Weekend In Napa
We loved our weekend in Napa, California.
The vineyards were gorgeous.
Wine tastings at the wineries were FUN.
Domaine Chandon fermentation tanks
With clean air, beautiful bike trails, posh hotels, great restaurants with highly creative chefs, and streets with names like Zinfandel Lane and Vintage Avenue, you can’t go wrong in Napa. It’s one of our favorite places for fun and relaxation.
Ceviche, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen
Campfire pie, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen
At first I thought that the recession is not really felt in Napa. Hotels are fully booked, and restaurants are VERY crowded.
But the hotel’s staff said they used to have many more guests from the East Coast, and now almost everyone is local. They think people are trying to avoid flights and long drives, and take local vacations (or staycations) as much as possible. It makes sense: one of the reasons we chose Napa was its proximity to where we live.
Most importantly: I spent our entire weekend in Napa, three full days, with no internet access. It was pure heaven. I didn’t miss you guys at all. 
One of my goals is to spend a full day each week without using my computer. But unless we’re on vacation, I’m rarely able to do that. Usually, the most I can go is a few hours. But it’s an important goal of mine, and I WILL make it happen.
Do you unplug regularly?
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J.D. Meier responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 7:31 pm →
Welcome back. Do you happen to know what’s in that campfire pie? It looks scrumptious.
J.D. Meier’s last blog post..SourcesOfInsight.com is One Month Old
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 7:43 pm →
Thanks J.D.! We actually went there last week. I didn’t have time to upload the photos and write the post until today.
Of course I know what’s in the pie.
It IS scrumptious. The crust is made of Oreo cookies. Then there are layers of creamy chocolate fudge, and the whole thing is topped with toasted marshmallow fluff. Served warm, sinfully good. Of course, you have to share it or you’ll go into a coma from all the sugar. We also found that it helps to balance it out with a strong espresso.
Lance responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 7:47 pm →
Looks like a wonderful getaway! I see your pictures and descriptions, and think of how relaxing and tasteful this must have been. You are lucky to be so close to such a beautiful place.
Disconnecting – it can be wonderful can’t it (you didn’t miss us at all?????)! I struggle with this one too. The only way that really works for me is to get away. I did this on a vacation this summer – we ended up in the middle of nowhere, as my kids said. And…no internet access. That did the trick! Otherwise, I have a hard time disconnecting….I can relate.
Karl Staib - Work Happy Now responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 7:50 pm →
I would really love to visit Napa Valley, especially this time of year. The photos of the cake and the restaurants really made me jealous. It’s going to have to wait until next year.
The economy is hurting all of us. I bet the waiters really liked that you took an interest.
Karl Staib – Work Happy Now’s last blog post..Imagination Isn’t Just for Kids
Kim Woodbridge responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 7:52 pm →
Vered – I have no tips at all. I am online almost ALL the time. For work and for fun. I try to limit my use when my daughter is home – only use it early in the morning and after she goes to bed on the weekends but otherwise my real job and my home job both involve using the computer.
When I travel, which isn’t often, I don’t use the internet very much. But I still check my email and my website even if it’s only for a couple of minutes.
I should try it – a day without the internet. Sounds like a day where the electricity is out to me.
Mike Goad responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 8:13 pm →
Do you unplug regularly? Not generally. I thought we’d be online most of this trip, but I didn’t bring everything I needed for my satellite internet dish.
Any tips for a hopeless internet addict like myself? Have fun! Do other things. When you get home, don’t try to read every e-mail and every blog post in your reader. Only read the ones that really, really interest you, and don’t comment on every one of those, just on those that you really, really feel like commenting on. That way you can catch up quicker…, if you want to catch up.
Patricia responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 8:48 pm →
Vered,
I loved your pictures and that you took some time off and off line! I never turn on my computer on Saturdays but I am so new to blogging that I am afraid to not at least check in everyday and I write everyday something.
