Santa Rosa Farmers Market Features Food and Fun

Last Saturday my husband and I spent the whole morning walking around the Santa Rosa Farmers Market and talking to the vendors, tasting fruit, berries, listening to the music, watching people and enjoying fresh Gaga's coffee and Chef Henderson's pancakes for late, but delicious breakfast.

It doesn't get any better than this :)

 

 

Blossom by Blossom the Spring is Running Away

I am standing on the patio in my backyard, looking up on the radiance of early morning, and watching as the birds enjoy seeds from our new little bird feeder.   

May came too soon. I am not tired of Spring yet. I am not tired watching the incredible blue sky through spring flowers, wandering about their exquisite delicacy and simplicity at the same time.  

These days are too magnificent to miss, though perhaps I feel them more in the country.  Here are my pictures of the running away spring...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Santa Rosa Junior College Fashion Show "Spellbound"

The time is April 28th. The place is Santa Rosa Plaza, first floor. The Santa Rosa Junior College (Fashion Studies Program) presents the annual fashion show - Spellbound: Fairy Tale Fashion From Both Sides Of The Story.

The show was done with so much simplicity, charm and atmosphere of bright ideas and vivid colors, that I enjoyed it immensely. It seemed that I stepped into the sensuous vibrant walks of youth again :)

 

 

 

Sbragia Family Vineyards: Thank You Again!

I poured a few last drops of my favorite La Promessa Zinfandel into my glass, and immediately thought of visiting Sbragia Winery again. A little picnic on the winery's beautiful terrace on an April day seemed the exciting  and romantic thing to do. This, however, did not prove to be...

Cool spring days drifted into the past. It's suddenly summer and the wealth of hot sunshine is everywhere. The handsome noisy crowds of Passport to Dry Creek Valley event soak wines and fun in a kick-back state of mind :)  

But... Sbragia wine is better than ever. The content of my adorable picnic basket is delicious.  Life continues interesting if not purposeful. Thank you, Sbragia, again!

And did I mentioned that I've joined the Sbragia Club?

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Searching for sunshine and Kir Royale in San Francisco

I adapted myself to the country life style. I became conventional  country girl, happily wearing casual clothes, comfortable shoes and enjoying my beautiful garden. Not for a second do I regret being a country girl, yet... There are days when I am dreaming about civilization.  

When I feel like my life should have drowsed away somewhere in the city, I drive to San Francisco, park my car at the Sutter and Stockton garage, and go for a walk. On this particular day in April I walked up Mason street to my favorite Huntington Park, which is always full of friendly people and their running around the fountain dogs.

In search for sunshine I took the elevator to the 19th floor of the InterContinental  Mark Hopkins Hotel and ordered a glass of Kir Royale Champagne.  

In the first flush of feeling that the Kir Royale is good and the world is mine,  I took a few pictures of the city from the window :)

"The girl and the fig" for Sunday Brunch

Good wine and good food lately became my first philosophy, a lovely code to live by :)

Nestled in the historical center of Sonoma (in the Sonoma Hotel and just a block away from the Barracks with their famous copy of Bear Flag), "The girl and the fig" restaurant is a favorite of both locals and tourists. The restaurant is known for its passion for French food and a wine cellar full of local wines.

I chose the restaurant for our Easter Brunch almost accidentally, and I was not disappointed. The entire place projects welcome and country-easy comfort. Julie Higgins is a resident artist and her colorful paintings add extravagant beauty to the place, and even special flavor to the dishes.       

The brunch menu is impressive in its variety and a strong French accent :) I ordered and enjoyed soup and house-cured salmon, my husband decided on mussels, frites and eggs benedict. Everything was delicious.

Here are a few pictures of Sonoma from the day -