Three nuts roasting by an open fire

Chestnuts roasting by an open fire
Nat King Cole 1946

We have slipped into a lovely routine at Loretta's
We get up (none too early) and sit round a crackling log fire whilst we drink our coffee and chat about what we've done, what we're gonna do and everything else that occurs.
When the mood takes us we move into the kitchen for breakfast.
Loretta always tries to persuade us to try something more adventurous but we stick to our conservative ways. Once I broke tradition and helped Loretta devour a smoked salmon on Muffins and cream cheese which was delicious.

Anyway, to bring you up to date.
Saturday 15th
We had an easy day today. Val & I went off to downtown whilst Loretta went off for breakfast with some of her lady friends. We went into Barnes & Noble to update the blog and then had a wander and a late lunch.
At 6 we met up with some other folks from Loretta's church at a Seniors nursing home where we sang some carols. It was a bit ropey for a start but by the time we had done our third set, we were beginning to sound pretty good.
We then decamped to a friends house where 24 of us ate Pizza then played Bunco, a dice game. It was a lot of fun and I guess the highlight of Val's trip as she just loves to sit around and talk to Americans.
Jan & Dave were our hosts and they have a lovely house and the picture is of the 'Whirlyjigger' that Dave built by copying a very small version that they had obtained.
We only wish that we had the opportunity to see the view through the window behind as it must be breathtaking.

Sunday morning saw us at Church which was lively to say the least (they provide ear plugs for the sensitive) and nothing like any church I've ever visited. Loretta was in her element and it was a pleasure to see the joy on her face.
Val & I pottered in the afternoon while Loretta went to a concert in San Francisco. She certainly gets about.

On Monday, after our usual slow start we went for a ride through the Napa valley which is now a major wine producing area. We stopped in St Helena and wandered the shops and had coffee then carried on round a loop back home.
Shirley, Katie & Glen came round for dinner (that's Loretta's sister, daughter in law and son respectively). A lovely evening in good company for our last night. After they'd gone, Val & Loretta played 'jinx' in the kitchen!