I am teaching a pre-marriage workshop in Kauai, Hawaii and then taking 4 days off and finishing off my 10 days in Honolulu teaching a 4 days workshop. I am madly writing pieces to cover if I can’t write for a day ( though I usually don’t post on Saturday or Sunday. I bought a laptop to take with me and scheduled all my time after writing first thing in the morning….If I had more comments and subscribers I would not be so worried – maybe ….or maybe I am not yet addicted!
I am going to walk all over San Fransisco for a week at Thanksgiving…I don’t think I can detach for that long…. almost a staycation?
Sounds like a lovely trip….and the food pictures made me drool! Thank you for sharing.
Patricia’s last blog post..Factoid Friday: Bonus
Bamboo Forest responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 9:01 pm →
Your goal sounds like a good one.
Well… Staying up with the blogosphere at times, can actually be somewhat tiring. And as bloggers, we often have to do this, to varying extents.
So though I don’t often crave a break from the internet. There may be aspects I desire a break from.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..Some Bits About Me
Vintage Mommy responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 9:30 pm →
I love the Napa area! I have some friends who have olive groves and own an artisan olive oil and vinegar company there (Katz & Co., you might know it). My husband and I are planning to get away next month and I’m really looking forward to it.
As for unplugging, I find it very difficult b/c I need to be online for work all the time, and of course I’m addicted to the blogging life. I did enjoy my time away from the computer when I was on vacation . . .
So glad you had a relaxing getaway!
Vintage Mommy’s last blog post..Just the Facts: About Vintage Mommy
Kelly@SHE-POWER responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 9:31 pm →
Vered
Napa Valley looks wonderful. Wine and dessert – there’s not much else that’s better. I am making a conscious effort to get off-line more. When I was in Europe I had major withdrawal symptoms from limited internet access, but at the same time I could see that one has to get out in the real world and enjoy life. Ever since, I am trying to put a bit more perspective in my online world. Will my readers disappear if I only blog twice a week? No. Am I really going to be a social outcast if I don’t comment every post of my friends? No. It’s very important to me that I give Bunny the attention he deserves and also that I am making progress with my goal of becoming a successful novelist so I try to remember these things when I feel compelled to latch onto my laptop. I also do some of my creative writing by hand now to reduce computer time.
So, my advice is sort out your priorities, RELAX and try to be mindful of whether you’re on the computer just for the sake of it. And I think one free day a week is a fabulous idea. I don’t tend to do much on the weekends so I can be with the boys and that makes everyone happy.
Kelly
Marelisa responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 9:43 pm →
Hi Vered: Napa Valley looks gorgeous. I’m not a big wine drinker but visiting “wine country” has been on my to-do list ever since I saw the movie “Sideways”. You didn’t go on a balloon ride, did you? That’s something I want to do and I read that you can do it at Napa Valley.
I’m completely hooked on the internet and I don’t have plans to cut back anytime soon, but good luck to you with your goal of limiting your computer time
Marelisa’s last blog post..Dare to Follow Your Dream
I. Cant responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 9:52 pm →
Thank you for this post and for not sounding like an exclusive wine snob.
I love wine. I prefer wine that is bottled, and with corked, but those are for special occasions (like at the top of the month, right after pay day), so I subsist on wine that typically is surrounded by cardboard.
Though I’m pretty much dependent upon the computer/internet, I would gladly sacrifice them for an opportunity to make the Napa Valley pilgrimage.
(first time visitor…a fabulous site here)
I. Cant’s last blog post..All it does it hurt
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 10:07 pm →
@ Lance: We ARE lucky. We were just saying it as we drive back. We live very close to Napa Valley, and to San Francisco. Two amazing places.
Nope, didn’t miss you at all.
@ Karl: Ah, the economy… I need to write a pots about that soon.
@ Kim: “Sounds like a day where the electricity is out to me.” Ha. I’m afraid it’s the same for me.
