Day 313: Omata Winery and Paroa Bay Beach
Day One of the impeachment hearings.
Pouring 
Watched for a bit this am
Today we decided Lobsy deserved a chill afternoon at a local winery, and opted for Omata, which was about a 15-minute drive away.
After school this morning, we loaded up and headed that way.
It had thunderstormed overnight and poured raining all morning. But as we drove, the sun started to peek out.
At the vineyard entrance, a sign read “Almost wine time.” I heard Lobsy from the backseat mutter: “I thought it was always wine time.”
Then, when we headed into the charming hilltop restaurant, the chalkboard said, “Wine o’clock.” James was curious about this, and Teddy explained it’s a way of saying it’s time for your favorite thing — “like iPad-o’clock or candy-o’clock.” James goes, “Or hit your sister-o’clock!”
Lunch was delicious and, in my opinion, the best kind of meal: A choice of four different platters. We got the seafood platter — spreads, dips, crackers, cheese, fruit, etc. And a flight of the vineyard’s wines. The view was gorgeous, the sun came out as we ate.
I opted to wear a new pair of black jeans I got in Sydney for the cooler weather (note: first pair of jeans I’ve worn all year).
I mention them only because James stopped to stare at the pants two times during our vineyard time. The first time he said, “Did you just get these pants?” I told him yes. He stared some more before nodding and moving on. About 30 minutes later I caught him staring again. This time he goes: “You look like a new person.”
We wear the same clothes every single day. When one of us puts on something different, it can be really disorienting/funny. I’ve noticed it myself for all of us.
We saw that the property had a little vineyard/bush walk, and decided we’d do it after the meal. Willa heard this plan and goes, “Why are you so obsessed with walks?? You can go do it yourselves!” Sassy, but amusing. Needless to say, we made her do it and it was great.
Always with the damn sticks 
Some cool moss 
Back at our place, we took the golf carts out again, this time to ride down to the beach. Willa drove me while James drove Teddy and Lobsy. They were noticeably better drivers today.
The beach was lovely, though we took no photos. Just relaxed and read and explored the rocks and played baseball.
Teddy got stung by a bee on his foot!
That’s always one of Lobsy and Beepaw Brendan’s many worries, by the way: That if you walk barefoot in grass you might get stung by a bee. “Put your shoes on!” they always warn. I assumed it was just another of their creative worst-case-scenarios, but look what happened!!
We made our way back up to the house and past this swing. Of course we had to stop. You’ll hear more about this in tomorrow’s post.
The rest of the evening saw some pool/jacuzzi time and relaxation. Dinner was cheese and crackers and fruit — no one had much of an appetite after lunch.
MISC:
We have three close friends expecting babies this winter, and one of them arrived early! Cole Debord, Jon and Amelia’s little guy showed up a month before his due date. He was born a few days ago and we’re so excited for them. Next up: Joanna/Dave (girl) and Chris/Rachel (boy). All around Christmas time. Can’t wait to meet these new people!
One of Teddy’s investors has decided to take a trip like ours with his four — four!! — kids and emailed us some questions. Answering them thoughtfully has consumed my last few evenings. We have so many copious, organized notes that it’s been easy to do — but also an exercise in further reflection that I’ve really appreciated having the opportunity to do. You’ll all read it soon.
Willa’s finished Harry Potter and despite having a number of good reads lined up for her next (thanks Amanda! Thanks Mandy!), Willa has opted to….start reading the series again from the beginning.
