On Friday we decided to take in the local mountain, and made the strenuous drive to the visitor's centre at the top of Mt. Diablo. You should always take seniors to state parks with you, you get $1 off admission! We then trundled down the other side and met Hannah for lunch at Chevron, where they're currently replacing all the fixtures in the bathrooms with gold. Mum and Sheila were then allowed out in Walnut Creek on their own for the first time...and returned unscathed, with only a few purchases.
Saturday was wine tasting day. Not north as usual, but south to Livermore (where Hannah was helping at a Chevron science fair). We stopped off at Wente Vineyards - deeply disappointing - then made up for it at Charles R, and came away with a deliciously cheeky but bold Petite Syrah. In the town itself there was a full-on Halloween extravaganza. I haven't seen so many Disney princesses since the Family Theatre Festival.
On Sunday the scorching Walnut Creek weather persuaded us to go to the seaside. Unfortunately we fell foul of the Northern Californian curse: sea fog. Luckily a local park was on a ridge above it all, and as we picnicked we watched the low cloud roll back and we made it down to the sea shore before home. Via Sears, for a little more shopping.
Our visitors depart for three days in Vegas tomorrow. I'll be sitting quietly, attempting to recuperate from all this action. And I might do a little vacuuming too.
To see what we could see.
The summit, housed inside the gift shop, for your convenience.
Mum is impressed by the low-hanging fruit.
Hannah keeps it corporate at the Chevron science fair on Saturday.
Later, in Livermore, getting the party started.
Beginning with a flight of local whites.
I was not allowed to climb her hair.
Mother and son, together again.
Easy on the nose, with a strong finish and notes of caramel and buttered toast.
Light and fruity with a citrus tang and honey undertones.
But this is much more their style.
Sunday, and where has the sun gone? It decided to stay behind in the Creek.
But even the fog couldn't dissuade Mum and Sheila from pulling on their wetsuits and paddling out to catch some "gnarlatious bomboras". I have no idea what they were talking about.
Arbel wonders what manner of cold hell we have brought him to and why.
Ah, but this is better! Heading out for a picnic up on the ridge.
Thankfully the fog stayed on the beach.
Passers-by were very impressed with our setup.
Shauli loads up...
...and the men are tasked with heading back to the cars while the ladies enjoyed a walk.
The mist finally rolls back.
Down by the sea, now in sunshine.
A group promenade along the pier.