@ Mike: “When you get home, don’t try to read every e-mail and every blog post in your reader.” This is a very, very good tip.
@ Patricia: Kauai! I’m jealous. We went there last spring. Gorgeous!
I love San Francisco. It’s one of the most beautiful, diverse, unique cities in the world.
Maybe you’re not THAT addicted yet.
@ Bamboo Forest: “There may be aspects I desire a break from.” – I can absolutely relate.
@ Vintage Mommy: Haven’t heard about Katz & Co., or maybe I just wasn’t paying attention – we did have a oil tasting there too.
@ Kelly: Sorting out priorities is really important. I know that you were inspired to do that after your trip to Europe. I might be inspired to do that after my trip to Napa!
@ Marelisa: We didn’t go on balloon ride because you have to wake up really early for these things! We wanted to take it easy and sleep in. But these rides should be breathtakingly beautiful.
@ I. Cant: Welcome to MomGrind! Oh, I’m not a wine snob. I couldn’t be one even if I wanted to! It took me YEARS to acquire a taste for wine, and although I am gradually learning to enjoy good wine, I am still very much a beginner.
Carla responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 10:32 pm →
I love Napa and we don’t even make the 45 minute (depending on traffic) drive up there that often. Now I know what we’re doing next weekend! Glad you had a good time and welcome back.
Carla’s last blog post..Petroleum jelly possible cancer risk
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 11:14 pm →
Hi Vered,
It sounds like you had a fabulous time on your long weekend. Getting away is often just what we need in order to unplug. Although I don’t post on the weekends, I still find myself checking my blog or those of others when I walk through my office. Scheduling time off might be what I need to do, too.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Blogging – Filling A Void In Our Lives
Evelyn Lim responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 11:18 pm →
Your pictures look fabulous! I didn’t make it to Napa Valley the last time I was in California. So it would be nice to visit there some day!
I’m glad that you survived without any internet access for three whole days. What a feat!! I’m not sure if I really can unplug for that many days running. You’re so brave!
Evelyn
Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..Attract Our Travel Dreams
Davina responds:
Posted: September 21st, 2008 at 11:28 pm →
Hi Vered. That campfire pie is just about enough to make me go off of the gluten-free diet. Yummy looking!
Speaking of campfires…
after being away camping for over 2 weeks I missed the Internet less than I thought I would. It was a lovely break, although I became a bit frantic when we decided to stay an extra 3 days and I didn’t have a 3rd post prepared for my Friday deadline. I stayed up until 2 in the morning writing it, after taking down camp and driving home that same day. I think I’ve gone mad! I’ve been at the computer a great chunk of this day, but did manage to get a long walk in and unpack from my trip.
I think that is a GREAT idea you have to unplug for a day. That would be a good place for you to start.
Davina’s last blog post..Stepping Out Of These Old Shoes
bloggersmosaic responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 12:54 am →
one hour without internet = death! black hole for me!
bloggersmosaic’s last blog post..avatar size offers
Scott McIntyre responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 am →
Those are lovely photos, Vered. They remind me of the time I travelled through Napa Valley myself.
This was part of a month long drive tour of the West coast of the USA, taking in California, Nevada and Arizona.
The first time I did this road trip, I told myself it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience… and I enjoyed it so much I did it all 10 years later!
I’ve actually been unplugged from the internet quite a bit recently, though more by the reason of a technical fault on my pc rather than by design.
However, these periods of life without-internet have been a revelation. I’ve come to realise that surfing online can be a little time consuming
Avital responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 1:31 am →
It looks like you’ve had some serious fun… I still remember our trip to Napa. It was great.
Now, about the internet, you’ve hit in a much hurtful place. Disconnecting is very difficult. I am not talking about having something to do on the internet but about what happens when I have finished working and instead of getting away from the computer, reading a good book, creating stuff etc. I am just refreshing my google reader or other exciting things like that.
