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

Lap of Luxury

Who knows whether we'll ever actually have paying guests, but for those of you who pay us a visit, we think you'll be comfortable:

...and by the time you arrive there might even be bedside lamps and pictures on the walls, too!

Ready to plant

The vineyard is finally clear of the Syrah plants we've taken out and ready for the Chardonnay to arrive in the next few weeks. It's very satisfying to see it looking neat and tidy and with the weather so nice, it makes the labour a little more enjoyable!

The only downside to clearing out the vineyard is the better view down the garden it provides for the ever vigilant, rabbit-spotting dogs!

A critical floor

This week we've had the carpet in the living room replaced with wood. It makes the room much brighter, but more importantly, it's easier to mop up muddy paw prints! We're hoping to use the old carpet to make some doormats and runners that will lessen the muddiness even further.

Before

After

At first the dogs weren't too keen and the noise of their claws on the wood means we can hear them coming. They're getting used to it now and as long as they've got a bed to lay on, they're not too fussed.

Steaming Vines

There's been a slight frost in the last couple of days - quite unusual for this far North. The days have been warm and sunny, though, so first thing this morning, as the frost melted to dew and the sun hit the vines, it was quite a pretty sight: