Lodi, California 7/17/2013

JULY 17, 2013 (Wednesday)

 

Got to get Don out today, other than to the doctor. He had a much better night, and so did Michael. Maureen had asked us to take her car into the shop while she was gone, so “the boys” picked me up at Tokay Tires and we went for a drive. We knew we would end up at Heritage Oak Winery, ( http://www.heritageoakwinery.com ) because we love going there, but we also knew we were early so we just took a leisurely drive around Lodi and Acampo. The grapes were still on the vines, ripening. There were also fruit and nut trees. It was a beautiful day for a drive.

The old Lodi Arch
The old Lodi Arch
Golden Bear with mission bells.
Golden Bear with mission bells.
The new Lodi Arch, gateway to old town Lodi and the resturant where we ate tonight.
The new Lodi Arch, gateway to old town Lodi and the restaurant where we ate tonight.
This is the majority of California landscape these days.
This is the majority of California landscape these days.
Grapes today, wine tomorrow
Grapes today, wine tomorrow
Wine grapes in progress.
Wine grapes in progress.
Pretty flowers everywhere.
Pretty flowers everywhere.

When we did get to Heritage Oak Vineyard/Winery, the boys went into the tasting room while I hung outside for a few minutes taking pictures. Tom and Carmela have such a beautiful yard and many bird feeders. One bird feeder in particular was just loaded with little yellow birds just a bit larger than a hummingbird. What fun.

Sign outside Heritage Oak Winery, our new favorite winery.
Sign outside Heritage Oak Winery, our new favorite winery.
The farmers/vintners are good at growing everything.  They just know what they are doing.
The farmers/vintners are good at growing everything. They just know what they are doing.
The Heritage Oak
The Heritage Oak
Humming Bird feeder at Heritage Oak.
Humming Bird feeder at Heritage Oak.

 

Finches eating at Heritage Oak Winery
Finches eating at Heritage Oak Winery
Heritage Oak owners, Tom and Carmela Hoffman, are proud of their ancestry and their ties to a piece of land that has been in Tom's family for five generations.  This pride is seen in the quality of the grapes that are harvested from their vineyards each fall and the rich, smooth textured wines that are made from them.
Heritage Oak owners, Tom and Carmela Hoffman, are proud of their ancestry and their ties to a piece of land that has been in Tom’s family for five generations. This pride is seen in the quality of the grapes that are harvested from their vineyards each fall and the rich, smooth textured wines that are made from them.

 

Winery dog, by winery doors
Winery dog, by winery doors

 

Cute sign at the Heritage Oak Winery.
Cute sign at the Heritage Oak Winery.

Once inside the tasting room, we got to taste a couple of wines, but we basically knew what we wanted before we got there. Don got to taste a few types and ordered his wines, but we just wanted a couple of bottles for some friends. Michael and I have pretty much given up drinking wine. It’s not good for his gout, and I get a headache and my rosacea acts up so….there ya go. We will still imbibe occasionally, but not often. Not worth it.

Palm trees line many of the roads through the vineyards.
Palm trees line many of the roads through the vineyards.
Lodi Lake, a picture for our kids that had a great goose adventure here many years ago.
Lodi Lake, a picture for our kids that had a great goose adventure here many years ago.
IMG_3348
Lodi Water Tower

We left the winery and I was dropped back off at Tokay Tire to wait on Maureen’s car. Don decided he wants to take us out to dinner tonight, and he feels up to another adventure out, so we’re going out. We’ve been on line and it sounds good, so looking forward to it. Will let you know after dinner.

So full. Dinner was sooooo good. Michael and I haven’t eaten that much Vietnamese food in our lives. This place was really mellow and nice. Michael had a curry dish and I chose a lemongrass chicken. Don had a shrimp and meat dish. They all were beautifully presented, smelled good, and were wonderful.  Ate way too much tho, and still have enough for all our lunches tomorrow. I would definitely recommend Saigon Grill ( https://www.facebook.com/SaigonGrillLodi ) in Lodi for Vietnamese food. 

Saigon Grill, Lodi, Ca
Saigon Grill, Lodi, Ca
About a six foot flower vase.
About a six foot flower vase.
Lucky Buddha Beer Bottle, a very smooth beer.
Lucky Buddha Beer Bottle, a very smooth beer.
Edie's sharp eye spotted this fun wine rack.
Edie’s sharp eye spotted this fun wine rack.
Thai Tea.  Edie refused to drink beer, agrees with Bob Hope, "You can put that back in the horse it came out of."
Thai Tea. Edie refused to drink beer, agrees with Bob Hope, “You can put that back in the horse it came out of.”
Crispy Spring Rolls, so good.  came with a sweet vinegar sauce.
Crispy Spring Rolls, so good. came with a sweet vinegar sauce.

 

Fried Tofu with peanut dipping sauce.
Fried Tofu with peanut dipping sauce.

 

Sauteed Garlic Shrimp, Chicken and Beef with fried Rice.
Sauteed Garlic Shrimp, Chicken and Beef with fried Rice.

 

Charbroiled Chicken with Fried Rice, really good.
Charbroiled Chicken with Fried Rice, really good.

 

Curry Chicken with fried Rice, it had a little bit, but was very good.
Curry Chicken with fried Rice, it had a little bite, but was very good.

Day is almost done. I’m stuffed and ready to waddle off to watch TV. Hope your day was wonderful!