Travel day

We were up very early this morning to catch our flight - the up side is that we get a lot of daylight to enjoy California. Since we were traveling on frequent flier tickets, we upgraded to first class from Atlanta to San Francisco. The seats are bigger, you get a real meal with china and silverwear, and the attendants just seem to care more. Definitely worth doing on long flights.

After landing, we somehow managed to navigate the airport and picked up a rental car (note to anyone doing this after us: down to baggage claim, down to the parking garage. Across to another garage. Up an elevator. Up a winding ramp. Up an escalator. Then you ride a train to the rental car area. Seriously!) The skies were sunny and clear when we got there - very little fog so we had great views driving in. We drove to San Francisco to meet Kelly and Scott for lunch, managing to make NO left turns the entire time. If you think Boston is a nightmare to drive in, then never attempt San Fran. We ate at All You Knead, a quintessential food spot near the corner of Haight-Ashbury. The portions were huge and welcome after a long day of traveling and the time change messing with our food schedule. Kelly told us that plenty of people give their leftovers to people on the street after the box them up. Instead of Goodwill, most people go to local parks for clothing swaps - bring your stuff and pick out some at the same time. We got a good feel for San Francisco in the short time we were there. The Victorian row houses are gorgeous, the parks plentiful, and the streets are ridiculous. It's a city with a distinct style and feeling; one of the best reasons to travel.

Off to the wine country! After a quick trip across the Golden Gate bridge, we were soon enjoying rolling hills covered in vines. Glen Ellen is in the Valley of the Moon - north up from Sonoma and more residential and quiet. Tanglewood House is a beautiful suite with gardens surrounding the private entrance. There are hammocks, a gazebo surrounded by roses, and a patio table where we can have breakfast. Incredibly romantic and relaxing - just what we wanted! When we arrived, our host's grandchildren were enjoying the pool and their Mother's Day visit, so we had an opportunity to settle in and enjoy the wine and cheese set out for our arrival. We've spent a couple of glasses trying to figure out where to go for dinner...decisions, decisions. More tomorrow!

View from our room: