Back in Minneapolis - WOI

Back in Minneapolis to see the Wheels of Italy show near Lake Calhoun. A little disappointed by the turnout and the late arrival of many participants, but still surprised by the cars in Minneapolis. Take a look at the photos:
http://www.freedomsflame.com/WOI/

Got Dubs?

What do you say, really?

More San Fran...

Here are more great pics that Dana took this afternoon while I was cat-napping. We are headed downstairs for some wine & cheese and then maybe we'll hit the town and look for a place that has cannoli (which shouldn't be hard - we are staying in North Beach, the "Little Italy" of San Francisco)

Have a good evening!

~Sarah

So, this is San Francisco (why would Colleen leave?)

A shortcut through Sonoma...

The trip from Napa to San Francisco was pretty good, I really enjoy driving in this area of the country, just wish I were in a better prepared vehicle. No wonder everyone in California owns a Porsche. It's not the weather allowing them to drive year round, it's the roads taunting you to have more fun.
It was pretty easy getting into the city, not a lot of traffic, the only issue we had was choosing the wrong lane at the toll plaza at the Golden Gate bridge. The one thing I've learned about driving in San Francisco is that if you want to go over water, it's going to cost you $5.
We had an idea of the location of our hotel/inn, but never realized how great it would be. We are on the corner across the street from Washington Square Park. We are right below some tower and across the street from a church... I guess these landmarks are some big deal or something. ;)
Here's the view from our room (we got the best room in the Inn (once again, I love my wife).

The trip to return the rental car was rough, we had to go to the middle of the city and when we got there, they weren't taking returns and sent us another 4 blocks. We were lost and frustrated, we were almost as upset with each other as when we try painting together. We made it though and the extra four blocks added to our walk were excellent. We walked through Union Square to China Town and all the way back to our hotel through China Town. We stopped and shopped and haggled. Funny thing, Sarah will barter for anything, but was uncertain in Chinatown... She let me haggle with them and I was able to get about 20% off everything, but I felt defeated because I wanted 25%.
No idea about our plans tonight, but I'm sure we'll have fun.
Good Luck,
~Dana

Napa - What the hell is the difference between a Vineyard and a Winery?

So, here's more on Napa. We're not really wine drinkers... until some time at a tasting. Once you are able to sit with someone to help you learn about wines and understand the differences, you (I) can't really understand. Now that I've been to a tasting, or two ...or three, I have aquired a bit of a taste for the stuff.

Here are some pics of our favorite, V. Sattui;


Sattui Courtyard;

Some place hidden in the hills by the Hess Winery;

A photo for Chef John and Mike to appreciate;

For those of you who didn't recognize the last photo, here's the sign... gotta love the CIA;

Good Luck,
~Dana

Napa - no words, just photos

Welcome to Napa.

So, we made the trip from Monterey to Napa this morning... funny thing is how everyone thought is was such a huge drive, but it was really no problem. People had told us that it was anywhere from 3.5 to 4 hours, but I believe we made it in 2.5 hours. We did have a little break in the trip though, and as Colleen may be able to attest, there are a couple outlet malls along the way. The one stop we made was in Gilroy. Why stop at the outlet mall when we live footsteps away from the one in Albertville? Lets just say "Brooks Brothers". The Brooks Brothers outlet was a priority and boy, I'm glad we stopped. There is also an outlet mall here in Napa, which also has a Brooks Brothers store... I love this place!
Sarah planned this trip and made reservations at a Best Western, can you believe it? I was so disappointed when I heard we were staying at a Best Western. Now that we are here, I see why we are here. This Best Western has won some special award for being one of the best. I'll tell you, this is an incredible place. We are in a separate building across the courtyard from the main building, on the second floor looking down on the beautful fountains and garden. The room is huge, no really, it is big and best of all cable ready(nice to see my friend TV again!)
Good choice again Sarah. This has been the best trip I've ever been on.
I love my wife.