The best way is to decide on a time of day in which you disconnect and when it comes – no compromises are to be made. Letting go for several hours every day is a starting point to grow from.
Dave Fowler responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 1:57 am →
Hi Vered, I’m trying to build my ‘systems’ so that I’m not reliant on the computer and internet. If I didn’t exercise self-control I could easily find myself online all day long. Not heathly (for me at least).
Dave Fowler’s last blog post..My Hands Are Too Big
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusk responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 2:14 am →
Hi Vered
Are you kidding me? That holiday looked FAB. So jealous.
Unfortunately I never unplug as I sit at a computer screen all day as part of my job and it’s just too tempting to have a quick browse around to see what’s happening out there.
However if I do switch off, for a holiday, it feels great and I don’t miss it either. Clearly we’re all addicted!
Tara@From Dawn Till Rusk’s last blog post..Are we raising a generation of wimps?
Natural responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 2:36 am →
looks and sounds like you had a nice time,that’s great and you unplugged. oh i tried that unplugging thing one weekend or was it (weak-end, i was weak) and it wasn’t easy but i did it. i was however walking past my computer, winking at it telling it ‘i can’t wait to turn you on’! lol. i love my computer and that’s sad. i use it for everything…and i have been thinking about unplugging again, but can’t ever pick the right time.
when i do go away, sometimes i purposely leave my laptop at home just to get away from the darn thing. once i caved and ran to the local library on vacation to use their computer.
i need to cut back though, this is one reason i’m always late for stuff. anywho, welcome back, thanks for sharing and the reminders!
Natural’s last blog post..A Million Little Pieces
Suzie responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 6:02 am →
I unlpug every weekend. No computor at all just family time mostly. You didnt miss us huh? Well I never
Suzie’s last blog post..Bad Mommy Strikes Again
Writer Dad responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 6:07 am →
That sounds wonderful. I’ve never been, and it wouldn’t be too far a drive for us. Daisy and I were planning to go the summer we got pregnant. Then, you know how it is after that. Someday though.
Writer Dad’s last blog post..Olly Olly Oxen Free
zoe responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 6:43 am →
I usually don’t turn the computer on on Saturdays. I’m not always sucessful but I do curb my time on-line on weekends. Also, now that I have an iPhone, it’s so easy to just do a quick check of email and few blogs, it ruins my no internet on weekends plans.
zoe’s last blog post..L Word spinoff. YES!
Dave Jones, CPA responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 7:51 am →
I recently wrote on this at my site as I was without power for an extended period of time. No TV or internet was priceless. I am trying to institute a no electronics (TV, internet, playstations, etc) day once a week. This weekend I am going to try and take the whole family fishing. I’ll let you know how it goes. Oh yell…no cell phones either!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 8:03 am →
@ Carla: We are neighbors! I didn’t know that. Or did I? Anyway, sure, if it’s only a 45 minute drive for you, you should go there! They are harvesting the grapes now so it’s a great time to go.
@ Barbara: it’s the same for me – I don’t post on the weekend, but I still work on the blog and read other blogs.
@ Evelyn: When you unplug for a few days, it puts things in perspective. It’s a wonderful experience.
@ Davina: See? This is exactly what I’m talking about. It’s wonderful that we enjoy our blogs and are committed to them. But we need to be able to let go a little… miss a posting deadline here and there… remember that as vast as FUN as the internet is, the real worls is vast and fun too.
It’s different, of course, for someone who makes a living from their blog, but even professional bloggers should be able to disconnect once in a while.
2 weeks camping – wow. Although I’m not much into camping, 2 weeks away from it all sounds amazing.
@ bloggersmosaic: Nah, it won’t kill you. Try it.
@ Scott: “This was part of a month long drive tour of the West coast of the USA, taking in California, Nevada and Arizona.” Sounds fabulous!
Surfing online can be a tad time consuming, I agree.
