Beautiful Healdsburg Mountains for the 4th of July

One of our favorite invitations for dinner comes from Carl and Kathy.  They live in the mountains between Healdsburg and Geyserville. I hear they are near the Geysers, but have no idea where they are exactly.  Some day I'll figure that geographic mystery out.

What I do know is that they live in a slice of heaven on the side of a mountain in a house "off the grid" under a canopy of trees, surrounded by Kathy's bountiful gardens (does Carl get any credit for the gardening?) 

We love getting invited to this hide-away, as it evokes all the best leisurely meals in the Italian or French countryside (or at least my fantasy of such an experience).  This year, Kathy and Carl did not disappoint for the 4th of July. 

We had a delicious array of artisan cheeses, mozzarella and basil, potatoes in lemon and olive oil, grilled scallops wrapped in green onions, wine that is far better than anything we ever have in our house, and great company with friends Sasun and Lisa, Lisa's sister Nancy, Barbara, and two rascally dogs.

Kathy carved a Dahlia garden out of the hillside this year, and we were just a bit early for the color extravaganza. 

Part of the gang took a hike to a waterfall on the property, and the smart ones lounged in the hammock and enjoyed the shade.  Usually, Kathy honors us by playing a classical piece on her beautiful, custom-made cello. 

This year, conversation consumed the concert time.  But next year, we'll hold her to it!