This is just a quick update of the garden situation. See the previous post here.
Several years ago, I planted some timber bamboo in a big pot in the front yard. One stalk turned into two, then into twenty.
Last week, the heavy snow toppled the (half buried) pot – blocking the front steps. We decided to do something about it, but when we cut the pot open, there was a surprise. Inside, no dirt was left. Only bamboo.
First, I attacked it with the Sawzall. Little damage was done. Jamie lent us a chainsaw, but the rip-cord broke on the second pull. So, it came down to an axe and brute force. Nothing like swinging an axe in the rain.
Now it is starting to snow again :(
There are some tremendous grape vines growing on the south side of my house. The vines were planted years ago by my landlord and each year we get buckets of concord, himrod, and canadice grapes. Usually, we make a little juice or jelly and let the rest go to the birds. This year, Jamie and I decided to take a chance on wine.
Took most of the day to pick, de-stem and crush grapes. A press would have expedited the process, but we did fairly well with just a colander and an old pot. At the end of the day, we had 22 gallons brewing. 12 of concord, 5 of candice and 5 of a medially (mixed). This should produce at least 50 bottles of … something. Each brew was a different color. I will add the yeast tomorrow.
If it seems to be brewing well – I will come back and add the recipe.