@ Avital: “The best way is to decide on a time of day in which you disconnect and when it comes – no compromises are to be made.” I agree. I am trying to work on that too, in addition to a full day a week without internet.
@ Dave: “If I didn’t exercise self-control I could easily find myself online all day long.” – me too, and I do agree that it’s unhealthy, mentally and physically.
@ Tara: I think research actually shows that the overload of info that the interent offers is in fact addicting.
@ Natural: “when i do go away, sometimes i purposely leave my laptop at home just to get away from the darn thing. once i caved and ran to the local library on vacation to use their computer.” – This is exactly what I do. I leave the laptop at home. AND I’m very good about avoiding the hotel’s business center. But I want to be able to unplug at home too.
@ Suzie: “You didnt miss us huh?” Nope, not at all.
@ Writer Dad: I know. Once you have kids, previous plans tend to disappear. We left the kids with my parents (they are visiting) and went by ourselves – just Ido and I. It was heavenly.
@ zoe: This is exactly why I’ve been refusing to get a Blackberry, an iPhone etc. I don’t want the internet to follow me everywhere.
@ Dave: Let me know! Your plan sounds very relaxing.
Stacey / CreateaBalance responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 8:07 am →
I hear ya virtual sista! I’m working on balancing my blog/internet with the rest of my life. I just love blogging and everything related to blogging soooo much. Setting limits is important. It’s funny, I have been writing a lot about how to create life balance by incorporating your needs and passions into your life. Now, I’m writing about what you do once you finally do incorporate you passions into your life…how do you not let it take over your life (e.g. setting limits). This is reassuring my stance that life balance is cyclical (a journey and not a destination).
Stacey / CreateaBalance’s last blog post..Bingo! Embracing Money
Urban Panther responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 8:15 am →
I am really really really trying to go internet free on the weekends. It’s hard though. Since I work off of a laptop, I think the solution is to actually put it away somewhere. Out of sight, out of mind. If it’s just sitting there I sneak in to ‘check’ things.
Urban Panther’s last blog post..Hey! Pay attention!
Carla responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 8:15 am →
I agree! When you have to work at it 12+ hours a day to keep a roof over your head, taking a vacation from it seems impossible. I think I have only been away from it three days this year. Then again, I haven’t had a real vacation yet.
Carla’s last blog post..Plastic and its health risks
hyrcan responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 10:30 am →
Hmm… that food’s making me hungry!
It’s good to hear that you’re going to go try and go internet free every once and a while. It’s refreshing, once you get over the initial shock.
I’ve gotten past needing a set schedule personally, I naturally go without, it just kinda happens, I do other things, I sleep, I go outside. I’m not perfect though, I find if I’ve nothing to do, no activities, or social engagements I feel the draw back to the computer. Something I have to work on is being able to do nothing. And more importantly, doing so by myself.
But if you’re really hooked and want to start getting away from computers and the internet, then plan things to do, go outside, away from where you’re connection is. If it’s not right there waiting for you, calling you, tempting you, then it’s going to be easier to not think about it.
Oh and if you have a smart phone/iPhone/cell phone with internet access, “forget it” leave it behind. Leave it in the car, or at the very least, turn it off and only use it when you need too. It’s a crutch, you think you’re away from the computer and internet, but if you’re someplace interacting with your phone instead of the world around you then it’s no difference.
My 2?
Mark Salinas responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 10:51 am →
I probably should unplug more often. I think it brings to light things that maybe we take for granted. Great job and nice post!
Mark Salinas’s last blog post..High Fructose Corn Syrup by Cathy
Friar responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 11:54 am →
I am just NOT a wine person. To me it tastse like fermented grape juice (which is basically what it is).
Though the fact that I have almost zero sense of smell probably has something to do with it.
(But I was like this way as long as I can remember…I can’t miss what I never had.)
Friar’s last blog post..Celebrating my Literary Ignorance: A List of Books I’ve Never Read
Janice Cartier responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm →
YUMMY! Napa is almost heaven. What a great getaway.
