Saturday afternoon BBQ

I was invited to a friend of Alister's place up the road for a BBQ. The house backs onto a private lake.

His grandparents were the first to build a house there and it's been on the market for 2 1/2 million for about a year now.

They had a very happy pig in the garden.



Here's a photo of their backyard as it goes down to the lake.



And a link to a movie from the same spot.

More Food.

Here's a link to the fruit I've been enjoying.

And some more fruit at Wholefoods supermarket.





The aisle for bulk things like lentils, beans, muesli and rice.




The machines for making freshly ground peanut butter. From the left, almonds, honey coated peanuts and plain peanuts.


And a couple of weird things to finish with.

They take the 4th July celebrations very seriously.


Obviously the Chinese have a reputation ...

Oh dear ...

I just saw the paramedics fly past and stop at the Happy Donuts shop just up the road.

I'm hoping it was and emergency donut run rather than an ex customer ...

Robert Mondavi.

On Sunday, we went to a winery in the Napa Valley called Robert Mondavi. He was one of the first in the area to really get into the tourist winery business.

The building was styled on a Spanish them and was quite stunning. The artwork (polar bear) was by an artist named Benny Bufano.


He had a nice backyard.




An interesting bathroom....


And some cool doors.


This was a 16th century Spanish wine press.


We went on a tour to learn about the winery, sample some wines and try them with various cheeses. These were the other Americans on our tour, with the tour guide on the right and of course, Louise on the left.


Their more modern hydraulic wine press.


The underground wine cellar.


Which was kept at 90% humidity, hence the water mist being sprayed.


And finally, tasting the cheese and wine.


It's alright, don't adjust your computer... Americans can't take sharp photos...

Some random photos of San Fran.

The inside of the San Francisco Centre on the corner of 5th and Market.



People and boats at Sausalito.


There are a lot of these stencils on the backs of cars in SF, indicating the family group complete with pets.


We went to Muir beach, very briefly, as Muir woods was absolutely full with people parking over a mile away and walking just to get to the entrance to then walk around the woods.


It was a very ugly beach with dark, course sand, fat Americans and a very cold wind.

Food !!

Hmmm....

Very stuffed backpack.



What could be inside ?!?



Surprise !!?!

And the result ?? No more microwaving water in a mug for coffe in the morning and delicious smoothies at night.



Yum !!!

(Blueberries and bananas for those keeping count at home ...)

Video

Quick video of the apartment, similar to the photos with a bit more furniture.