Mini-Vacation

My husband and I cruised down the West Coast a week ago aboard Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam - yes, one of those 'dam' ships.  We boarded in Vancouver and sailed under the Lions Gate Bridge.

The sunset on our first night was spectacular.

One of our favourite things to do on the ship was attend the America's Test Kitchen demonstrations. They convert one of the music venues to an entire kitchen, complete with induction cooktop, wall ovens, working sink and all the equipment Cassandra needed to demonstrate the tested recipes. She was an amazing presenter and we both learned a lot. (We were already 'ATK' super fans!)

There were a total of 5 sessions on our cruise and we attended them all - learned all about olive oil, several ways to cook salmon, the BEST drop biscuits ever and more!

Poached Pacific Salmon with Herb & Caper Vinaigrette

The only stop on our cruise was San Francisco - what a great choice!  We spent part of our honeymoon there almost 45 years ago. We sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning. Our stateroom was on the correct side for this picture from our veranda.

Since we have visited the city several times we chose to take a winery tour to Sonoma. We visited 2 wineries including Jacuzzi Family Vinyards. Yes, the vinyard was started by a descendant

of the inventor of the 'jacuzzi'. It was a beautiful place. Oh yes, the wine was good too!

These are huge geraniums 'espaliered' onto wire trellises along the central courtyard.

The wine tasting building.

We had lunch in Sonoma where we spotted this van......

and I even had time for some 'power shopping'!

We sailed away from San Francisco under the Golden Gate on our way to San Diego.

We left this ship on the 5th morning and took a bus tour to La Jolla, Balboa Park and Old Towne.

Balboa Park - beautiful buildings, amazing gardens.

We flew home that evening and are back in 'full swing' after a great trip.  What's happening here?

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS! Stay tuned for that story, coming soon.