Home sweet Home

Wow, we had a great trip, but it sure is good to be back.  The month of May is my favorite time of year, all the leaves are out and seemingly everything is in bloom.  The poppies are my favorite, dotted around the countryside, in the vineyards and along the roadside, I can see why they brought a glimpse of hope and happiness to the soldiers in WWII, they certainly brighten my days.

It's been raining here quite a bit!  Things were so busy before we left we didn't have time for a copper and sulfur treatment on the vines, thus we worried the whole time we were gone, and must have driven some of our friends crazy with our phone calls every other day!    

Luckily, upon our return everything looked good, no signs of a massive outbreak of mildew or odium, phew.  Matt got out there Sunday and sprayed all of the vineyards, so we should be ok.  The vines seem to have grown a lot, and the weeds too!  It hasn't rained for a few days so we're hoping that things will dry out enough to get the Weed Badger out this weekend, but right now they are talking about more rain, Saturday and Sunday.  We'll see.

This week is my last push to finish the 2009 version of the Bettane and Desseauve guide, so I'm stuck in front of my computer when I'd rather be out "suckering" in the vineyards.  (removing the "suckers" or vine shoots that are sprouting out in the wrong places. )  I say that now, but after a day or two, I'll wish I had an excuse not to have to sucker anymore.  I have to admit, it's my least favorite vineyard activity, maybe this year will be different though, who knows!?

I'll tell you all about our trip in the coming days, but for now I have to get back to the guide....