Saturday, January 7, 2012

The Flora and Fauna Tour


The best part of spending time in Asti is being outside, enjoying nature--the "flora and fauna" if you will.

Asti engages all the senses, from the peaceful quiet, to the scent of lavender and roses, or the beauty of the surrounding vineyards and oaks. Wherever you are, there is always something to experience.
There are many places to just sit and enjoy, like the table under the Mulberry tree above...

...or by the poolside.

Perhaps an old iron bench is where you want to sit and reflect.

This grass knoll in front of the house is another place to sit and observe.


At night, we build a big fire and watch for shooting stars!

An occasional deer sighting is always a treat.

Even the pesky turkeys are amusing to watch.

You just never know what creature might turn up here.
After all, it is completely surrounded by wild, untamed land.
I'm always on the look-out for coyotes or mountain lions!

And yes, snakes! This one is a harmless garter snake, but there are rattlesnakes to watch out for too.

There are so many birds! I could sit for hours and just watch them...

...especially at dusk when they perform their dances and swoop down for a drink.

The bees love the lavender!

There is an arbor that runs along the front of the house...

...where a European table grape called Black Monukka happily grow.

They are the sweetest grapes ever!

Olive trees grow happily here too. In the late fall, we pick them and make our own olive oil.

No matter where you look, there is a view.
But my favorite view is looking east...

...toward Rodney Strong's "Wild Oak" vineyard.
It's like one big giant flat screen television! Except for the change of seasons, the scene stays the same. A huge patchwork quilt of cabernet grapes!

It is such a pleasure to be outdoors in Asti.

We usually end up taking our meals al fresco and staying out late, watching the stars and the moon.
We don't do that in town. The light from the city dulls the night sky, not to mention all the sounds from airplanes to sirens.
But in Asti, when the weather is nice, being outside is the point! Especially at night!

Please join me for an evening in Asti, coming up.

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30 comments:

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Delores, what gorgeous images! The view of the vineyards is just stunning! This is truly magazine-worthy!! Beautiful!

Gina said...

One scene more beautiful than the next. Delores, Thank you for sharing your lovely Asti.

Unknown said...

Stunning Photos!!

savvycityfarmer said...

girl, you've got it all!!!

I'm bamboozled

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

So I have figured out that Asti is Greek for Heaven. LOL
Its just beautiful Deloris, and your photography is superb. Magazine worthy pictures! I would never want to go back to the city with surroundings as this. Thanks for letting us in and sharing your little piece of heaven with all of us.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous views with beautiful inspirational photos!

Linda in AZ * said...

*** How does one "comment" on SHEER P*E*R*F*E*C*T*I*O*N, my friend??????

2012 Hugs!

Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

La Dolfina said...

Paradise, absolute PARADISE!!!

for the love of a house said...

Absolutely stunning. It looks like heaven on earth. I don't think I would ever leave... EVER!!!

perfection!

xojoan

The enchanted home said...

Delores..my mouth is agape at all the beauty here. You are living a true dream, what a paradise. There are very few posts I HAVE to show my hubby, but this is one for sure!! How heavenly it all is.....thank you for sharing. Looking at these pictures is like instant therapy!

Kathysue said...

Ahhhhhh! deep breath, that is what it is like viewing all of your beautiful images of your Asti home!! I am so glad that you get to live in such amazing homes, it couldn't happen to a nicer person. Happy New Year to YOU, hope you are feeling all better and looking forward to a great year!! I have great excitement for this New Year!! xo Kathysue

Karena said...

Delores thank you so much for sharing your home and property with us. Such glorious vistas and gardens!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Debra@CommonGround said...

So amazingly beautiful. How blessed you are to be in this wonderful place. thank you so much for sharing these lovely images, I always love coming to visit! xoxo

Meg@OliverandRust said...

I was relishing in your pictures and dreaming about summer and then the snake. Almost broke a fingernail trying to get past that one.

The Tablescaper said...

What a beautiful place. How lovely. I can only imagine how lovely the evenings must be.

- The Tablescaper

Sandy said...

Just found your lovely blog.... So inspired by the beauty of the pictures you've posted. I love inspiration..thanks! Please stop by and vist me..I'm just around the corner..also a neighbor in Northern Ca. xoso Sandy

Sarah said...

Delores, how special it must be to enjoy this treasure. The serenity and beauty of Asti would feed anyone's soul. I can just imagine an evening sitting under the stars and listening to the silence. Thanks for sharing! ~ sarah

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I agree with Linda, this is sheer perfection! Every image and view! What a delight to be able to eat al fresco all year round! What a dream. I am glad you feel better and I so look forward to your 2012 posts! XO, Pinky

Marlis said...

Oh Delores, except for the snake (I am overly fearful), the rest is heaven on earth! You are quite blessed to see so much beauty. I love the patchwork quilt of grapes! Love the flowers you've planted too. They are absolutely perfect in their surrounding adding to the ambiance but not overpowering! So lovely.. xo marlis

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

You are so lucky to be able to spend time time in such a magical place. I would permanently be in a good mood if I lived here! x Sharon

Charlene said...

Truly stunning photos! Thank you for capturing and sharing the beauty and tranquility of your amazing home with us!

Barefoot in Blue Jeans said...

So georgous! I love the long table with wicker chairs.

Pam Kelley said...

I will just add another thank you to all of the others! Such beauty. Your photos capture so much more than we were able to see in Tuscan Style. Thank you for sharing. Such a nice way to sit by my fire with a cup of coffee here in Dallas and enjoy the California Wine Country.

Cheers,

Pam Kelley

Rhonda said...

The peaceful serenity of Asti is conveyed through your lovely photographs. Thank you for sharing!

Rose of Sharon said...

Absolutely breathtaking! You are so blessed. :0)

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Absolutely breathtaking! I'm going to put a link to this on my blog post today.

Nothing But Blue Skies... said...

What an enchanting place! How truly blessed you are to call this place home. Thank you for sharing your slice of heaven with us. It is spectacular!

Anonymous said...

Love these photos, particularly the grapevines... thanks for posting!

Jennifer said...

A little bit of heaven!

Donna D said...

Just heavenly!

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