Livin' the Good Life
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It was like any other typical morning. First, an early morning walk through the vineyards with our Golden Retriever, Truman. Then a cup of coffee, a few minutes of news on the tube, and a quick shower before heading out the door for my ridiculously short 8 mile drive to the winery. NPR on the radio and still a bit bleary eyed, I was traveling down Dry Creek Road when I was literally forced to pull over. The beauty and majesty was breathtaking. It was relatively early and the morning fog clung to the valley floor like a hand reaching down from the heavens. A flock of birds circled over the evergreen vineyards, the sunlight dancing across the top of the vines. The sky above was the most amazing shade of blue and the air was cool and crisp. From the side of the road, I took a few deep inhales of the pollutant free air and I thought to myself, I live in the most beautiful place on earth! |
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It's funny how one can go through life's motions, practically oblivious to the surroundings. Then, in an instant, you are awestruck by God's creation and Mother Nature's brilliance. Those of us that live and work in the Dry Creek Valley, I'm sure, have had similar experiences. On this morning, I was reminded of how very fortunate I am to call the Dry Creek Valley, one of the most beautiful places on earth, my home. |
| Bill Smart, Director of Communications |
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JimCaudill
August 4, 2010 11:45 AM
Magnificent photo
Chef William Bloxsom-Carter @ChefWmCarter said:
August 5, 2010 4:26 PM
Bill,
Fantastic frame of mind! Thanks for sharing the beauty of the county. Cheers, William
CHUCK JOHNSON
August 6, 2010 8:36 AM
Great observation & experience Bill. I love visiting wine country!
JohnLopresti
August 6, 2010 11:23 AM
I had a commute for a few months out Drycreek Valley a while ago, often on a morning as cool as your article describes. There is a slight slope to the alluvial plain which is the floor of the valley. Often the drive up the benchlands amid the tall grapevines now inhabiting the area in near monoculture seemed to create a question in my mind: ?what might this place have looked like before it was set to the service of modern agriculture.
Then I would arrive at the worksite, and as the chores of processing fruit began, the reasons and explanations quickly faded. It was time to attend to labor and forget long distance questions about our place in the matrix of a modern viticultural region.
Bill Smart said:
August 9, 2010 11:57 AM
Thanks all for your comments. It's certainly a blessing to live and work here. I couldn't imagine doing anything else!
Amy B. @ Foodista said:
August 29, 2010 2:02 AM
LOVE the photo! Good job, and good for you :-)