Romantic Getaway

It used to be that Billy and I would go to Solvang and spend a weekend every year for our anniversary in September. The last few years we had to pass on that. Although, we would go up for a day or cruise into town from camping at Cachuma, we weren't able to actually stay. We were long past due and it was time.

We have never come up at this time of year (late December) and we found that we really liked it. It was cold and crisp, just the way we like it. The landscape was different. Vines were barren, fields were brown and, yet, everything was still just as beautiful. Wine tasting toasted us up and we welcomed it.

After a nice filling breakfast in Summerland, we headed to our first winery, Rideau Vineyard.

A Scenic Window

Corks

Starting off the day with a Little Red

A couple of cool doors at Firestone Winery.

Iron Work

A Secret Entrance

Koehler Winery

A Very Interesting Counter Top

Not Your Typical Fence

The drives from winery to winery gave some wonderful photo opportunities.

Painted Landscape

Along the Road

Enjoying the Countryside

Rows

Majestic Oak

We were able to go into the barrel room at Rusack. Always a treat!

Wine Barrel

Barrel Room

A few good dead leaves are still a thing of beauty.

Fiery Leaves

Crispy Leaf at Kalyra

Still Beautiful

Time for a nap and then off to dinner.

And Some More Wine.

Each night after dinner we went for a stroll. Can you tell it was a little cold?

A Wintry Leaf

And in the morning I would go for a walk.

Before Sunrise

Solvang Lasso's the Moon

I ran into a couple of friends along the way.

Curious Fellow

A Deer Friend

The River was Dry

Fence Post

Almost Looks Like Under Sea Coral

A Crisp Morning

Then it was time to come home. We had a fabulous getaway and will definitely come back to stay this time of year again.

International Flavor

Every year on this weekend we visit our friends house in Downey. On our way home we pass through downtown Los Angeles. After days of over-eating, we decided that we needed to stop and get taquitos from Olvera Street and a duck from China Town. Usually, we just grab the food real quick and get back on the road. This time, we parked and cruised.

We set out on our mini adventure, camera in hand, and took to the streets. We went into an indoor "swapmeet" of sorts that we never knew existed. As we walked past booths full of cute shoes, purses, sweaters and all sorts of other things, I thought, next time I'm going to make a list.

I was trying to capture the essence of the Asian culture as we strolled down the streets and through the marketplace.

Mom and Pop Shops

Asian Skyline

Somehow, I can't seem to not also capture a little goofiness walking with Billy.

Keep Your Hands Off the Merchandise!!

Enter the Marketplace...

Traditional Garb

Bucket O' Bracelets

We were keeping our eyes open for seat covers.

Nope, not the right ones

I don't eat duck, but I find them interesting to photograph. They hang whole, faces and all.

He's Smiling at Me!

Hangin' Out

This man was moving things around so I could get clear pictures.

So Cute!

He even posed these guys for me.

Pair of Fowl

Super Market

Enter the dragon...

Thank you, Come Again!

This will end our Asian tour for today.