Vineyard puppy

Two months old . . .

And teething. I didn't know that was possible.

Beautiful August peanuts

Our first grape harvest

For you inquiring minds . . .

• This year we harvest by hand because the vines are still delicate. Next year we anticipate a mechanical harvest.
• The timing of grape harvest depends upon sugar and ph levels in the fruit. Oftentimes wineries dictate what levels they want based on what kind of wine they intend to make. Grape growers test the crops repeatedly waiting for the right levels, then harvest begins.
• Once harvested, grapes are trucked to their respective wineries post haste. The longer the fruit is off the vine, the lower its quality. So speedy transport is in everyone's best interest.
• These grapes beat the pants off the table grapes you buy at the grocery store. So unbelievably good.

Rain Day!

Our first of the year. We are thrilled.

Rain days mean Daddy's home and that means I get unanticipated hours to work on manuscripts. Score.

New normal

So this is what our life amounts to now: Evening walks in the vineyard with baby, Cotton and a .45. Not what I guessed back in fifth grade at career day.

Sophie by numbers

One month and four days old.

Eating up to eight ounces at a sitting. I'm told that's a Lake baby for you.

Traveled like a champ over fifty-four hours in the past two weeks by car.

Sleeping up to six blessed hours in a row.

First swimming experience at three weeks. She wasn't a fan.