Bright Spots in 2009

It is not all doom and gloom, it is just not. Yes, times are tricky and that relaxing feeling of “everything going my way” isn’t hanging around like it used to. Most of us, okay probably ALL of us will have to work harder. But, I know the sun will still shine, I WILL strap on a snowboard sometime soon (just maybe not as often as past years), I will eat great meals, I will drink good wine, and I will have fun with my friends and family. I am actually looking forward to 2009, and I know I am not the only one.

The Napa Valley Wine Train, this unique little short line rail road that makes its home in one of the world’s most renowned wine countries, is going on 20 years. And, that is an accomplishment that needs to be celebrated. It is a reason to look forward, a reason to be excited, and a reason to be cheerful.

Not every business makes it to 20 years. It is a great milestone, and one all the more important, because it’s not the top or the pinnacle. The best is yet to be. But, that is the far future, and we are talking about the near future.

I know all the media has spent the last week looking at a year in review, but I am looking at 2009. We have great Valentine’s weekend planned, a WONDERFUL Mustard Festival party, new Wine Maker Dinner Series, and Family Date nights coming up. The Chef has a fervent look in his eye and I know he is as intent (and intense) as ever when it comes to our upcoming menus.

Maybe we will have some new neighbors in our lot next year, also. It would be great to welcome the Farmer’s Market and get going on new community partnerships. We are ready, are you?