Out and About in the neighborhood
There are those that call this time of year the “dog days of summer” referencing the hottest, most uncomfortable period of the summer season, typically lasting about 40 days.
While it might conjure images of panting dogs seeking relief from the heat, the phrase actually has a celestial origin. It stems from the ancient Roman and Greek belief that the bright star Sirius, also known as the “Dog Star” (as it’s part of the Canis Major or “Greater Dog” constellation), added to the sun’s heat during its heliacal rising (when it rises with the sun in the morning). The traditional period for the dog days of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, runs from July 3 to Aug. 11. So now you know.
Live music in Veterans Park is always a good time, but the appearance of the Traveling Wilburys Review was an especially fun crowd pleasure. Among the many locals enjoying the tunes and tacos were Rob Stout, Rita Simke, Christa Miller and Tom Parento.
July 30 featured the second annual Yountville Night Out with at least eight neighborhoods celebrating food, fun and friendship with visits by Cal Fire, Napa County Mounted Sheriff Posse, COAD, the Search and Rescue Team, Congressman Mike Thompson, Mayor Marjorie Mohler and other local swells. My “hood,” The Vintage, was among those celebrating, so it was a pleasure to see neighbors enjoying the snacks, pizza, sliders and liquid refreshment, while meeting Bob Baumann, Alison Baumann and drawing winner Nancy Calderon. Old friends Bob and Nancy Gates shared tales of a recent visit to France, and Julie Worthington commented on her family reunion in San Diego. If you know Julie, ask her about her search for the perfect beef and red wine pairing.
While we take for granted that Yountville is the perfect place to live, there are those that also enjoy an additional abode, so if you’re in the market for a second home, here’s a suggestion. Contact local real estate agent Thomas Henthorne whose listings include a Marin County waterside estate, 125 Belvedere Ave., listed for a mere $22 million. Casa dei Sogni (dream house) sold 10 years ago for $13 million, but now it includes a 51-foot yacht. Go to Zillow to check out the photos. Oh, and did I mention the “hillevator?”
Sharon Stensaas, founder of the Yountville Sun, shares that her neighbor, Jonathan Viader, age 13, participates in 4-H. For the past three years he has been raising lambs as his project. He invites locals to come to the Napa Town and Country Fair Livestock Auction at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 and consider purchasing one of his lambs.The money that he earns will go toward his college tuition. Here’s a quote from the letter Jonathan left in her mailbox:
“This year I am raising two wethers, Chubs and Stubs. Chubs is named Chubs because when we got him, he had thick wool on his face, and it looked like he had chubby cheeks. I named the other lamb Stubs because he was very stubborn for the first few weeks after we got him, but now he is my most calm and obedient sheep.” Not only are there wine and culinary genes in his DNA, but agrarian talents, also. I predict a bright future for young Jonathan.
For several years, Friday night has meant dinner with the girls. Now I can add BINGO. Our new favorite local hangout, The Coop, is adding Happy Hour(s) 4 to 6 p.m., replete with drinks, popcorn and BINGO. Janet Clair-Gotch was the initial winner last Friday, but young Camden “Gaga” Maguire, Josh and Jenna Grimstad, Claudia Rodman, Ted Jenny, and yours truly were able to shout out that special word. Gaga’s parents,
Julie and Mark “not the baseball player” Maguire, expressed their fondness for the joys of Yountville living, while Chad Gennow with his two daughters, Iris and Beatrix, enjoyed the ambience noting that his wife and their mother, Erin Gennow, was showing her watercolors at the 1870 pop-up.
Speaking of pop-ups, have you tried the one at the old La Calenda site where Thomas Keller is offering burgers, half-bottles and more until October? Pam Williams and Julie Worthington were able to nosh on burgers and Merlot at the “soft opening,” sharing their approval when we met walking home from a busy Friday evening.
Mark your calendars: On Friday, Sept. 5, at 7:30 p.m., Yountville Arts will show the movie, Bottle Shock, at Veterans Park. This free event will include a visit from Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena winery, whose Chardonnay won at the Judgement of Paris upon which the movie is based. Bo will be pouring tastes of his wine, as will representatives of Grgich Hills Winery and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.
Finally, August birthday greetings to all Leos and Virgos, including Steve Rogers, Marco Wright, Sangeeta Marwaha, Pam Zeidell, Brenna Wright and Suzanne Lescure.
Cheers,
Susan
[email protected]
Sponsored
Author
