sweet berry picking

Lilas and her pickings ...not quite the ripe grapes papa is hoping for, but they taste just as good
Lilas and her pickings …not quite the ripe grapes papa is hoping for, but they taste just as good

A little mini update from the vineyards…

‘Les Vendanges’ (harvest) will begin remarkably late for us this year, with picking beginning as late as one week from now.  Yes we’re enjoying beautiful sunny days in these first few days of September, but the grapes are having a hard time ripening due to 2013’s fairly cool Spring and late Summer.   Waiting waiting waiting.  Benji’s getting those annual, pre-mens vendanges nerves and I’m keeping food on the table…

But even if the grapes aren’t all sweet and ripe for the picking, there is some ripe fruit to be had…  After an evening’s inspection of the vignes (vines), we’ve been tucking into the wild mures (blackberries) out the back!… 

grape walk3

grape walk 2

grape walk

berry picking season

berry picking season 2

And hey Dad, Happy Birthday!!….

Happy Birthday Pete

Before I get started after all this time away,  distracted by a Summer full of time with loved ones in all this delicious heat, I have to say (is it one year already!??)

Happy Birthday Pop!

It’s a biggie, but as you know, it’s only as much as you feel.  And that deserves a toast!

Have a good one and here’s to more voyages across the sea!

pete's birthday pic