From a grape-growing perspective, I am glad to see the back of 2011. Rain, rain and more rain. Cooler than average temperatures. Persistent marine fog. Powdery mildew running amok through Vinoland. Just one of these trying climatic conditions would have been perhaps a tolerable nuisance, but all of them in a single, abbreviated growing season? One would have been forgiven for expecting a plague of locusts of biblical proportions next. Besides all that, it was quite a good year. But 2012 will be better.
A happy, healthy and fermented-grape juice filled New Year to everyone.
8 comments:
That just sounds like an average day here
Funny, in 2011 all I kept thinking is: how close is the locust crowd?
Thud: Including the pestilence?
Thomas: Well, you did have those Japanese beetles to worry about!
Hoping for less rain for your part. We just had loads of rain in new Zealand as well!!! What's happening!
Vinogirl,
The Japanese beetles did arrive, but seemingly in fewer numbers. I believe my plan might be working. I read where one beetle can represent 1500 offspring. So, I go out each afternoon and put a few hundred to rest. The way I figure it, over a few years, I should be able to get the number down to a manageable family that I might even get to know each by name...
Happy New Year, Vinogirl and may you go from strength to strength.
ALW: In contrast to the summer of 2011, as you are probably aware, California has just had the 3rd driest December on record (since 1849). I loved it!
Thomas: You are going to be busy for quite a while then!
WH: Thanks! The same to you...wishing you lots of luck with your new endeavour in 2012.
Hope you have a great 2012, Vinogirl.
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