9): lawn seating $60, children under 12 $30. Premium seating with Preferred Sonoma Caterers luncheon $160, Premium Table for 8 $1200.
From August 10: lawn seating $70/children $40, Premium seating $185, Premium Table for 8 $1400. For more information and to register for tickets: www.wvpb.org.
Check out my Interview…
Recently I was interviewed about writing for a blog post. It was a fun interview to do and I like their site.
Check it out: http://www.consciousdiscussions.blogspot.com/
It’s always fun thinking about my passions…travel, writing, wine, cooking…and so many more.
Happy Tuesday!