The portable sawmill guy came last week – and the sawmill is still sitting in our back field. Each day, Jeff helped saw some of the logs and old barn beams that we have been accumulating. A lot of it was walnut so far. By the end of the week, we had a pretty nice pile of lumber started. We still have another walnut log, 2 maple logs and one sugarberry log to go.
After planting over 250 grapevines on Friday, Saturday brought saturating rains…no chance for working in the garden at all. Luckily we had another type of “shower” planned for that afternoon – Gracie’s surprise bridal shower, which sure made up for all the rain!It took until late Sunday afternoon that the ground was ok enough to start planting more vines – got another 60 in the ground, then it got too dark. About 200 more to go (the root stocks are safe in a trench, soaked, and covered with peat moss and soil).
Cement was delivered and poured earlier this week for what we are calling our future crush pad. This is a section right in front of the barn where the outside floor is level with the inside barn floor, which will make it really easy to roll out our cider press. The section is also high enough off the ground on the far end to line up with a trailer or bed of a pick-up truck. This area could also be used as a patio, since it offers a nice view of the pond and grape vines – or, if need be, it could double as a dance floor! Another large project done…just in time, because on Friday we are getting our order of 500 new grape vines!!!!
