Southern Sonoma Country Life

Cowgirl Creamery's Father's Day Collection

Cowgirl Creamery is celebrating dads and all they do, in the nick of time for Father's Day 2013, June 16th.

How about a surprise for your own dear Dad of one of our favorite cheese outfitter's scrumptious Father's Day Collection basket of picnic items including the earthy Barely Buzzed from Beehive, a cheddar-style cheese rubbed with espresso beans and lavender oil, Rogue Creamery’s spicy, sweet and sharp Smokey Blue, cold-smoked over smoldering hazelnut shells, and Cowgirl's own triple-cream,  washed-rind RED HAWK?

For an extra kick, they’ve added Creminelli Salami and Cowgirl crackers made especially by Rustic Bakery. Priced at $79 with a variety of shipping costs according to where you are in the U.S., you might be able to save the delivery dollars if you live within driving distance of one of the Cowgirl's popular stores. 

And if Dad's in the Bay Area/Sonoma County/Marin area, a Cowgirl Creamery tour, class or special event might be something memorable to consider. 

 

Mumford & Sons at The Greek

 

 

U.S/British dual national, charismatic frontman of meteoric English Folk band Mumford & Sons, Marcus Mumford declared himself thrilled to be holding court at U.C. Berkeley's stately Greek Theatre, at the opening of the first of a three night, sold-out trio of shows, this week. 

Anaheim born, Wimbledon-raised Mumford, who last year married his childhood penpal, actress Carey Mulligan (most recently starring as Daisy, in the new Great Gatsby), penned much of the band's original material as a student himself, at Edinburgh University. 

The first time I heard the talented Michael Kiwanuka (pictured below) perform was in a lunch time crowd of around 100 at the ever-popular  Redwood Cafe , just up the road in Cotati, this Spring. The second time was Wednesday evening, when the London-based rising star opened for Mumford & Sons at the Greek. What a beautiful evening, with views of the Bay beyond, Brit bands at their best and warm enough not to need a jacket.

 

New to The Market - Private SoCo Country Rancher on 1.8 Acres

Down a private, treelined driveway..

in a peaceful, country setting...

nestled amongst pasture land...

a classic, single storey Sonoma County ranch home is waiting for its new owner to add his or her own signature style.

This country rancher sits on 1.8 acres on Chapman Lane, in bucolic West Petaluma, just minutes from schools and amenities.

Its three bedrooms, two bathrooms, remodelled kitchen, newer roof, flooring and windows, plus four car garage, workshop and plenty of room for horses and other animals make for ideal country living close to town.

New to the market this last week of May 2013, call our resident real estate man-about the region, Timo for more info on 707 477 8396 or visit the full listing here.

A Bovine Herd for Your Sonoma County Bedroom/Bathroom? A Wallpaper Design To Make You Smile

According to wallpaper company newwall.com: "The energy within Milna Akkijyrkka’s cow-themed design comes from calves, springing through the pasture to discover new joys. Hanging the pattern in your den, office or bedroom may bring boundless energy to creative types, and happy feelings for all." Alright then!

Also available with pink or green background.

Click here for more info on how to track down a few rolls for your place. 

 

Dinosaur Trails, Fossil & Footprint Tours - How About a Visit to Dinosaur Island This Summer?

Newly named Dinosaur Capitol of Great Britain, The Isle of Wight prepares for an international audience this summer as flocks of palaeontology fans  are expected on the island for its raft of activities celebrating a wealth of prehistoric history. 

The Isle of Wight, one of the country's largest islands, but smallest counties, located in the English Channel, is partnering with BBC Earth Films and Twentieth Century Fox to preview Walking with Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie on the island this summer. The first 3D cinema release from BBC Earth Films, the theatric arm of BBC Worldwide's BBC Earth brand, is set for global release in December 2013.

David Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Isle of Wight has said: "We're excited about bringing palaeontology, education, entertainment and Hollywood together to create a real life Walking with Dinosaurs experience for holidaymakers. The scientific credentials of the Island are second to none, it's already recognised as one of the most significant locations in Europe for dinosaur finds and so the Isle of Wight is a perfect partner for Walking with Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie."

