This is from my journal at the farm. Its probably a late entry. I may make several entries a day to try to keep up with the backlog of entries I have.

Most of my afternoon was spent in the vineyard with Rich.  We have over 600 grape vines to plant, something we have been putting off.  Its hard to look at our vineyard which had 1200+ vines growing happily last year and see only about 30% made it through the winter.  We had an early frost (first week in Sept) last year and it took its toll on our new vines.  We are hearing that many other vineyards suffered the same fate.

So this year, Rich decided to change how we plant the new vines.  Last year he used a post hole digger to make the holes for the plants but we have since discovered that the lovely sandy loom soil we have somewhat collapses on the plant causing basically a sink hole.  Today, Rich dug each hole with a ditching spade and I followed with plant and water.  We managed to plant 102 marquette vines and 5 somerset seedless vines in a few short hours. 

Afte supper, the neighbor, Nick, stopped by and hung out for the evening.  Rich announced to me after Nick left that my services in the vineyard were no longer needed as he had hired Nick to help finish the 500+ vines and do put in allthe posts as well.  Ahhh, that was music to my ears.  I have plenty to do with the gardens right now so Nick's help is greatly appreciated.

Carol