Well, it's been an interesting year for the motorcycle industry. Suffice to say that like all other businesses, the world economy has really slapped the moto industry around, but especially so here in the United States, where motorcycles are seen as less a functional machine, and more a toy.

Harley-Davidson killed the Buell brand (bad move IMHO), and purged their ill-fated purchase of MV-Agusta (they should have never bought it). Even the big four (the Japanese manufacturers) have felt the pinch, and of course that means that every dealership, retail accessory/parts store, etc. is feeling the pain, since the big four are big business. Even the Euro brands like BMW, Ducati and Triumph are trying anything to get people to buy. I'd love to buy new, but I don't have 9k-12k to drop, especially when you can get a used bike CHEAP (I did this year). So, for now, I'll stick with my kick-ass 2005 FZ1000.

However, if you're in the market for new, Motorcycle USA's 2009 Motocycles of the Year will surely please -- I know both the Triumph Street Triple and BMW F800GS seriously call to me. Kudos to BMW for getting Motorcycle of Year!

How to say it any other way... oh bother. Hoppy Holidays!!!

Below sea level be damned in the San Joaquin Valley, it's SNOWING in Sacramento! Mind you, the Sierra are only an hour away with plenty of snow on them, but it's a rare day to see any type of snow on the valley floor.

Where's my sled? Oh wait... it's melted already. Boo hoo.

Okay, let's get this out of the way... Happy Birthday Grandma!!! I miss ya every day. From your sense of humor and clever insights, to your extraordinary cooking, I was always amazed by your go go go energy in the garden, cooking, hunting and whatever else you pursued. We all miss you and Gramps, but on a day like today all that matters is it's your birthday!

And now on to the the wine-tastings in Napa. Dare I say that post-Thanksgiving some of the famdamily rolled through Napa with their sniffers ready and their lips pursed for some delectable wines. Some of the highlights were the Castello di Amorosa and Domaine Carneros wineries.


Some shots of the tasters in action.