Isle of Wight visitors are being invited to experience digital innovation designed to bring the islands history to life. The Island's tourism team is busy working closely with the film creators to develop a hands-on digital experience that will introduce visitors to the great ancestors of the dinosaurs featured in Walking with Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie.

Visitors will be able to walk portions or all of a new dinosaur trail across the south coast of the island from Yaverland to the Needles. Information about the dinosaurs found at each location will be available from special ‘meteors’ located at each spot. There's even a new Dinosaur Island app to really go "Walking with Dinosaurs" on the Isle of Wight. Fossil tours and Footprint Tours are also available from May through late summer. 

With plenty of outdoor activities available throughout the island, the Isle of Wight, just 3-5 miles off the coast of Hampshire is hugely popular with families. Measuring just  23 miles by 13 miles and littered with picturesque villages and bustling, small towns, accommodations range from airstream caravan parks to bed and breakfasts and luxury country house hotels.

Travel by train, ferry and bus and give yourself time to enjoy the experience of the journey as well as the holiday. Leave your car and have the freedom to relax without the issue of traffic queues or parking problems, enjoy the independence.

If you board a train in London you'd arrive on the Isle of Wight in two and a half hours.  Bus connections are available at Southampton or Portsmouth Station that will take you to the ferry ports, or drive to Lymington, Southampton or Portsmouth and park your car before catching either the Red Funnel or Wightlink ferries, or hovercraft with Hovertravel.

The capital of the Isle of Wight, Newport, lies at the heart of the island and is the main shopping centre and location for the Isle of Wight Festival. 

Known as the “Town on the Beach”, Ryde is the largest of the Isle of Wight towns and boasts boutique and independent shops and cafes set on an expanse of sandy beach.

Can't make it to the Isle of Wight? Dinosaur fans can check out the movie's website here. 

Wilson Tartan - A New Kilt for Petaluma Bagpiper

Couldn't resist sharing my friend Susan's photo of her son, Declan Villa, in his immaculate new entirely hand stitched Wilson Tartan Kilt custom made by North American kilt maker extraordinaire, Elsie Stuehmeyer.

Eighteen-year-old Declan had the honor of piping at the Cypress Hill Memorial Park in Petaluma, this Memorial Day 2013. He has been bagpiping for the past 11 years. Though he has worn Prince Charles Pipe Band Tartan until this year, the Wilson tartan for his first custom made kilt, a gift from his parents for his 18th birthday, was custom loomed in Scotland and sent to Elsie Stuehmeyer here in Northern California for its meticulous construction. 

Wilson being a family name, Susan's Scottish grandmother - the pleats alone in its distinctive hues of red, blue, green and white required for more than 1,500 hand stitches. 

Elsie Stuehmeyer has made thousands of kilts over the past 50 years. Read more about her here.

Lillet Rosé, A Taste of Ripe Summer & France in a Glass

Served in a small, simple glass tumbler over ice and with a slither of lemon peel, Lillet Rosé is the first new product launch by French distiller Lillet in half a century.

Distributed in the United States by William Grant & Sons, Lillet Rosé has been introduced amongt considerable buzz amongst the cocktail circuit, in 2012 and is popping up in the most elegant bars and restaurants throughout wine country.

Created from a blend of the red and white Grand Cru Bordeaux wine varietals used to produce Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge, this zippy new combination consists of Semillon grapes for structure and a long finish, Sauvignon Blanc for fruitiness and aroma and Muscatel for a floral bouquet.

Priced just under $20 a bottle, this lush, fruity, delightfully ripe pre-dinner wine is infused with artisanal orange liqueurs crafted from sweet orange peels from Spain and bitter orange peels from Haiti and a proprietary blend of fruit liqueurs sourced near and produced in Lillet’s distillery in Podensac, a village in southwestern France.

A little bit of Peruvian quinine completes the final blend. 

Holiday in Peaceful Haven - Original 16th Century Features Meet Contemporary Style & Comfort in Black Mountains, Wales

Sheepskinlife's stunning, Grade 2 listed Monmouthshire Hall 16th Century house in the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales transports vacationers through time with all the modern comforts and contemporary style mixed in to make its original features shine. Millbrook sleeps 4 - 6 people. 

