Today was one that had my senses in high gear….might even say sensory overload! First of all, I drove to the vineyard with a car full of good smelling food. If that wasn’t enough, there was a big bundle of fresh basil in the seat beside me! I don’t know what fresh basil does for you, but I absolutely love it! Every now and then I would pluck a leaf off and bruise it with my fingertips and the car would be immediately filled with its delicious fragrance! I am 1/8th Italian according to my genealogy.....100% according to my heart!

Moving along with my day….the bachelorette party I was serving went very well; absolutely darling bride. As I left the vineyard, I crossed over my favorite creek in Miami County, "the mighty Wea". I normally go slow so that I can take in the creek from both directions, today was no different. The sun wasn’t dancing along the happy water because today is 50 degrees and cloudy! But I enjoyed the view anyway. Just as I was ready to proceed forward, a very regal looking buck with a multi-pointed rack and 2 gorgeous does came up from having a drink of Wea and slowly crossed the road right in front of me. Each turned their head and glanced my way, then slowly sauntered off towards a field on the far side. Of course I didn’t have my camera with me! No matter how often I see deer, I never fail to have that awe-struck feeling. They are such a beautiful graceful animal….even the big boy with all of his muscles and size. I must say, I think the does really liked him also.

I moved on to leave them to their dinner. Before I even reached highway 68, I was overwhelmed by a huge flock of wild turkeys that flew very low in front of me and landed in a field of Black Angus. The cattle rancher has a beautiful place; rolling hills, ponds….the vista is gorgeous. The turkeys just strolled among the herd of cattle, having a snack of grain here and there.

Hawks on fence posts are always present, a very common sight, waiting to spy their next meal, but what I saw in a tree top was no hawk….There on the west side of the road, right along a big pond/small lake I had the biggest thrill yet…It was a Bald Eagle! Even on a cloudy day, his white feathered head sparkled. Majestic and then some! See what I mean about sensory overload!

Aren’t I lucky? All of this within 2 miles of the vineyard! Is it any wonder that I love the place? Drive to Somerset Ridge Vineyard soon. You never know who or what you are going to see!