window frames

I snapped photos of what I saw through window panes this week.

We try to hike every week.

And in this frigid weather we went to the highest spot in GW Forest and when we summited, the sky was big, the wind was wild and the moon was rising.

 The gate was, um, open and we climbed up the fire tower...

...and the view back into the valley where we live was long and gorgeous.

And a frame of the western view towards WV.

Some game hunters had built a fire in the path and we gratefully warmed on our shivering hike down. The whole day was in the 20's.

Uncovering my cold frames from fallen snow, I verified that all my plants still at least have a pulse.

And I uncovered exquisite ice art on the underside of the panes in the windows keeping them warm (okay, not so warm).

The marvels of creation leave me stammering.
Welcome Winter! 

Grape Harvest

The grape harvest in the eastern coast came three weeks early this year.

 M&I became seasonal workers in a vineyard just over the hill, owned and operated by his kin. For three crazy weeks, we plucked fruit by the bushel (for market) and ton (for the wineries).

 I gained much respect for the hard work of harvesting by hand and bringing in undamaged goods.

 During the harvest, we celebrated the anniversary of one year since we'd started dating.

 We mostly picked Concord's but here are some Niagra's.

 Sometimes we started at sunrise, trying to beat the blazing heat. After a break, we worked until dark.

It was fun to be a farm hand, eat with the workers at lunch, bringing in your boxes and baskets to be weighed.

 These grapes are widely known as some of the best in the area. 

Reaching under the leafery, there was a delightful thud as a clump of grapes, bursting with intoxicating summer, fell into my waiting hand. M might add to this idyllic picture the swarm of tipsy bees that relocate to your personal space with a vengeful souvenir.

 A view of one section of the vineyards.

Grapes were sold in by the farm house. Workers of course were allowed to eat as much as we liked as we picked, as long as our work was still fruitful.

Picking grapes is only one part of the process and we had chances to help in different areas.
Most memorable was seeing what really goes into wine. Yes, sweet juicy grapes, but also yellow jackets, stems, grape leaves, grass...and more!

All in all, an estimated 110 ton came off those vines in three weeks time and I was glad for the chance to be part of it and do something I'd never done before.