A Visit to French General

When my husband and I were in Los Angeles in January,

we stopped at French General!

It was during the Road to California Quilt Show, which I didn't have the time to attend, 

so I was so grateful that the shop was open. 

As soon as you walk in the door, you feel like you are entering another beautiful, peaceful world.

So many treasures in every nook and cranny!

I loved this antique blue cabinet full of threads and would love to have it live with me!

Of course there are stunning quilts everywhere!

I could have admired this cabinet for hours!

The antique millenary flowers

and ribbons -  Oh My!

You have to look up as well, so that you don't miss a thing!

You know that I didn't come home empty handed...

I bought the pretty heart in hand charm and the amazing milagro filled heart, 

both brought back by Kaari from her travels to Mexico.

And thread winders and an antique button and glass bead bracelet.

And you can't leave French General without some French General fabric ;)

I hope that I will get a chance to visit again someday...

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul 

and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

~Matthew 22:37-39

Blessings, Patti

Views from Pebble Beach

Our final stop on our California trip was Pebble Beach.

While sitting in the lobby, I saw my husband on the nearest green and had to take pictures. 

The caddy told him after his shot that someone was taking pictures of him. 

He said, "Oh that's my wife, she's always taking pictures" :)

Each evening, a bag piper closed the course.

We could hear the lovely music in our room.

This is the Lodge at Pebble Beach

and the iconic 18th green.

I took pictures of him there too ;)

This friend kept me company while I waited for him to come in.

While he golfed, I went on many long hikes to enjoy the scenery.

The vegetation here is so different than the Midwest.

I really enjoyed taking the time to take it all in

so lovely

I loved the boardwalks that preserved the seascapes

and the art left behind by others

and the sound of the crashing waves as I walked

so peaceful

a new view at every bend

I made a few friends

along the way

that kept me company as I walked

can you see the sea lion at the peak of the rock?

and others playing in the ocean?

a few hermit crabs brought in with the tides

this tree has seen better days, but it is still beautiful.

the iconic lone cypress is still barely holding on,

but is amazing that it does from its precarious perch

I also met these new friends along the way

The community brings in goats for vegetation management

A much cuter and I would imagine more economical and environmentally friendly method than mowing.

Every day or two, they were moved to a new location and I would go hunt for my friends ;)

It was a lovely trip,

but I was oh so happy to see this sight from the plane

Sweet Home Chicago!

Thank you so much for letting me share my trip.

I promise that I will share some stitching in my next post...

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

~Romans 15:4

Blessings, Patti

Views from Sonoma / Napa

After San Francisco, our group moved on to Sonoma.

None of us had been there before.

The house we rented had lovely views of the vineyards.

such a relaxing location!

I loved this entrance to the deck, fireplace and pool.

A perfect place for an outside dinner

although the inside was lovely as well.

of course we visited the local wineries - Wilson was our first stop. 

By chance we came across this historic general store

I was smitten!

and loved everything about it

those windows!

just leave me here for the afternoon ;)

I almost forgot, the sandwiches here were great too :)

On to A. Rafanelli Winery

the beautiful views reminded me of Italy

it was a beautiful afternoon 

and we soaked it in the best that we could.

We also went to Francis Ford Coppola - the movie props from his classic movies added to the fun.

it was fun to learn about the old vines

and see all the grapes

we took a tour outside and inside

did you know that vineyards plant roses at the ends of the rows of grapes? 

They act as canaries in the mines - letting them know of issues before they affect the vines.

we walked around this historic building one morning 

and the gardens were absolutely amazing!

we saw so many hummingbirds, but I never got a  good picture.

One of my favorite wineries was Del Dotto

somewhat unassuming from the outside, but...

inside it was amazing!

so many beautiful details!

we went on a cave tour and barrel tasting.

I had no idea that the caves would be lit by stunning chandeliers!

The lighting was very soft, but I was trying to catch the details for the photos.

After Del Dotto we had one more stop before leaving the area.

Peju winery

I sure learned a lot about wine on this trip!

We had one more California stop before heading home...

Be glad, people of Zion,

    rejoice in the Lord your God,

for he has given you the autumn rains

    because he is faithful.

He sends you abundant showers,

    both autumn and spring rains, as before.

~Joel 2:23

Blessings, Patti