Wisdom seems to be the answer......but what if you have no wisdom to give....??

I prayed this morning for wisdom.  I wish I could have the right words to help others when they are hurt or distressed.  This new year has started out with loved ones in difficult distressed situations.  I was put on this earth to help others.  I just do not know how I am supposed to do that.  In my quiet sheltered life there are loved ones experiencing major surgeries, accidents, suicides, unexpected deaths, and terminal illnesses.

My sister in Texas just had major surgery and I wanted to be there to help her when she started her healing process.  I was hurt when she told me that she would rather not have me there because she did not want me to see her hurt and upset.  I stepped away from the situation to respect her wishes.  I am not going to lie I was down that she did not feel comfortable enough to have her sister there to help her.  I have chosen to pray for her because I did not what else to do.

One of my good friend's son just had a snowboarding accident.  Her son is now faced with paralysis from the knees down on both legs.  My heart shutters with pain as I write this.  My husband and I went to the hospital to show our support for this precious boy and his family.  My friend is still in shock over her son.  I did not have the words to say to her to help her feel better.  In fact, I felt like I was a burden to her.  We spent a few hours at the hospital and listened to them talk about what happened in the critical hours after the accident happened.  Again, we want to be there for them.  I don't know if they will take us up on our offer.  What I do know is that I will not stop praying for this precious family and for their extraordinary son.

I don't want to be a downer because it is just not in my personality.  This year is supposed to be about recognizing and appreciating the blessings given to us every single day.  However, I am faced with these situations that are going on around me and all I want is WISDOM!!!!  I want the right words to lift these people up.  I want them to reach out to me, so I can help.

I believe in prayer.  I will not stop praying.  I know Jesus hears me and will not give up because prayer does work. 

Unchartered territory........for me!

A new year....2019!  Another anniversary....18 years for Bucky and I.  We decided that we wanted to focus on taking trips to areas that we have never been before in California.  Pretty soon these places will not be so easy to get to if we are in Tennessee.

On the first, we headed out to Sonoma, California.  We did not have any idea what to expect.  I just knew that I could not wait to explore and experience different wine vineyards.  Let this wine excursion begin!

The weather was extraordinary for January.  It was sunny and beautiful.  I could not stop smiling.  We arrived right on time for lunch.  So we decided to have lunch in Napa.  We were starving; I knew that practically anything would satisfy my empty belly.  We went to the first place we laid our eyes on which was Filippis Pizza Grotto, https://realcheesepizza.com/.  I personally thought it was yummy.  What can I say I was craving cheese.....

 

I give this place an 8 out of 10.  Today was there lucky day because I had not had cheese in awhile and I was starving.  Slam dunk....it hit the spot.

After lunch, tromping around town was fun.  There were lots of cool places to see.  The market was incredible.  It was filled with the locals products.  One of a kind and very unique. 

 This town was filled with lots of character and the ambiance was perfect for the emotions that were flowing through my body.  The Stone Brewery, https://www.stonebrewing.com/visit/outposts/napa, offered a bar scene that was interesting.  Bucky had a beer and I experienced a cold red wine.  Not bad, but not what I was expecting.  I love my red wine.

They did offer a yummy and flavorful meat and cheese platter.  I loved every bit of it.  I had caper berries which I had never had before.  When I bit into them, it was a nice burst of surprises on my tongue. 

Napa was an amazing town!  I feel that we made good use of the time we spent there.  We walked downtown for a little while.  I took lots of photos that I will not bore you with.  I am no photographer in anyway.  The night ended with this beautiful sunset.

On our second day of our trip, we visited two different wineries.  We went to Nicholson Ranch and Gloria Ferrer.  Both wineries had their own styles that I appreciated.  I was happy to say that we left each tour tipsy and happy.  Nicholson Ranch gave us a thorough tour of their site that included the history of the whole ranch.  The wines were tasty and the explanation behind each one we tasted was intricately described that I walked away informed and convinced that I understood every aspect of the wine.

 Nicholson Ranch is in a beautiful location.  The history was heart-warming and interesting.  I would definitely go back.  We bought a smooth, tasty Merlot.  Worth every penny.

At the Gloria Ferrer Winery, I liked that they paired each wine with food that complimented the many flavors of each wine.  I had lots of ah-ha moments as each wine went hand in hand with the food and spices that they were presented with.

We left the Gloria Ferrer tour with a sparkling wine that is to die for and a red wine that will pair well with a nice fillet mignon.  I am anxious to drink each bottle in the comfort of my own home.

I had such a fun time on trip to taste some of the area's finest wines.  We were blessed to be able to do this together.  We had lots of laughs and lots first time experiences together.  It was a happy anniversary for us.  We look forward to the next trip that the Lord blesses us with.  See ya for now!!