A winter vineyard - nothing special in our county which is part of the wine country and has many many vineyards. They spread up slopes, cover hills and line the roads.
This particular vineyard is right by the side of the highway in Sonoma Valley with a very convenient lay-by. Over the past six months it has become a landmark on our road to Davis. In my mind it connects me to my daughter.
On my way to Davis when I want to pick up Kaefer for break or a weekend it's a most beautiful view. Even in the rain or on a gray day it appears sunny and colorful to me. I'm on my way to my favorite girl, knowing we will spend the next few days together. It's joyful anticipation. A few hours later when we return we are already deep in conversation, she has told me about her life in the dorm, her classes and her friends. Both of us always stop talking when we pass this vineyard, remembering the day in November when we first really saw it while it was glowing in the brilliant colors of fall.
But there are also the other days when we pass it - when Kaefer is returning to college, leaving home over and over again. While I always enjoy the drive with her sharing thoughts and laughter, my heart is heavy at the same time. Seeing the vineyard means saying goodbye to her in a couple hours and driving back home alone. Back to a home still full of love, but so very quiet.
When I pass the vineyard again later in the day, I actually enjoy my company, listening to music and singing along. The vineyard marks the beginning of the home stretch - 30 more minutes and I will be back where I belong, in the arms of the Geek. A home full of love.
22 comments:
So beautiful - a marker for moments in your life :D)
I love seeing these vineyards in winter. The shape of the grape plants (are they trees- I know they are vines but...hmmm?) are intriguing when bare of their leaves. And you have green grass. That is making me jealous since we have frozen solid snow still.
Gosh this brings back such memories of the drives to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where my daughter went to school. No breathtaking vineyards to pass by, just a lot of pine trees once you reach the U.P. But there are visual markers along the way and those same feelings; sadness, joy for them, watching them become who they are suppose to be.
Beautiful pictures.. back in November we visited winery in Livermore..
Driving a child to and from college can be so bittersweet- it's wonderful to see them grow and gain independence while wanting to hold tight. This is a beautiful way to mark your trips to and from!
I love seeing beautiful vineyards. We have several right here in NC. Have a great week ahead!
Vineyards are so interesting to me, how they are planted, the way the vines are maintained, and just the simple beauty of each one. What a lovely landmark for your journey with your daughter!
I love the connection between your traveling to and fro and the vineyard. The tree in the last image makes me think of how strong we as parents have to be as our children leave home and become adults! Beautiful scene and story!
I believe Karen's comment is right. What a bittersweet time with your daughter.
My favorite kind of California landscape...rolling oaklands. Of course this has been planted in grape vines. It is so beautiful. What a wonderful drive. Smashing photos!
Carola, what a beautiful post! I love the photos, the first one especially. The angle you captured creates such a beautiful repeating pattern of the vines and the wildflowers growing between them. It makes me think of a tufted quilt or comforter. The trees look like your family...you, your husband, and your precious daughter in between. I remember those college days so well, and those goodbyes after my daughter's holiday visits home. I could hold it together until she got onto the plane, but then the tears would flow every time.
I just love the vineyards in your area. Hubby and I try get there a few times each year. Regardless of the season, they are always beautiful. How blessed to have your daughter so close to home.
I love how this vineyard connects you to your daughter. Even when you take her back to college with a tinge of sadness, the vineyard is there like an old friend encouraging to go home to all you love and that you'll be coming back this way again before you know it!
I especially love the first image of the two trees that make me think of you and your daughter coming towards each other for a joyful reunion!
This was my first visit to your blog. I love your "Germish," your art, and the way you share your heart.
I love the symmetry in the vineyard. Beautiful photos!
I can imagine it is so hard to drop your daughter off for school, and then such a joy to catch up with her when you see her next. I am so not ready to go through that with my daughter, I only have a few years to prepare myself. I love how the beautiful vineyards mark your journey. Enjoy your week!
Isn't it wonderful to have a spot you connect with memories, a spot you find lovely at any time of year? I'm pretty sure that ride back to school (and home again) is a tough one indeed.
I love the pattern and rhythm in the vineyard!!
A beautiful way to mark your trips too and from! Big Hugs!
Your post is very beautiful, Carola. Your feelings entwined with the vines brought tears to my eyes. Hope Kaefer is loving college and doing well.
Your writing is beautiful. And I can tell you from years of experience - the trips back and forth do get a lot easier over time as you adjust to this new normal.
Love your shots of the vineyard, and also the words that go with the shots. Hope you are adjusting well to Kiefer's being gone for college. A big adjustment for a mother.
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