Nice surprise

Last weekend, we were going to the Santa Ynez Valley for Patricia's 52nd high school homecoming reunion.  As is our habit now, we booked into a great AirBnB in Los Olivos, and off we went. Our plan was simply to watch the Pirates' Homecoming game and crowning of the Homecoming Queen on Friday nite, go to the reunion lunch on Saturday and drive back on Sunday.

Los Olivos is the small town in the Santa Ynez Valley where Patricia grew up. I got all the stories from times gone by, just like when I took Patricia to Australia for the first time. You might remember that Los Olivos became prominent a few years ago when it was featured in the movie Sideways.

When we got to Los Olivos, we checked into our AirBnB and were made to feel very welcome, Sharon was like a sister and opened her house and made us feel right at home. It was then to our delight that we discovered that Saturday was 'The Day in the County' or for short, 'Los Olivos Day.'

First we went Friday evening to the Homecoming game. As I found out, it is a time when Alumni come home to their old high school to meet with their, by now, also old friends.

It was very fun for me as I have never been to a high school football game, and all the ceremonial goings on around it. Unfortunately our team lost bigtime, 14 to 59, but it was fun to watch and tell them what they should be doing from the stands.

Saturday morning I got up very early (5am) and went for a long 2 hour walk in the country - temps in the 40s, no lights and a beautiful star studded sky.

On my way back into town, all the vendors for Los Olivos Day were busy putting up their tents to display the wares.

Still setting up

Close to 10, we walked our two blocks to see the parade. It was like nothing I have ever seen before, and I was very tempted to join them, just to be seen and wave.

There was humor: "Small Farmer"

and a Big Tractor

Lots of antique cars

The only town I know with a
 flagpole in the middle of the
main street.

There were many other attractions passing by, like The Family School, a Guide Dogs training school, wineries, 4-H kids, a dance school, a dancing horse, etc.
After the parade was over, it was time for looking and shopping for some gifts.

The day was very full. We sat and listened to a young jazz bands and tasted some great wines.

After this, we went to the reunion with about 25 people (out of a, graduating class of 100) and there was lots of food and great conversations.

Before leaving the valley as always, we went up the mountain to the place were Patricia and I got married and took a selfy.

As always, Patricia is moving the mountain to San Diego

Then it was time to head back to Oceanside.