Are You That Woman

Lemons to lemonade Patio29 Spirits to hand sanitizer

Back to Made in  U.S.A. 2020 - In 2012, I started Made in the U.S.A. 2012. For 12 months, I bought only Made in the U.S.A. or recycled (second hand) products. Well almost. Some things simply can't be bought secondhand or in the U.S.A. We all know this truth. Anyway, my search and dedication brought some amazing products to my attention. Interesting to look back to see how many of these local and/or small companies are still flourishing. Of course, in this most insane time of "corona" those that were still on the front lines, may soon and sadly be a thing of the past. Unless, of course, we continue to reach out and support their efforts.

When all is said and done, we must change how we live and spend in the U.S.A. This crisis will bring about new manufacturing and creative products out of simple necessity. And, again, when all is said and done we cannot or should not abandon these amazing Americans who have risen above the insanity to makes our lives better and safe!

So today I begin again and commit to Made in the U.S.A. (aka Meet Your Maker) by sharing the first of what I hope are many inspirational stories. If there's a product or company you want to share, please send me the information.

Just two weeks ago we were exploring the wilds of Visit Yolo - much of this included small local businesses. We met and enjoyed an afternoon with the Boone family at the recently opened Patio29 Spirits Company Distillery. We tasted a wide range of products and came away with a bottle of their fabulous Yolo County Craft Vodka. Even then, the jokes were flying about using it to sanitize your hands. The magnitude of Covid-19 hadn't yet hit home.

Fast forward two weeks: March 28, 2020.
Like millions of others, we are "sheltered in place" and watching life unfold through social media. This morning an amazing post from Patio29 Spirits Company brought a smile and an "a-ha moment" to my morning routine! Yes, necessity is the mother of invention! Here's what was posted:

"Patio29 Spirits & Sanitizer Co.! Temporary name… Starting tomorrow we will have 4 oz hand sanitizer (80% ethanol) available for $5, limited to one per person. This hand sanitizer will be available a couple ways:

1. Receive one 4 oz sanitizer free with any purchase of Patio29 Spirits: Call us at (530) 794-6174 to place your order for curbside pickup or delivery. See graphic for details. FYI, we have 3 NEW Harmon’s Hot Pix Flavored Whiskeys available: Black Cherry, Mint Julep, and Lemon Maple!

2. If you are only interested in sanitizer, you can purchase it directly from our tasting room for exact cash only (we are doing this for a couple reasons, the main one being we want to minimize transaction times, and get you in and out as fast as possible). 11am-1pm will be reserved for at-risk individuals, and 1pm-3pm will be open for everyone. See graphic for details.

3. If you are an essential business, medical field or first-responder looking for large quantity sanitizer please reach out to us via email or phone. You are our top priority, and we want to make sure you and your workers are safe and healthy while you remain open.

Thank you to everyone for your continuous support. This is new territory for all of us, and we’re thankful we have a rock-solid community to keep us up. For the time being we’re going to keep busy making sanitizer. We’ll be ready for a drink once everything returns to normal. Cheers to good health!"

 

I was on the  phone with Eric Boone before day's end. The hand sanitizer was the whole family's idea. However, it started with a craft distillery in Seattle. "We saw a story about a distillery doing it there. Regulations prevented us from making the sanitizers but guidelines were loosened and now we can make this for anyone who needs it. As soon as got the green light, we put our spirits aside  - and started making sanitizer." said Eric.

 

He went on to say that this is a group effort and was discussed with the American Distillers Institute. A simple formula, the FDA provided a recipe that follows with what the World Health Organization supports. Patio29 Sanitizer uses neutral grain spirits, a denaturing agent, tea tree oil, glycerine, reverse osmosis purified water and ultra-sound gel. 

 

FYI - the tasting room is closed but Patio29 Spirits Company is providing curbside pick-ups. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing a ray of hope from Mono Lake Commitee Executive Director

Dear Mono Lake friends,

I'm writing to you from my desk at home, and due to the COVID-19 virus it's likely you are reading this at home too.

I'd like to provide three important updates from the Mono Lake Committee.

First, we are doing our part to flatten the curve and following all state and local orders. We have suspended our public programs, closed the Information Center & Bookstore, and canceled our field education programs through April.

Second, I am proud to say that thanks to strong member support we are keeping all of our staff employed at this challenging time. We are all working from home, learning new tools for digital connectivity, and continuing the essential work of the Committee. For example, water exports are underway today in the Los Angeles Aqueduct and we know you count on us to make sure that the export rules are followed so that Mono Lake and its tributary streams stay protected.

Lastly, we are making extra efforts to share Mono Lake, the arriving birds, springtime flowers, and scenic views with all of you. We are fortunate to be sheltering in this remarkable place where the ancient rhythms of life continue in plain sight. When Committee staff are safely and appropriately outside, we will capture experiences to share with you through a new series of online Mono Lake Moments. A snowy boardwalk visit is already available with new live and recorded events happening every Wednesday and Friday at 2:00pm PDT.

This crisis is urgent. This is a time to support each other and nurture our communities. It challenges us to come together and sheds new light on our core values—indeed they are more meaningful than ever. Stay well, and thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey McQuilkin
Executive Director

Abbey House Inn feels like home in Visit Yolo

Rating:  Stars*Stars*Stars*Stars*Stars

We'll all be wondering where we were - where we had been - before, during, and after the pandemic! I'm thankful to have enjoyed my first stay at the Abbey House Inn, Winters, California, just before everything went crazy and to reflect on the memory. Once the dust settles, I'll be back again to enjoy the warm hospitality. Every detail! Nothing was overlooked. Intimate seating areas throughout the garden and porches. Public spaces were cozy and, yes, just like coming home - especially if you love small-town life! This is not a B&B in the traditional sense - breakfast is not cooked to order. All types of snacks, beverages, cereals, yogurts, jams, jellies, breads, eggs - uncooked and hard boiled - are there for the taking. Dining room or alfresco, it's up to you.

After settling into our room we enjoyed a quiet beer and glass of wine on the front porch. Then the manager, Annette, treated us to a complimentary pedicab tour around town before dropping us off at Hooby's Brewing - the newest brew in town and locally owned and operated by twin sisters Courtney and Jackie - so much of Winter's seems to be a family affair. Again, you'll feel right at home once you arrive. All the best foods, brews, wines and spirits are within walking distance of the Abbey House Inn, a park and walk destination. Or biking, of course!

Under new ownership since 2017, Abbey House Inn has been meticulously decorated and outfitted to address your every need including free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Pam and Eric Tavenier, the owners, and Annette appreciate my "feels like home" mantra.

We look forward to coming home to Abbey House Inn in the weeks ahead and the rest of our Visit Yolo story! Stay tuned and stay safe says this California omni-local!