We just got back from touring the most amazing Christmas lights.  We went to two houses in two cities and while both displays were overwhelming in their size and detail they were also completely different.  We started out in Novato and then checked out a house in Rohnert Park.  Both o

Water tower marking Martin Ray Winery, Sonoma County Martin Ray Winery is a small winery in the Russian River Valley.  When you see the water tower carrying their name  you know you’ve arrived.  A small garden and fountain lead into a cozy tasting room – the whole thing is delightfull

We had visitors this weekend and they wanted to see the (rightfully) famous Napa Valley.  So, rather than wine tasting at more local places like we usually do, we headed out to tour our neighboring county’s wine offerings.  Lots of visitors eager for some wine tasting in Nap

Beautiful Duckhorn Vineyard, Napa Valley, California This past weekend we headed out to explore some of the Napa Valley wineries.  We stopped in at Duckhorn Vineyards and were lucky they could squeeze us in even though we hadn’t reserved.  Tastings were $15 ($25 for the rese

Unassuming interior of Pho Vietnam, Santa Rosa, California Quite honestly, when we first saw the restaurant we weren’t too hopeful.  Pho Vietnam is tucked into a corner in a strip mall.  It has a very unassuming exterior and the inside, with its vinyl booths and help-y

Thai Issan, delicious Thai food in downtown Petaluma, California We recently enjoyed lunch at Thai Issan.  The restaurant is decorated with Thai items (including some mirrors which were for sale).  There is a large, relaxing fountain at one end and soothing spa-type music pl

It’s only a few days before Christmas.  The malls are slammed, parking lots overflowing.  We kept being surprised at the line ups at all the stores.  We didn’t remember dealing with this in years past.  That’s when it hit us – we haven’t been home for Christmas in

Nicely decorated interior at Everest Restaurant. We recently had an enjoyable dinner at Everest Restaurant.  The restaurant is nicely decorated with a decorative paint treatment.  It’s located in the Golden Eagle Shopping Center, which makes parking easy.    W

The entrance to Fritz Winery.   There is nothing quite like the pairing of dark chocolate and a really good red wine.  To truly appreciate what a spectacular marriage these two can have, head over to Fritz Winery.  Built right into the side of a hill in Sonoma County

Outside one of the buildings in the Distillery District. The Distillery District is Victorian Industrial meets modern chic.  Right in the heart of downtown Toronto, this pedestrian-only zone makes for a great afternoon of strolling and shopping.  Wander along car-free cobble