Sal Is Treated To a Day at Hermes Vineyards

One of the rewards of raising kids is basking in any praise they may receive.  I was able to do this -- and to enjoy a lovely day out -- because my son Christopher is a tutor extraordinaire and an all-around good guy.  He recently helped Mary --  the daughter of our friend Avril -- study for a big exam.  As a result, Avril and Peet, her fiance, treated Christopher, Sal, and I to an afternoon at the Hermes Winery near Sandusky. Why did Sal and I get to go?  Because Avril and Peet are all-around good people, too!

A sunny September Saturday at Hermes Vineyards -- the site of some of Avril and Peet's first dates.  Wine and romance!  What could be better?

The gentleman who poured the wine was happy to pose with Sal.  We were happy to drink the wine!

We spent a couple of hours sharing delicious wine and conversation at this tree-shaded picnic table.  Heavenly...

Sal enjoyed hanging out on a pergola of grape vines. As you can see from the sunspots, it was a beautiful sunny day.

Sal enjoying the beams of the sun while resting on one of the beams of the pergola.

Sal had to get her photo taken on this picturesque old bike.

I don't know why, but I thought it was amusing to have a sign advertising live music in an empty field.  Actually, it would be a wonderful spot to spread a quilt on the ground and listen to music on a warm summer evening.

We spent a couple of stress-reducing hours at the winery, and then went to dinner.  I was so relaxed that I didn't think of taking Sal into the restaurant to get her picture there.  Suffice it to say, the food was delicious and the company was great. Thanks a million to Avril and Peet for treating us to such a beautiful day!  ...and to Christopher for inspiring their generosity! 

Sal Meets the Steel City Ukes at a Very Cool Workshop

Sal and I have been following the Steel City Ukuleles on Meetup for a long time, and have been quite tempted by some of the workshops they offer.  Unfortunately, I work every other Saturday, and it seems that the workshops are always scheduled for days I'm slated to appear at the salt mine.  Also, even though driving to Pittsburgh and back in a day is doable, I always get lost when I go there.  This makes me a bit Pittsburgh-phobic.

The workshop that was being held on August 22nd, however, was irresistible. As members of  The Cleveland Fleaharmonics, Sal and I were very interested in the subject -- arranging and performing as a group.  Also, I had heard great things about the instructors:  Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel.  And there was the chance to spend some time with other ukulele lovers, which is always a good thing.  I was able to trade Saturdays with a coworker so that I could go. Sal and I hitched a ride with Tabitha -- a fellow Fleaharmonic -- and we had a swell day.

Before the workshop, we made an expensive stop at Ikea.  (My rule = if you are in a town with an Ikea, you must go there!)  Then it was off to spend some quality uke time with the Steel City folks!  (We didn't get lost, but there was a terrible traffic jam on the freeway, which made us a bit late.  Fortunately -- or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it -- others had been stuck in traffic too, so the beginning of the workshop was delayed a bit.)

Sarah Maisel, Jack with Sal, and a bunch of other friendly Steel City Ukes members.  What a welcoming bunch!

Sal enjoyed being played by Sunny Park.

Sarah Maisel and Craig Chee with Sal. 

The workshop was wonderful!  Tabitha, Sal, and I all had a great time, and hope to return to Pittsburgh soon! (Too bad the next workshop is being held on a day I have to work!  ARGH!)

Sal Goes to the Park With Sophia

Sal and I spent a September weekend visiting Sophia and her Mommy and Daddy.  We took our friend Bruce along, too.  We hung out at Sophia's house, went on a couple of hikes, and had a tasty breakfast together at the restaurant at the Shawnee State Park Lodge.  (They make great omelets, and Sophia really enjoys the fruit and cheese plate.)

We also spent some time playing and singing Old McDonald Had a Farm and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star as Sophia danced.  She loves music, which makes this grandmother very happy!  The funny thing was that whenever Bruce would pick up the ukulele and begin to play, Sophia would take the instrument away from him and give it to me.  We had quite a few laughs about this. 

Shortly before getting on the road for home, we spread a quilt on the grass by a pretty lake and stream, and had a Sal photo session.

Sophia bringing Sal to me -- hoping for a tune. 

Sophia and Sal making music together.

Sophia watching Bruce play Sal.

Uh-oh!  Here comes Sophia to take Sal away from Bruce....

...and bring her to me!   :)

Soon it was time to hit the road.  It's always sad to say good-bye to some of our favorite people, but I'm hoping it won't be long before we meet again...