28.8.11

Vineyard Inn
Thanks Mom & Pam.. the B&B was so country french romantic..

28.8.11

Breakfast in Santa Rosa

Just a Biscuits & Gravy... sort of place

Headwaters of Sonoma Creek

Watched turkey vultures swarm our heads lurking for lunch.

Lunch at Angele ... yummy Salad d'ete of summer melons with heirloom cucumbers, serrano ham, taggiasca Olive Oil, fleur de Sel

Hiking to the top of the vineyard in style

Tour & Tasting at Quintessa

Every component of the wine making process has been given careful thought. They go beyond simple organic farming like not using pesticides or fertilizers but they strive to create an independent bio-system. They do not farm 100% of the land, cover crops, green manures, crop rotations and even use astrology when incorporating new elements like planting seeds.

The grapes are tossed through the grates into fermanting tank, using gravity to crush.

My kind of science room..

The map above shows the different sections of the vineyard based on topgrapgy and Bordeaux grape (either Cabernet or Merlot)... these variables combined with weather conditions, farming practices, and soil lend to "Terroir" of the grape, impacting the taste of the wine.

Only imported french oak is used in the aging process.

Wine Barrels are stored in caves because it is a cost effective way to keep the tempature cool

27.8.11

Every Beating Second, 2011
By Janet Echelman, an American artist the sculpture features three colored nets hanging under skylights in the ceiling, terrazzo design, colored lights, and computer controlled airflow.

Eerily fog laden Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco Manhole

Avatar's in Sausalito – the only Mexican and Indian fusion restaurant in the world, according to our server.

Pumpkin enchiladas The pumpkin filling was spicy and savory and came wrapped in tortillas, smothered in a Mexican-Indian hybrid enchilada sauce and a sprinkle of melted cheddar cheese and accompanied by some raita (yogurt sauce) and tamarind chutney..

Hiked the coast near Stinson Beach area; observed deer, fox, sea lions and star fish.

Steep Ravine Cabins

Russian River Brewery known for Sour Beer, which is fermented in Wine Barrels

26.8.11

C is for Charlie

Y is for Yellow Banana

W is for Water

26.8.11

Haute Living Window display was a part of Call to Action a intervention on bike safety.

Moving Design is a coalition of designers and artists, working with community partners, leading initiatives that inspire change through the power of design. We use creativity as a catalyst for change, moving our community to action. http://www.movingdesign.com/

Thank you, City of Chicago!

In July 2011, bicycles accounted for about 48 percent of the morning rush hour traffic on southbound Milwaukee at Kinzie—819 bicyclists vs. 892 motor vehicles.

Kinzie Street is Chicago's first official protected bike lane.

The protected lane features three main elements: a marked lane adjacent to the curb in each direction along Kinzie; a buffered area with flexible marker posts, and a parking lane for automobiles. Green paint and pavement markings depicting a bicycle help further define the lane.