a steal at the outlets, and a great meal in Mustard country

this is for feb. 20th.

Did my regular jazzercize in the morning. The group is feeling much more comfortable, i don't feel like the new kid anymore.

Came home and relaxed, then went out to Napa to meet my neighbor's sister and her husband, Gloria and Mike, who now live in Fairfield. The drive out was beautiful, i tried to take a picture at a red light, so it may not great, but i will include one of Mike's, who had taken a few. It's the mustard season in Napa, so you see yellow field after yellow field of mustard plants, with the rolling hills in the background. (oh! Rufus Wainwright is singing "Over the Rainbow" on my Ipod as i write this!)

i stopped at the outlets in Napa, and cleaned up. Listen up, Sally, if you're reading this--get to the Dana Buchman store in Michigan City, 80% off !

then, met Gloria and Mike at Ad Hoc, a Thomas Keller restaurant in Yountville. It's a new concept, all sustainable food, one prix fixe ($46) and you get whatever they are serving that night, served family style. We had: course one---garlic soup

course two--hanger steak, grilled swiss chard, potato

pancakes

course three---dry, aged cheddar cheese with huckleberry

jam and a raisin scone

course four--warm chocolate brownie.

i came home late, again grateful for the GPS, as it was very dark. Glad to see Ella, whom i am getting very found of.

During the day, i had emailed some realtors, and got names of people wanting to sub-let at Oakmont, the adult community we saw in Santa Rosa. i called a few, and have a date to see one of the homes for next year.

i really love it out here. i've been reading some articles in Oprah, Martha Beck's, and some other articles, about getting what you want, and feeling like you've found yourself in what you do. i am feeling that strongly. i miss Dan very much, miss my wonderful friends, but i feel happy, i feel like this was what i've needed to do for a long time.