I try to unplug Sat and Sun. Not always able to, but I try.
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..David Bates, Diebenkorn, and My Window
Ellen Wilson responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 2:36 pm →
Vered,
Happy for you! I was in Napa Valley, what? It seems like eons ago. I love that place. If I had a ton of money I’d move there.
Wine tastings ARE fun! E
Ellen Wilson’s last blog post..The Power of Perspective in Photography
Sara at On Simplicity responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 3:55 pm →
Delicioso! I love Napa. Fun memories. I’m also trying to experiment with unplugging. I’m having a hard time balancing writing, reading, and living. I’m trying to do what Kelly talks about above and stop worrying that things will fall apart if I cut back. And well, even if they do, was it really worth giving up my day-to-day life for?
Sara at On Simplicity’s last blog post..Simple Sunday #5
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 4:52 pm →
I’ve learned to work when I’m at my best which usually is in the mornings. I have no problem unplugging in the evenings especially when I’ve decided to enter a half-day poker tournament. I don’t even bring my cell phone into the game. I guy needs some playtime to stay sharp!
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..Spirit and Business
Christina Narciso responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 5:38 pm →
Good luck on your goal of no internet! I know you can do it!
"Motivate Thyself" responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 5:54 pm →
Those are some wonderful pictures and your descriptions made me want to be there myself. Sounds like you had a great time!
I’m definitely an Internet addict myself. It’s the whole “what’s changed since I last looked” kind of thing that makes is so alluring. I think this is a great idea to take a day off from the chaos that is the information super highway. I don’t really have any advice other than just some encouragement to go for it and do what you know is best for you. Welcome back, Eric.
“Motivate Thyself”’s last blog post..10 Tips To Help New Bloggers Beat The Odds And Push Past Their Rookie Status
Irene | Light Beckons responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 6:40 pm →
OMG, the pictures! *Drool* … The longest I’ve survived without my laptop so far is 5 days, but that wasn’t as hard as I thought since I still had my cell phone. But to live without BOTH – now that would be a killer.
Irene | Light Beckons’s last blog post..Dance Of Shiva
San Diego Momma responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 7:52 pm →
Those pictures are fantab!
What a lovely time you had.
I love Napa.
As for de-Internetting, I have no advice. I suck. I just can’t do it. HOWEVVERRRR, I’m going on vacation next month and we’ll see…maybe I can stay out of the Internet cafes…
Stay tuned.
San Diego Momma’s last blog post..PROMPTuesday #23: TV Pilot
SITS Girls responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 8:17 pm →
Napa is such a wonderful place. Looks like you did it right!
SITS Girls’s last blog post..Featured Blogger: Embracing the Ordinary Life
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 9:06 pm →
@ Stacey: “life balance is cyclical” – I think this is very true. There are definitely phases that we go through.
@ Urban Panther: I think turning off the laptop and storing it for the weekend is a fabulous idea!
@ Carla: I hope you got him to say yes…
@ hyrcan: “Something I have to work on is being able to do nothing. And more importantly, doing so by myself.” Me too!
Completely agree that it’s important to schedule things away from home.
I don’t own an iPhone and don’t plan on getting one.
I love your 2 cents. You are a smart person.
@ Mark: Thank you.
@ Friar: Wine is definitely an acquired taste. It took me years to develop a taste for it. Now, some meals just seem incomplete without wine. Smell IS an important part, though. No sense of smell? How come?
@ Janice: It WAS a heavenly getaway.
@ Ellen: Many people retire there. But yes, it’s expensive.
@ Sara: “I’m trying to do what Kelly talks about above and stop worrying that things will fall apart if I cut back. And well, even if they do, was it really worth giving up my day-to-day life for?” A BIG amen to that. I feel the same.
@ Tom: I can’t play poker. I need to learn.
@ Christine: Thanks.
