THE GRAPE ESCAPE

I want to take this opportunity to thank Cynthia at MuseSwings and Lavinia at Birdbath Chronicles for hosting this elegant event. Cynthia is taking us to her vineyard for some grape stomping and we will be staying at Lavinia's villa. I knew these were classy ladies, but my, my, Avery and I were taken aback by the splendor. We were picked up in this cute little yellow number by Cyn. We didn't realize we would be riding to the vineyard in a Lamborghini so of course, we packed like we would be in a limo. Cyn said, "No problem", and whipped out her cell and called for one of her 'people' to pick up our luggage.

We had to stop downtown for a minute. She had a few last minute things to pick up for the party. We were quite excited to be on our way to this festive occasion with so many of our bloggy friends awaiting us at her estate. I had a surprise for the group. My friend Yo Yo Ma was in the area and said he would love to drop in for a few numbers for the group. It was lovely to have a nice meal and have his soothing cello music. I believe he was a hit.

After such a formal night our dear Cyn and Lavinia had us get casual before we went off to the grape stomping and we had a divine brunch with so many interesting foods it was delightful. I just couldn't believe it. Yo had a surprise for us. He had James Taylor drop in and as we ate our brunch they sang. He and Carly used to be dear friends and it was wonderful to see him after so many years. He's still the same mellow guy.

Cynthia will show and tell all the wonderful fun we had at the stomping. Then it was off to the Modern Art Museum. They closed down the museum so our party could have an intimate stroll through and not be bothered with others. I believe everyone enjoyed this little treat.

I had to point out the grand picture of Leonardo da Vinci. How can one go to Italy and not look upon Leo?

Next we were off to see Raffaellino del Garbo's Madonna and Child with St. Joseph and An Angel. I am not Catholic, but I do love paintings of the Madonna and Child. I just love this one and had to point it out to the gang.

We then went to look at this Italian High Baroque Writing Desk. Stevie Wren tried to bargain with the museum folks so she could take it back to the states, but they didn't seem to think that was such a good idea. She kept asking us if we thought it was too gaudy. Of course not.

Then we were off to the entrance to Quartiese Coppede`. I was so glad the girls had rented the tour bus. No limo would have held our gang.

We had to stop in town and Lavinia and Cynthia just surprised us. We ducked in a little alley and they instructed us to come on in for a quick bite. Avery and I were a little hungry at that point. We had some grand pasta and listened to this fellow play his music. Great fun.

We left out of the little restaurant and there in the street were some musicians playing some happy Italian tunes. This all felt like a movie. Great food. Great art. Great music. What a day!

Next we were off to an old friend's house for a private concert. My friend Mario Cecchetti is a fabulous tenor and he sang like an angel. Avery was in awe and told me this was beginning to seem like a trip of a lifetime. I agreed. Mario isn't very fond of children, but I think he made an exception because, of course, he is an old dear friend.
As we headed back to the villa Cynthia squealed that we had to ride by and see the Christmas lights already decorating the city. This was such a fun trip. I hope you enjoyed some of the highlights. My bloggy friends are so special and it was a Grape Escape we'll always remember.
Don't forget to drop over and visit some of the other folks that made this a spectacular memory. Go see MuseSwings for the list. Ciao!!!