Lodi (
/ˈloʊdaɪ/) is a city located in San Joaquin County, California, in the northern portion of California's Central Valley.
The population was 62,134 at the 2010 census. The California Department
of Finance's population estimate as of January 1, 2011 is 62,473.Lodi is best known for being the center of wine production (the "Zinfandel Capital of the World"[2]), although its vintages have traditionally been less prestigious than those of Sonoma and Napa counties. However, in recent years, the Lodi Appellation has become increasingly respected for its Zinfandel wine and other eclectic varietals.[3] National recognition came from the Creedence Clearwater Revival song "Lodi." Nearby Woodbridge is the home of the well known winery, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. Mondavi grew up in Lodi, and Mondavi Winery is considered one of the most influential in the American wine industry. (Courtesy Wikipedia)
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This valley between the Sierra Nevada and the Coastal
Mountains is prime produce land. More than the grapes are harvested
here. There are miles and miles of almond trees and Diamond is here. Del Monte preserves fruits and vegetables for retail.
It is no wonder that the most productive farm to school relationships,
improving the quality of school lunches by serving more fresh and local
produce, is here in this valley between the mountain ranges!
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| Tom's music corner |
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| Breaking a sweat for my boy... another pot of soup, vegetable beef this time, and the third pan of homemade brownies this week! |
Tom picked me up for lunch as I had one last request before this departure - FISH TACOS, my first ever. Yummy.
Hugs goodbye for the car that got me through the Central New York winters with the four wheel drive option. I will not miss climbing up into and down out of it, nor miss the two doors when there are more than two people riding. I do like the hatch and the extra room with the back seats down. Many of my worldly possessions have been moved in this vehicle. Friend, Bob, has my wish list for my next vehicle that I intend to have by the end of October.
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| And a kiss, too. (Just a little one.) Tom has lived without a car for a couple of years. He is excited and appreciative to have more than his bike, two feet, or bumming rides to get around town. (Perhaps he will attract more ladies for a date or two now that he has wheels again.) |
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| New pedicure for the next adventure! |
The plan was for Cousin Diane and her husband, Jesse, to pick me up to take me to her home in Lodi, CA, just 45 minutes from Tom. Giving affirmation to my theory, "Own a car. Own a headache," Diane's car died in the parking lot at Tom's. But, we were not without quick options because we had Tom's (no longer mine) Explorer. So, the two door had back seat takers and off to dinner we went at Olive Garden, giving Diane's car a chance to cool off.
Dinner was great. Conversation was excellent. Despite the recommendations of their mechanic, the car did not start. (This had happened before and whacking the gas tank with a hammer to jostle the fuel filter was the first step ~ Tom provided the hammer as I don't travel with one!)
So, the Ford Explorer, with Tom at the wheel, drove us North to Lodi. And, in Tom's words, "You know, mother, it's pretty appropriate to start and end this adventure with a road trip!"
Age and maturity have their advantages. There is no sense in getting upset when things don't go quite a planned. Breathe. Roll with the punches. Gather fodder for another story.
And I had extra Tom hugs!
CONTEST CORNER
CONTEST UPDATE, First Opportunity to Receive a Clue
In the Day#14 post, dated 8/23/12, I announced the contest and the complete details required for submission. The short version is: Guess how many views this blog will have by the end of my journey, October 11. Prize to winner: dinner for two at a restaurant within 100 miles of your home, redeemable not later than October 2014. Guess the total number of blog views without going over. The closest one wins. Guess exactly and theatre tickets will be added. There were 800 views as of 8/23.
Realizing it will be in the entrants best interest to WAIT until closer to the end of my voyage to submit their one and only guess, I will be adding opportunities for people to earn clues to assist them with estimating their final guess. The first three people who respond with the correct answer to the question with be given the answer to the clue.
Question #1 to earn Clue #1Question #1: What was the starting mileage on the Ford Explorer when Mary Kay left Portville to begin the adventure?
Clue #1: The first three individuals who answer Question #1 correctly will be told the date that the blog views rolled over to a four digit number.
Answers to the question and the winners will be posted in the next CONTEST CORNER. REGULAR I
130282 - but now everyone knows! :)
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