First signs of life

An exciting and somewhat relieving sight this morning: the buds on some of the Syrah vines are starting to burst (so I didn't kill them when I pruned them!). The whole vineyard was sprayed last week and early next week we're off to collect the first load of fertiliser as part of our programme to improve the overall soil quality of the vineyard.

Quite often while working (or just walking) in the vineyard, we'll be accompanied by one (or sometimes a handful) of New Zealand Fantail birds. They're constantly flitting about, in and around the vines and are not the least intimidated by people, often sitting, chirping or hovering just a few feet away and following our every move.

Ned's New Favourite Place

I don't think we're going to have much luck with flowers this year:

Garage - Work Begins

The work on our new garage has begun in the last few days, now that the council has agreed to let us build it (only 5m from our boundary, not 10m as the stated minimum). So, the driveway is being reshaped a little and the ground flattened and made ready for the concrete pad.

If you are of a nervous disposition or your doctor has advised against you witnessing the sight of unfinished building works or exposed rebar, look away now:

From the house

Down the driveway

The garage site