I love a farmhouse-style, family-friendly kitchen when looking for holiday homes to rent during trips to the UK. Flagstone flooring and an Aga are top of the list! There are plenty of places to find good food when out and about in this part of Wales, but eating in is extra pleasureable with fresh farm shop finds. Sheepskinlife's personalized holiday cottage rental service offers Tapas and Welsh food hampers as a terrific solution for an informal, delicious meal on arrival at Millbrook.

The Sheepskinlife team sends a personalised guide containing everything you'd want to know about your holiday cottage including how to get there, nearest essentials and where to find the things you like to do.

Millbrook features a quiet study, ideal for checking emails. Through the study a large spacious lounge with two deep sofas arranged around the enormous log burning stove. An extensive book collection next to an inviting seat by the window with views of the garden makes a relaxing spot to enjoy a good read and a morning coffee.

Open the ancient wooden doors to the spiral stone staircase that leads to one of the double bedrooms.When it’s time for bed, you will find your three double bedrooms upstairs each with their own theme and personality.

Not too familiar with the great British countryside and its rambling, romantic possibilities for escaping the outside world for a week or two?

If you're thinking of a country cottage vacation in the UK some time soon, you'll want to do your homework to be sure that you know precisely where you are headed and what the property owner or rental company provides. You'd be surprised how remote some appealing retreats may be and being prepared for self catering in the wilds of Wales or farthest reaches of England is so much more appealing when all your bases are covered.

We've stayed in cottages in the UK in the past that don't include linens or towels. Imagine how fun that is for the international traveler with family in tow to discover, after a 24 hour journey!

A read through Sheepskinlife's English Road Trip post will have you ready to pack your bags, grab passports and rally the family and like-minded friends for a week in one of this super-friendly little company's most unique and lovely properties.  

Steamed Mussels With Chorizo and White Wine - Dinnertime in Sonoma

I can't think of a more perfect way to serve steamed mussels than this delicious catch concocted by Liz in its white wine broth with crumbled chorizo and a sprinkling of cilantro on top. There wasn't a morsel or drop of liquid goodness left in the bowl by the time our little gathering of girlfriends left the table.

And just when we thought we couldn't manage a bite more, along came an over-the-top tasty oven-warm brownie/strawberry/mint/basil and cream confection to corrupt even the best of intentions. 

California Dreaming - New Twelve Layer Art Technique Captures Architectural Gems

Fresh perspective of a foreign artist throws new light on familiar landmarks in an upcoming pen and ink and photography exhibit opening in Petaluma on June 4th. British artist of international renown, Andrew Pegram has collaborated in fine detail with Chileno Valley resident, prolific artist and fellow Brit, Gail Foulkes on this original exhibition, California Dreaming - its debut depicting a selection of heritage homes and landmark buildings in the area, through July 15th.

Pegram, who lives and works in North London, has a background in Interior Design. "My consequent interest in buildings, interiors and the built environment has influenced much of my art. This almost always concerns urban subjects," said the accomplished printmaker/photographer, who has recently published a book on Urban Dereliction - “Divine Decline”.

His work includes complex screen prints of architectural subjects using a new technique, which Pegram has developed involving up to twelve layers. A member of East London Printmakers and alumnus of the Sir John Cass Department of Art and Design, Pegram has taught art in schools and to small institutions in the UK.

With further works exhibited in Italy, Mainland Spain and Mallorca and held in private collections in Boston, New York, San Francisco and elsewhere in the USA and France, Italy and the UK, Pegram's attention having turned on capturing the essence of Petaluma architecture in collaboration with family friend, Foulkes, developed into this full exhibit of works to coincide with an extended visit to his Petaluma-based brother-in-law, musician Bill Sell and family.

An artists' reception takes place at Aqus Cafe at Foundry Wharf, venue for the exhibit, on Tuesday, June 4th from 4 pm to 6 pm. Anyone interested in commissioning Pegram for an original pen and ink drawing of a Petaluma home or building might like to take advantage of this visiting talent and contact the artist while he is in town - ajpegram@msn.com.