That said, today it was 100 106 degrees Upvalley. It [...]]]> From what I understand, the ripening of most grapes is behind “schedule” this year due to the unusually mild temperatures we’ve been experiencing. So, this will likely be a late harvest–unless we have early rains. Rain pretty much necessitates harvest as the grapes can be damaged.

That said, today it was 100 106 degrees Upvalley. It will be interesting to watch what happens from here on out.

Below you can see that the grapes are well beyond veraison and that the leaf canopy has really developed since Update #5.

That development is particularly notable as I’m told that quite a bit of canopy management–meaning successive cutting back of the leaves–has been occurring in most vineyards. This cutting allows more sunlight to reach the grape clusters, thereby optimizing the ripening process. There has been more of this cutting this year than in past due to this summer’s crazy cool weather.

Toward Nickel & Nickel Winery

Grape Clusters Nineteen Weeks Post Bud Break

Towards Robert Mondavi Winery

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Tom, he still has of one of the signature CDs of the era (though he lost the hair long ago).

We were recently enjoying U2’s October when kiddo spied the cover.

So when you get over how young they all look, check [...]]]> The year, 1981.
You likely sported the mod look, had big hair, and feared the Soviet Union.

Tom, he still has of one of the signature CDs of the era (though he lost the hair long ago).

We were recently enjoying U2’s October when kiddo spied the cover.

So when you get over how young they all look, check out what became her drawing du jour.

Left to right, it’s totally Adam, Bono (check out the bang flip thing!), Larry (more bangs), and The Edge (see that left ear?).

There are also concert-goers under a tent–albeit a princess tent, of course–and people rushing in because they are late for the show. And then…there’s the completely random “doggie trampoline” at bottom.

By the way, if the mod/big hair/Soviet Union/U2 October left you wanting more 1981, try clicking here: “Gloria” by U2

So where were you when you first heard “Gloria”?

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Saranac Lake, New York

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Did you know that one in six kids in California are affected by childhood hunger? Could you imagine having to put your child to bed hungry? It’s heartbreaking. This shouldn’t be. You can help.

I am organizing Battle of the Barrels: Team Napa vs Team UpValley, and boy, would we appreciate your support. It’s a food drive benefiting the [...]]]> Dear Readers,

Did you know that one in six kids in California are affected by childhood hunger?
Could you imagine having to put your child to bed hungry?
It’s heartbreaking.
This shouldn’t be.
You can help.

I am organizing Battle of the Barrels: Team Napa vs Team UpValley, and boy, would we appreciate your support. It’s a food drive benefiting the Napa Valley Food Bank.

You can find more information on the Battle of the Barrels Facebook Page, and while you’re at it, it’d be super-cool if you’d ‘Like’ the page and help spread the word to your Facebook friends, neighbors, co-workers, and more.

Thanks in advance,
Jessica, Tom & Samantha

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I think I enjoyed it more than kiddo did. But she had fun too…

So, all my posts for the month–the month I am attempting NaBloPoMo–have been dated ahead of what what is true. The Animal Friends Indeed post? Published yesterday, [...]]]> I just realized that all the time/date stamping of my posts has been wrong.
Seems I set the time for 5 hours ahead of the default–instead of 5 hours behind.

So, all my posts for the month–the month I am attempting NaBloPoMo–have been dated ahead of what what is true. The Animal Friends Indeed post? Published yesterday, not today.

As I am not about to change the date on every post thus far, I’ve decided to just correct the setting moving forward. So you will see two (plus this one) posts that show today as the publication date.

(There also seems to be a bug in my category selections, but that’s another story.)

Just know that I have indeed posted every day this month.
Only three more days to go!

Here’s the kind of photos we’re getting.

Do your kids do this too?

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