A Saturday morning brought us to the coastal community of Leucadia in the city of Encinitas (CA) to watch our little line defender, Madeline, play soccer. A regular game becomes a great event for grandparents like us. Misty with a little drizzle could not stop her from playing. Tiny as she looks, she outruns most players and can kick the ball hard.
As excited as we were, was the Mom of course.
Now ready for breakfast but stopped by this quaint shack for grandma's blog.
I would not exchange this wonderful breakfast for sleeping in Saturday mornings. It is so refreshing and relaxing to have breakfast in a small hometown cafe....
...with banana and whip-cream-topped pancakes (my favorite)...definitely better than
homemade!
...and uncle and niece in constant competition for love and attention. That's Nathan, our 11 year-old, not really enjoying breakfast, and Madeline, our granddaughter, in a mouth-filled grin, seemingly knowing that she is the star of this lovely morning.
Leucadia...a cozy and homey surf community, the streets lined with small beach shops...
...aqua-painted walls covered by bougainvillas...
and towering eucalytpus trees...what a breath of fresh ocean breeze!
It was such a pleasure to see the growth of the wineries in our local city of Temecula. We have been so drawn to our jobs and routine, we almost forgot to stop and smell the roses. Ten minute drive from our house brought us to our favorite winery, Wilson Creek Winery, famous for its Almond Champagne that our guests love to take home. We were surprised to see so many changes...
The tuscan-style building now stands before us and houses the Champagne Ballroom and wine-tasting room, surrounded by simple and yet elegant gardens.
...surrounded and inspired by vast vineyards..
...a really nice time of the year to visit when flowers are in bloom..
...and the gazebo all dressed-up with hanging flowers...
...you can almost feel it's time for a wedding...
...grass-filled gardens shaded by tall trees- perfect for a picnic or to enjoy a beautiful afternoon...
