It All Began
It all began with a horse. A little while before our marriage, Justin asked me what I would like for a wedding gift, fervently hoping I would say him. To his surprised dismay, I said… a horse! You see, I had always wanted a horse and had noticed the little barn set in a field of clover in front of the Oakville house where we would live. Perfect!
Well, being the great guy he was, he built a four rail fence, gave me a saddle for my birthday and soon after that, bought me a young Roan gelding. Tico Taco was half Arab, half Quarterhorse with spirit to spare and mischief in his eyes. After finishing his training with a little help from a weathered old horseshoer, I began to ride Tico through the surrounding vineyards. It was heaven!
One day, Tico and I became adventurous and rode all the way across the Valley. We came upon a pretty little vineyard with a beautiful painted sign in front. The sign marked the entrance of Martha’s Vineyard. As soon as I saw Justin later that evening, I excitedly told him of my discovery of Martha's Vineyard adding, “Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a vineyard named after you?”
A couple years later, the field of clover was planted to Cabernet vines and Tico Taco was relegated to a small paddock. Quietly (as was his manner) Justin started referring to the new planting as “Bonny’s Vineyard.” I would smile and make mental plans to care for the small four-acre vineyard myself. I soon learned that a four acre vineyard is a lot of work and spent most of my time caring for our first son instead.
Then one Christmas, Justin excitedly led me on a walk to see his yuletide gift to me. It was a beautifully carved redwood sign that said “You are Entering Bonny’s Vineyard” on one side and “You are Leaving Bonny’s Vineyard” on the other - just like the National Park signs. I started crying and hugged his neck.