"It's a Wonderful Day for a Picnic!"

Here's a newsflash: sometimes the weathermen are actually right on. When we woke up to sunshine and bright blue skies, we decided to ignore the weather reports of cold temps and 70% chance of rain and head out to the foothills for an outdoor day. We packed a picnic lunch and planned on wandering around the beautiful grounds of a local winery. As we drove the skies got darker and darker and even though Ella kept exclaiming, "This is a wonderful day!" we could have done without all cold and rain.

At the winery we tasted wines and came home with a bottle of their special apple wine. We explored the grounds in the drizzle and posed for pictures by the creek and beech trees. While hiking towards the giant "Ironstone" sign made of shrubbery, we were buzzed by a flock of very low flying, noisy geese. In the spring, this winery is known for the gazillion blooming daffodil bulbs. We were happy to see the ones in wine barrel planters were already going. We spread our blanket and munched on our sandwiches in a gazebo sheltered from the rain. And on the way home we swung through the Starbucks for some warm drinks.

Even with the dreary weather, it was a lovely day...and a treat for West Michigan resident Auntie Heather. A picnic in January is unheard of for her!