Who knew such pretty places were only 2 hours away?!

[simplyn2deep]

Yesterday a family friend retired* from the US Navy after 30 years of active service. His retirement party/ceremony was held at Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard in Temecula.

*His official retirement date is October 1, 2013 so between now and then he's on an 80 day "vacation"

I didn't take many pictures because I didn't want to run my cell phone battery down, but now I'm wishing I would have taken more of the Winery itself as the location was very beautiful.

Here are some of the pics I did take on our way there and while we were there.

My mom and I on our way to the winery


my sister driving


my dad








the cake (I didn't get a taste of this when it got cut later)


my first glass of champagne. Before I sat down, this was put in my hands! Like...okay. thanks! LOL Also, I thought this was Moscato, but when the bottle was placed on the table (I forgot to get a picture), it's the winery's Almond Champagne. it's really good too


James in his Dress Whites


James setting up his speech


James and his wife (holy crap, I can't remember her name...to be honest, I don't think I ever knew it other than in hearing it in passing)


James listening to what the MC was saying about him


LUNCH! grilled chicken, grilled potatoes, salad, grilled carrots and zucchini and a roll


2nd glass of champagne. I thought we'd have more of an option, but for it being "free" for the guests, I wasn't going to complain. I wish I would have looked at the other selections they had and bought a bottle.


DESSERT! cheesecake and double chocolate cake


lion made of corkscrews


Leaning Tower of Piza made of corkscrews


Wine bottle made of corkscrews pouring wine into a glass made of corkscrews. the "wine" was purple painted rebar lol


The outside of the VIP part of the winery


Being at the party gave me ideas for the 2nd part of (what was supposed to be) a quick H50 ficlet I started earlier. I hope to have it finished by Sunday night so that I can post it.

Comments

[rocsfan.livejournal.com]

Looks like such a fun time! I hope you enjoyed that champagne! I really like it, myself.

Wineries always seem to be so beautiful, and how fun that you discovered something new near you. Southern California can be so beautiful. I didn't realize there were wineries that far south! I figured they were all up near San Francisco.

[simplyn2deep.livejournal.com]

There were a good 10 wineries that we passed to get to the one we needed...and probably several more after the one we were at. You're right. I thought for California, they were all in Napa. Good to know I don't have to drive 6-7 hours away for that!

[alba17.livejournal.com]

What a lovely celebration.

[simplyn2deep.livejournal.com]

It really was. I almost wish he would have gone with the official retirement ceremony. Everyone dressed up and more of his Navy buddies.

I totally have a men in uniform kink.