Strawberries and vineyards, oh, my!

I love this valley. It lets me know daily that I love being a California valley girl born and raised. It reassures me that the earth is good and whole and surprising and warm and rejuvenating. I love this valley. I had one of those revelations driving home among the vineyards last week. I know the seasons by the condition of the vines. Harvest is over, and the grape leaves are turning color. There are a few left over grapes hanging cautiously and very lonely, but deep in color on the vines. Some leaves have already begun their fall to that deep brown earth. The vines are becoming exposed to the cooler weather. I love their gnarled wood and expressive lines. More than once I control the urge to pull off Woodbridge Road and really just touch those vines. The stories they could tell and the seasons they've seen. I love this valley. Saturday, my enamored state was punctuated by the Strawberry stand. Now, this wasn't my normal stand that I buy strawberries at because they are "Now Reely Closed". That's what their sign says. This strawberry stand was at a busy corner between Stockton and Lodi at what is called the end or the beginning of our green belt. The Mr. and I stopped, and purchased a half flat for $8.00. Yes, that was a bit more than I usually pay, but this isn't strawberry season. Hopping out of the car I languished just a bit beside the car door to sniff. Oh, my, their juicy -sweet- decidedly- ripened- on- the- vine odor enveloped my impulse buying spree. A half flat of October wonderment mixed with a trunkful of pumpkins, acorn squash, and a dinner or homemade chili and honey cornbread, I had summer one more time. I "Reely" really love this valley.