July 22

The day Cotton discovers porcupines.

This was after several rounds of pin removal. Ouch.

This week . . .

The vineyard rows are getting a haircut.

We're doing a whole lot of snuggling.

The grape clusters are showing off.

Napping is plentiful.

The peanuts are gloriously green.

And Sophie was introduced to our evening walks . . . though I'm fairly confident she doesn't know it yet.

Independence Day

The holiday has taken on new meaning for me. Sophie arrived at 11:11pm declaring her independence from the womb. We are so thankful.

Evening walks

Ten days overdue. There's really nothing else to say so we just keep walking.

Gypsum

The gypsum was delivered last week for the peanut field. In layman's terms--which is the only way I like to traffic when it comes to farming--gypsum is a mostly-calcium mixture that helps the peanuts absorb the best nutrients for healthy growth by lowering the ph in the soil. The spreader will spread the white dust this week.

No word from the baby.

Due date

No, baby girl hasn't arrived. She is thoroughly ignoring all eviction notices. In an attempt to keep the home spirits up, Nathan started preparations for planting our yard (aka our sand dunes). I cannot tell you how unpleasant it can be walking through ankle-deep sand every time you need something from your car . . . especially when the only type of footwear that fits are flip flops. Not exactly protective gear against the sticks, scratchies and snakes.

Here's hoping the grass seed takes.

Basura

Trash is a funny thing. Its disposal is something I've sorely taken for granted living in my urban world. That has come to an abrupt end.

Rather than recycling trucks and city waste management, we are now the proud owners of one rural incinerator. Nathan built this beauty. Apparently, burning things is a task he did often in the military. That sucker is efficient for sure.

One of the many things I didn't expect living on a vineyard was how this country lifestyle would change the way I shop. Packaging wasn't something I ever noticed--unless it was graphically impressive. But now I not only notice the plastic-to-compostable ratio, it is a significant factor in my purchasing decisions.