Wineries in Ohio?

Silly me-- I never realized what a luxury it was to live so close to Napa Valley, a wine capital of the world, without a baby to care for. (Gosh, what did i DO with all my time?!?!?) So when my parents came again to watch Lisa's recital, they offered us a chance to take a whole day to ourselves, if we wanted to. We did want to, believe it or not.

We hopped into my car and drove out east to a winery nestled on the bank of the Ohio River, which touches Ohio and Kentucky. It was raining in that very specific way that doesn't happen on the West Coast. It felt more like a monsoon-- hot, heavy, drenching, and sudden rain. The sky must have changed color dramatically at least 3 times while we split our two bottles of wine!

We outlasted the tour buses, the locals, and the folks who ordered the sweet wines. We were in no hurry, and we simply sat and watched the rain, talking and drinking. 

Sometimes I catch myself wishing for things that I don't have, or a place that I am not living in. It's important for me to realize that a lot of these things that are unexpected, unfamiliar, and even difficult to enjoy can be looked at in a few ways. When something is different than what we expect, we can see it as pure disappointment, or inferior to what we thought we originally wanted. But it's a much better idea to see the Unexpected as an adventure. After all, isn't that what adventure is? An encounter with the unknown? The feeling of being totally surprised?

I've decided that any person with no imagination can enjoy a day of wine tasting in Napa. That's easy. But to enjoy a day in a homey winery on the giant and murky Ohio River? Friends, that is what I call "An Adventure."

We split a few bottles of the wine brewed here on site (which used to be a boxing ring at one point!) and had the accompanying food. The wine was, actually, not too bad! The food... well, that was a little more typical Southern Ohio fare. Probably fried. The memory has faded some, so I don't think it was spectacular.

Mostly, a chance to hang out with JUST Lisa, with nothing to do but enjoy each other put us both in a good mood. We really don't get that very often, so when we do, it feels like a dream. AND, the idea of hanging out without a baby, or homework, or chores, or errands? Oh yeah. That's what all you single/unattached people just take for granted. But lemme tell you-- oh ho ho. It's fantastic.

Lisa post-hair cut. Me pre-hair cut. It's like a waterfall of hair!!

Anticipating rain...

During the monsoon...

After the rain! Notice the deep murk. That's what you call a real river.