Get Down and Dirty

We've had such a spectacular couple of spring days. Here is the view from my deck in the morning on days like this. It was actually taken yesterday, but it looked the same today, except the trees are closer to having real leaves. No one stays inside on days like this unless they HAVE to. For example, my neighbor goes up to the mountain early to snowboard, then comes home to work after noon.

Yesterday was Marathon Monday. For those of you not in the know, it's the day of the Boston Marathon. This year, as you all have heard by now, Oregonian Kara Goucher came in third, which was big news around these parts.The Red Sox play an early game (and took the broom to the Orioles for a 4 game sweep). They like Marathon Monday.

At Boston College, where Alina is, classes are canceled because the marathon goes right by the school at the famous Heartbreak Hill. Students line the street to cheer. Students have parties in the mods and dorms. It's a special day. Alina really liked it this year because she has a killer Monday schedule (5 classes).

We chose to celebrate Marathon Monday up at Energeia Vineyards with John, Regina, Lynette and James. As usual, they started early. We got there a little after 1 (Lloyd had errands in The Dalles earlier), so it was very warm and sunny and dusty. We left at 7:30. I lost count of how many gewurtz I planted. Regina womanned the tractor and drilled holes all afternoon. James alternated between telecommuting from the trailer and marking where Regina should drill. John left for his day job at the restaurant.

Lloyd, dressed in his finest farmer outfit, planted and marked rows. He's multitalented. I think the knee pads are a nice touch, don't you?

Lynette did a market run (she was out of Cook's Champagne) then pruned the root stock because her severe sunburn did not need any more exposure. I planted until I couldn't plant any more. About 6 pm I got pruning lessons from Lynette and found a new talent. One I could perform in an upright position and in the shade of the EZup tent. I could also sip some Cook's Champagne (over ice).

Someday, many years from now when wine is being made from these grapes, we can say, hey, we helped plant those. And we have a greater appreciation for the vineyard workers who make that wine possible. Here's to the field workers that Regina hired today!