17:37 in Napa, at the Lincoln.  New place for me, great place for meetings or to write.  Corner table with a view of what I think is a river?  Is that the Napa River?  Is there a river called “The Napa River”?

Haven’t seen Chris since my birthday dinner at Salt N Stone…. Wonder how his business is doing, what his next move is.

Peace in this sitting, barely any traffic.  Could use a glass of SB and just like that the waitress is here to ask the magic question.  Thought about wine and wine business, my own, AGAIN, driving on Silverado looking at the stretches of wide vine patches and blocks.

Still dreaming, but getting closer.  I know I am.  It’s the only reality that could be this reality on this stage…. This table and view, perfect for the writer.

Wine, always coming back to my pages.  The questions and travel, the unknowns, locals or people visiting from wherever.

Ladies next to me say something that makes me think they’re from out of town, “We’re going shopping now,” one of them tells the waiter.

Where are you from? I ask.

American Canyon, one of them says.

We all share a laugh.  Then they leave, waiving back at me.