A couple weeks ago, my eyes feasted upon nature's springtime gifts— vineyards upon rolling hills, cattle grazing, a Tuscan castle and a French chateau. I delighted in hearing the birds sing. Nature was at her best. Meanwhile, my palate rose to the challenge tasting the nuances and complexities of some 30 wines coaxed from dry-farmed grapes. Some were harvested as recently as 2019 and others, as far back as 2001. My favorite among the five wineries across four days was a 2003 Zinfandel from Battaglini in Santa Rosa.

I learned from my parents to work hard. Over the years, I also discovered that I need to take more time for FUN. 

Since COVID postponed my trip to Italy's Tuscany and Florence, I ventured to California's north country. 

I returned to work with a more measured, less urgent perspective. I will take another trip... somewhere. As communities loosen their COVID restrictions, ANYwhere!   ;-)