@ Motivate Thyself: Thanks for the encouragement, Eric. I do hope I can do it.
@ Irene: 5 days without a laptop is not bad! I do aim at a full day with no laptop AND no cell phone.
@ San Diego Momma: Stay out of the Internet cafes!!! It’s an order.
@ SITS Girls: Indeed I did.
J.D. Meier responds:
Posted: September 22nd, 2008 at 10:52 pm →
@Vered – Wow. Is it wrong to be addicted to something you haven’t had yet. I think I’m addicted to campfire pie. Great description. I seriously want some. Sounds like a road trip …
J.D. Meier’s last blog post..6 Steps for Putting Your Strengths to Work
Cath Lawson responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 2:56 am →
Hi Vered – Napa looks and sounds lovely. Those fermentation tanks are huge – I had no idea they’d be that big. And the food looks great – I love ceviche.
I’m hopeless at unplugging from my computer too. The only time I really manage it for long is if I go out for the day.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Free Gift Ideas That Help You Sell More
MizFit responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 3:58 am →
how sad is it that the closest Ive been is reading the book SIDEWAYS.
I need to travel IN our country more…
MizFit’s last blog post..Gratitude. It’s all about the attitude.
Mike Goad responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 4:57 am →
As it happens, we decided to visit a bit of Wisconsin wine country today what with Grandkids at school and daughter and son-in-law at work. Not quite Napa, I know, but still should be interesting.
We lived in Vallejo for 6 months in 1972 – 73 while I was going to nuclear power school on Mare Island, but never really spent much time in the Napa Valley. Too many other thing to see and do, plus we didn’t have a car for the first few weeks we were there…, back in our very early days.
Mike Goad’s last blog post..We did everything right…, and now we may have to pay anyway!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 7:33 am →
@ J.D.: Not at all… it completely makes sense to be addicted to this. It’s heavenly.
@ Cath: I think I just need to plan more day trips on the weekend, as hyrcan suggested.
@ MizFit: I live to travel. I hate that flights are so annoying these days. I would travel even more if air travel was not so unpleasant.
@ Mike: I hope you enjoy it!
Rita responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 8:31 am →
Vered,
My husband and I spent part of our honeymoon in Napa – almost 23 years ago. At that time, there wasn’t much to “un-plug.” Plus, given that it was our honeymoon, we had other things in mind…but oh, did you bring back some beautiful memories!
Glad you’re back, though – safe and sound!
Rita
Carla responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 8:36 am →
But didnt SIDEWAYS take place in southern CA?
Carla’s last blog post..Plastic and its health risks
Zandria responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 11:14 am →
I love that you said “I WILL” make it happen. Saying “I will…” instead of just something like “I want to…” makes a huge difference.
Lovely pictures! I want to go there, too!!
Andre Kibbe responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 11:52 am →
Lovely photos, especially the ceviche.
I’ve written about progressive unplugging in the past, but ultimately I got pulled back into The Matrix. I’m perfectly content to write longhand, or on my strictly offline Alphasmart Neo word processor, but blogging and freelance writing involved too much more than just writing to make the analog way sustainable. I could certainly pull it off if I wrote primarily for print, but that’s no happening. But the occasional trip to Napa sounds like a great antidote.
Andre Kibbe’s last blog post..Batch Your Input Tasks to Maximize Output
Friar responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 1:14 pm →
@veredd
As a kid my pituitary gland and olfactory center in my brain were slightly out of whack. (Nothing serious, more like a medical inconvenience.)
So as a result, I cant’ smell anything. Wine or baking bread or burning leaves or fresh flowers. Means nothing to me.
But then again, I can’t smell dead skunks, stinky clothes or deadly farts either !
Friar’s last blog post..Celebrating my Literary Ignorance: A List of Books I’ve Never Read
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 6:38 pm →
@ Rita: Napa is the perfect place for a honeymoon!
