Out and About in the neighborhood
Congratulations to everyone that made it through “Dry January.” I used to abstain from alcohol during the month of February since it’s the shortest month. I considered doing that again, but the half-bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in the ‘fridge couldn’t be wasted, and so…
So, what else happened last month? I’m glad I noticed the announcement from the library, of a lecture by local professional photographer John Comisky. His slide presentation for the several dozen in attendance, including Jan Conn and Mary and George Turnbull, was a trip down memory lane for me. He recounted in photos his trip from Barcelona to Athens, even though it was the opposite direction I took many moons ago.
The subject of the Yountville Commons turns up frequently, and many of us are more than curious about the final design, costs, availability, to pool or not to pool, etc. Therefore, it was helpful to meet at the home of Liz Moffitt with an interested group of citizens offering their opinions and questions for attendees such as Carrie Hays and Megan Mason.
January meant the start of a new semester of classes offered by the Parks and Recreation department, especially their Golden Ticket program for seniors, or as I like to describe this demographic, “those of us in the throes of advanced youth.” Wine Time is one such class, and as I was the host on Jan. 14, I hope the 24 imbibers enjoyed the three white wines from Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire) I purchased the wines at Costco, as did Michelle Oltman who hosted two weeks later. Her Wente Chardonnay from Monterey County, the Sicilian Nero d’Avola and the Spanish Rioja, were even better priced in the range of $13 to $16 per bottle, than my choices. Michelle purchased from the Vacaville store, however, so I’m not sure these wines will be available in Napa.
The Current Events class is also a popular offering, so it was no surprise to find familiar faces and some new ones, such as Walt and Barbara Gmelch, joining his brother George and sister-in-law Sharon Gmelch in weekly “solving the world’s problems.” You old-timers in town might remember the Gmelch’s homestead when it was a Yountville Chamber of Commerce member, known as the End of Money Road Bed and Breakfast.
Please indulge me as I mention a personal event, arthroscopic surgery on a torn meniscus, performed by Dr. Jay Parkin. I believe there are positive results, and I also want to give a shout out to the nurses and other staff at the Queen of the Valley hospital as I was well cared for amid some less than favorable comments on such social media sites as Nextdoor.
Did you attend Yountville’s version of a Crab Feed? Hundreds did and the result, besides being what some believe to be the best crab ever, was that the sponsoring organization Molly’s Angels did a great job resulting in $71,000 collected between ticket and auction sales. This allows this worthy group to continue the good work they provide valley seniors. There were so many generous bidders at the silent auction that the $300 bid by Liz Moffitt, hoping to win the cake intended to add to the celebration of Heidi Hansen’s birthday, was not high enough! Oh, well! Our group, including our ex -neighbor, Marc Pandone, were content with that classic, It’s It.
Speaking of dinner, “the girls of Friday night” ventured out on a Monday to enjoy Restaurant Month at Mustard’s Grill, where the food is so good, that even the over- abundant noise is tolerated. I hadn’t had dinner delivered since the stay-at-home pandemic, so it was a treat to order from Il Posto restaurant and just retrieve the bag at my front door and enjoy. I believe that local Arik Housley is responsible with his partners, for opening the trattoria.
One of the events I missed while recovering from surgery was the opening of The Contemporary World of Glass installation at Jessup Cellars. However, neighbors Pam Williams and Julie Worthington did attend, and Julie reported that the works are beautiful. She encourages everyone to stop by the tasting room and enjoy more than their delicious wines.
It was good news to learn that our favorite blesser (is that a word?) of animals, Carol Fink, is home again after a challenging time in health care. Likewise, local artist Diane Bartholomew is back home on Jefferson after recovering at UCSF. Send your good vibes their way for continuing good health.
Birthday salutations are in order for Betty Jake who turned 99 in December. For her birthday she flew her kids down to Arizona and they all stayed for a week at daughter Peggy’s house, walking, talking and playing games. Peggy rescues horses and she has 10 of them on her property. Being there reminds Betty of riding horses with her father when she was growing up in Wisconsin. Betty also plans to repeat the family trip this year for her 100th! January celebrants include Iren Jenny and Rob Stout. Cheers to everyone recently completing another trip around the sun.
Finally, are you aware that the Veteran’s Home has a bowling alley? Just ask Sharon Stensaas how much fun was had when a group from the flatland joined the Home bodies for an afternoon of bowling, even bringing pizza. Until next time, cheers!
Susan
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