California Gurls

"California Gurls" by Katy Perry

I feel that Katy Perry is personally taunting me. This song has played non-stop since I've arrived in Pennsylvania. You can travel the world, but nothin' comes close to the golden coast... WHATEVER, Katy Perry. So, you're right. NOTHING comes close to the golden coast. But you don't have to remind me all of the time. So, needless to say, California has been on my mind a lot.

I am a rotten, no good blogger. You all know how I feel about catch up entries, too, so, it should be in my best interest to keep current! Alas, I have not.

So, the last time I blogged I had just arrived at Galer. Two full months have gone by since then! I'm a year older and slightly wiser, but more like...more aware of all I do not know. This acknowledgment is beneficial, of course, but not fantastically helpful.

I think I regret leaving California three times a day, at least. But in those same days, I learn and do things that I would have NEVER done in California. And I have to consider: career-wise, what was there for me in California? Close to nothing. Here I am in PA, not ideal, but, I'm doing what I have to.

So, instead of droning on, I'm going to give you a glimpse in the form of a list into life. Then I can hopefully blog away at a more regular interval. (Not likely....harvest.)

Here are my favorite things about living in Pennsylvania:

1. Proximity to friends and family-- I drive home for weddings. I drive to Gettysburg to fish. I can drive to DC to see my girlfriends. Joy.

2. Thunderstorms. Eastern thunderstorms are one of a kind. Beauty.

3. French Bread -- For whatever reason, the person in the house next to mine periodically baked beautiful loaves of french bread. She indicates that there is fresh bread for sale when she puts out a french flag. That's all. No cash register, all honor system. No advertising, no store front. It's just her side garage. And, this is SERIOUSLY the best bread I've ever had. And I walk to pick it up!

4. Fireflies -- Every night, the vineyard outside of my front door gets blanketed in thousands of fireflies. It always happens before dark but after dusk. It is one of my favorite things about living here.

5. My Commute and perks -- (Note: I HAVE A WASHER DRYER on site. I will never take this for granted again!) In the morning, I wake up, put on some winery clothes, brush my teeth, wash my face, go make some french pressed coffee, eat some breakfast and check my emails, make some phone calls, go work in the cellar for a few hours. Then I take off at mid day to run, then shower and resume working. I LOVE running in the middle of the day. I love walking across the way to my workplace.

Things I dislike about living in Pennsylvania:

1. Humidity. Hottest summer on record. 'Nuff Said.

2. Working from Home -- This appears in the above list as well as this one because it is a double edged sword. I never leave work. I feel like I'm on guard all of the time. I'm always answering emails. I'm on the phone. It's not ideal and will only get worse at harvest. It has certainly been an interesting learning experience.

3. Not being able to plan -- I NEVER know what a day holds at Galer. It's always different from what I plan. I'm always stepping over contractors (who make a mess, btw). I hate talking on the phone because I never know what the conversation will blow into my path. Adventure? I guess so. My style? Not just yet.

4. Being ALONE at work -- I spend most of the time hoping I don't fuck up. I'm smart, but I've never done about 65% of this stuff, and there's no one here on sight to help me. So, I spend my days doing my best and praying I don't fuck the hell up!

5. Philly area DRIVERS -- OMG. These people are nuts! I can't even describe. TOTALLY different environment then Gettysburg, and it is not that far away. Odd.


Here are some pictures of my winery, as I don't have many others to share with you.






The tank room is unfinished here. It is still unfinished, actually.

The round window is a new addition. So nice from the inside.

The furry looking thing, that's my assistant, Chance.

Alright, time for bed!

Love to all of my dear friends, near and far!

Cheers
Catrina

Day 6 to PA!

Day 6 and Arrival in Kennett Square

Rocky Mt, NC, to BWI, to Frederick MD, then to Kennett Square, PA: about 465 miles



So, Ben and I left Rocky Mt. around 8:30 am to take on 95 N and have him to BWI for his flight by 1:30 pm. We made it. There was a great deal of DC traffic...which sucked, but, was expected.



Sitting in traffic in our nation's capital! Very sexy.

I dropped Ben off (sniff, sniff) and he was home in NY by dark.

I went on to meet up with my BFF and spend the night at her place in Frederick, MD. We had a nice dinner (sushi) and a few adult beverages. She even took me out for breakfast the next morning...knowing that I am broke! She took very good care of me. :-)

Onward, and anxious, I moved my way up to Kennett Square, PA. When I arrived, I noticed that the roses were in full bloom in front of my place! These roses are my favorite color...bright pink! Oh, amazing. Here's a snap.



That's my cabin! You can see my poor tired car in the background.

Here are some more shots of my joint:






This guy jumped up on my lap within moments of being there:


Here are some shots of my "view". Not exactly like my view in Cali....




That's our chardonnay block...they're also ripping out the cab in front and replacing it with chardonnay. Woot!



I've decided to keep you all in suspense re the winery...you can wait. ;-)

My first official day was today, I suppose, although I did work for 2.5 hours on Sunday. I tasted all of the barrels and cleaned up a bit, it is under construction! The consultant comes tomorrow to set me straight and in the right direction. Scary!! What an adventure. More to follow, sorry this is semi-lame.