I’m never one to make big leaps in my life. Yes, about every ten years or so, the lady Beth Fontaine (Tw) and I seem to subconsciously start the process to evaluate our future in the context of our present. Yet, I can’t say that I have ever just done something on a leap of faith, staring at nothing but risk and hoped for reward, but that is the only way that I can explain our rather sudden move back home to Napa Valley. And so we’re both happy to say that now after a month+ into our new lives back in wine country, that we’ve made a fantastic decision:
Thank you Napa, for welcoming us with open arms, wine bottles, and tasty menus. 
While I still work the day job in South City, making for a crazy long commute, I already had one from the East Bay. My commute time was still the same length, so the Lady and I realized that if nothing bad changes and only the goodness of living exactly where we want to live will differ…what are we waiting for?? We leapt back to our wine country roots and a new era began in our lives .
My birthday with the fam, at Regusci Winery. #Napa
One thing that *could* be considered a bad thing depending on your internal level of cynicism, is that it is proving to be terribly hard to get anything done around here. 
The balmy and dry NorCal weather this year with its abundant sunshine means that all one wants to do upon waking up or getting home from work is to continue to explore our new surroundings as locals. Hence the lack of well-written #Vinopanion posts of late, heh. Between hitting up longtime favorites such as Regusci Winery or Chimney Rock Winery for some tastings or a picnic, sipping a glass of bubbly at Artesa or Mumm Napa, or noshing on tasty nibbles by Bistro Jeanty, French Bluel, FARM, Boonfly Cafe, Bene Gusto, or the Calistoga Inn, Restaurant, & Brewery; we have been loving it all, as much as possible.
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize; at night.
Further compounding my dearth in writing has been our vacation to the wonderfully lazy and beautiful Ambergris Caye in Belize. We enjoyed tons of tropical sun, laid back drinks and many new friends at Wayo’s and Wet Willy’s. One of the best parts of our stay (while my computer was sitting at home and my phone locked up in the room, per the Lady) was the FOOD. Outstanding local dishes and international fare with a Belizean twist were to be found every day and night at restos such as Casa Picasso, Caliente, and Bluewater Grill. I also fell in love with the local beer monopoly of Belikin Beer (it’s a shame that mass marketed beer here can’t be this good) and the AWESOME local hot sauce Marie Sharp’s. Totally fulfilling relaxation was had, conveniently just after our hectic move.
And so it is with happy holiday thoughts on my mind that I sign off for today, wishing all of you the warmest and happiest holiday times of your own. Cheers!
#SantaCon at work!
