Summer in the vineyard

 It always amazes me that something that looks so lifeless in the winter, can become so full of luscious growth in the summer. During this time I work to manage the weed growth and mow  the 3 acres at least once a week. The last placement of fertilizer will be around July 1, Southern States Garden Super Grow. We've had some rain, but I have to supplement with our irrigation from the well.  There is also pruning in the summer. Yes, pruning. Suckers grow from the base and extra vinegrowth on the main branch has to be clipped back to allow for the nutrients to reach the main area of the vine. This also helps the plant's stress level of having to provide water to so much vine during this hot weather. I have to make sure there is good air flow also through the vines. Watching for insects as Japanese beetles and June bugs is an ever going issue.  So,  this is a busy time, but a pleasurable one. Watching the grapes mature enhances the excitement of the harvest in the fall.

Reid said, "Honey, get your camera!" I took this from the sideporch of our home. It went all the way across the sky. How beautiful it was. How awesome to be at that place at that time to witness nature, God's creation.  Recently Jacob and Luke, the grandsons, were at our home. There was a rainbow that day, as well, not as big or brillant, but still nice to share the experience. Jacob asked if we could go to the end of the rainbow to get a pot of gold. Wasn't expecting that from a 4 year old. I think we tried to explain to him that a person can not get to the end of the rainbow and maybe that if we got there, the gold might already be gone.
That makes me think about how when we get to where we thought we wanted go, sometimes it turns out not to be what we anticipated or even really wanted. The joy comes in the journey and experiences we have and share with others as we move forward in our lives. So, today, I am thankful for the blessings of a rainbow. Peace