@ Carla: I haven’t seen the movie, but I looked it up at imdb.com and it says “Two men reaching middle age with not much to show but disappointment, embark on a week long road trip through California’s wine country, just as one is about to take a trip down the aisle.”
@ Zandria: I agree! Attitude is really important.
@ Andre: I really don’t see how it’s possible to write online and avoid the internet. That’s why I’m aiming for once a week.
@ Friar: You know that my name is Vered, right? (just one D). The second D is for my last name…
Back to the point: if you can’t smell, how come you can still taste? I thought the two senses were connected so that if you can’t smell, you can’t taste (which sometimes happens when you have a cold).
Dot responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 pm →
I’m so glad you had a mini-vacation and had such a good time! Those grape vines look beautiful, as do all of your photos. I’m getting fatter just looking at that pie!
In this area, both Virginia and Maryland have wine industries and I’ve been to a tasting in each state. I really liked the raspberry wine I had in Maryland.
I’m not an Internet addict, but I made sure that my Palm and cell phone don’t have Internet access, and if I’ve been on the computer all day at work, I don’t turn on the computer at home, unless I need to blog. I can usually read blogs from work in the morning if it’s slow. Sometimes I have a couple of hours or an evening of no computer, no TV. It’s so peaceful (unless the neighbors get noisy).
Dot’s last blog post..Check It Out Department: Palin and Yellow Stickies
Friar responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 7:15 pm →
@vered (ONE DEE!!)
My sense of taste is probably not that great. Strong flavors (like tomato-ey things, like spaghetti/lasangna, BBQ sauce), I taste well. But a lot of the subtle flavours of herbs and spices are probalby lost on me…like oregano, basil, garlic, etc. Most vegetables are quite bland to me. All spices taste like pepper.
My Sister in Law made me a stir fry once, that she assured me was PUNGENT with Garlic, and to me, it was just salty-bland. (I think she was gonna clobber me).
Friar’s last blog post..Celebrating my Literary Ignorance: A List of Books I’ve Never Read
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 23rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm →
@ Dot: An evening with no computer or TV is relaxing. I should have more of these.
@ Friar: Wow. Well, as you said, you can’t miss something that you never had.
Busymama Kellie responds:
Posted: September 24th, 2008 at 3:54 am →
Sigh…Napa. Such a beautiful area! I can go a few days being unplugged without getting the shakes, and I think I could be ok spending a lot less time on the computer…but it’s just so much fun, dang it!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 24th, 2008 at 11:00 am →
@ Kellie: It IS fun. That’s exactly the problem.
Linda Abbit responds:
Posted: September 25th, 2008 at 11:06 pm →
We had a great time in Napa a few years ago — went for a wedding and enjoyed the wineries and restaurants as well. Simply beautiful there!
Unplugging is hard, but I do make time away from the computer every day, for at least a little while. When I spend more than just a few hours away, sometimes I miss it incredibly and can’t wait to get back. But lately I’ve enjoyed being out in the “real world” even more and say to myself I need to do more things out of the house.
However, there is an 8 day trip to the East coast coming up, and I’m seriously thinking of purchasing a lap top, b/c I don’t think I’ll survive by using the hotel lobby’s computer (if there even is one) for checking on email and my blog! Doubt I’ll take the plunge, but this is the first time I’ve seriously contemplated getting one. After all, we are blogoholics!
Linda Abbit’s last blog post..Inspiring Quotes for Caregivers — 9/24/08
MomGrind responds:
Posted: September 26th, 2008 at 9:23 am →
@ Linda: 8 days unplugged is a lot… whatever you decide, good luck! I hope it ends up being a positive experience.
Robin responds:
Posted: September 30th, 2008 at 12:00 am →
Nope – no tips.
The place looks gorgeous – maybe a little like central Victoria where my mother lives, with its wineries and orchards.
Robin’s last blog post..Ice And Global Warming
MomGrind responds:
Posted: October 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 pm →
@ Robin: It IS a beautiful place.