Barrel of monkeys

Posted by Farmgirl on March 9, 2010  |  1 Comment

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This post could also be called Why I love Hermann, part II.

One of our adventures took us to Stone Hill Winery, sitting high on a hill over the town.

 

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We a had a delightful tour of the winery, vineyards and cave. We tasted some truly excellent wines. And believe it or not, the kids had more fun than we did.

These two provided entertainment and commentary. I think Stone Hill is their playground … and they happily demonstrated the ins and outs for our kids.

 

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These barrels had to be scrubbed on the inside before a new batch of wine could be stored. Imagine it’s 1847 and you’re the owner’s wife … in you go with your scrub brush.

The thought of such a project had me feeling a bit claustrophobic.

Not so, for my offspring.

Monkey see … monkey do.

 

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Then it was on to the stainless steel tanks.

We didn’t climb inside these babies. They hold more than 3,000 gallons each. The tour guide — a jolly soul with a great sense of humor — did an excellent job of explaining the winemaking process. Even though his audience of 10 included six children under nine!

 

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Stone Hill Winery … another reason to love Hermann, Mo.

Free at last

March 6, 2010   |  No Comments

 
These little troopers have spent umpteen hours in vehicles over the last few days and finally, today, they were allowed to resume normal childlike behavior.
They used their imaginations …
 

 
 
They climbed and frolicked and tumbled and ran with the wind in their hair …
 

 
 
They played in the clearest creek I think I have ever seen …
 

 
 
And [...]

I love Hermann!

March 5, 2010   |  5 Comments

 
Part I
I love Hermann … the friendly folks, the delightful architecture, the delicious restaurants, fabulous wineries and panoramic views. It’s lovely, simply lovely.
You know you’ve found a friendly town when … one of the vehicles in your caravan hits a huge pothole down the Interstate a hundred miles or so, and the small-town dealership will loan you [...]

Wow

March 4, 2010   |  1 Comment

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 
They actually ask if you’ve ever been claustrophobic … I have to admit, it was a bit freaky squeezing my family into one of these little pods and riding up, up, up into the arch. Funny, the ride down wasn’t nearly as terrifying.
Visit the Arch if you’re ever in St. Louis.
It’s awesome.

Meet me in St. Louis

March 3, 2010   |  6 Comments

 
If you’re ever traveling through St. Louis, be sure to stop in Collinsville, Ill. 
I’m sure the good folks who live there would give you 101 better reasons to visit this quaint town. But I’m going to add to the list … from a traveler’s perspective.
If you have kids, you should drive by the world’s largest catsup bottle. [...]

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

March 2, 2010   |  1 Comment

 
You all know Dr. Seuss. If you don’t, you must have been stuck outside of Whoville for a very long time.
Rather than explain who he his and where he’s from (Springfield, Mass.), I thought I’d offer you some fantastical quotes from this legendary man … because you know:
 
Oh the thinks you can think up, if [...]

Darling disaster

February 28, 2010   |  4 Comments

 
We are big fans of Masterpiece Theatre on PBS. There is something about the costumes, accents and overall themes of these presentations that calls to my soul. The Jane Austen series was one of my absolute favorites … and my brother appreciated it, too.
He spent Saturday afternoon — writing scripts, perfecting accents, arranging costumes and practicing [...]

Accidental delight

February 25, 2010   |  3 Comments

 
I made delicious meatballs for dinner … by mistake.
I was planning to make meatloaf.
Then my daughters wanted to help. And well … here’s how things progressed.
“Mommy, can I help you?”
No, I’m making meatloaf.
“Please? I could roll them into little balls.”
For meatloaf?
“Well maybe I could make meatballs.”
Oh, why not.
I rarely make meatballs, don’t know why. [...]

Melt me a river

February 24, 2010   |  3 Comments

 
The sun is shining.
The snow is melting … millions of tiny rivers running down the hill and into the creek.
The process began with a bit of freezing rain that smoothed and sculpted the drifts into perfect, glossy peaks. Now the 40+ degree temperatures and sparkling brightness are having an effect.
The once smooth hills are shrouded in [...]