Home Again

I was able to return to Athens for an enjoyable weekend with friends and family. Friday Brian and I met artist, Ruth Allen, for oysters and bubbly. Then over to the Dallings for great conversation and wine. After sharing a couple of bottles of my recent North Carolina finds, Raffildini and Laurel Gray, Brian and I went home to spend some quality time listening to Queen.

Saturday we had Lee up for a nice quiet dinner at home. We split a beautiful gamay while eating a top notch bolognese and other goodies Brian spent the day preparing. While Georgia fans were weathering the heavy rain, we were cuddled away on the sofa having boy talk.

Sunday, Brian and I took mom to Tiger Mountain Vineyards (photos to come). The weather was perfect, sunny and cool. It was the perfect road trip for a Sunday afternoon. We caught up with Dad later and had our standing (use to be standing) dinner with the parents.



Monday...well, Monday was full of reading and writing. Then dinner at Mark's, which was EXCELLENT! I have to admit that I sure do miss my close friends and family when I start reminiscing about them.

Spent the rest of the evening watching

Ken Burns' National Parks.

Day Off

I have the day off. Well, maybe not. I have to spend my day reading an eighty page article on grape berry development and wine grape quality. Hopefully this article will be easier for me to read and retain, since I am back in the swing of reading technical science writing. Wish me luck.

Rain storms are on the way to Mount Airy, so I best get out and buy a slicker and boots. It seems that the theme of autumn in Mount Airy is "RAIN". I can't complain, because it sure is pretty. It just won't be so much fun taking estimations tonight.

I am beginning to think that Brian and I might have to have a small intimate gathering to celebrate our marriage. I have been getting a little heat from both families (call them old fashion) and it is hard not to give in. There are some beautiful wineries in the area that allow gatherings. How perfect would that be? I have a live in chef, so.....-grin

Grape Science

The next three free days are going to be filled with studying for my upcoming grape science class. Thursday I will be helping out Shelton Vineyards to a crop estimation with my class, after harvest. Who said technical writing and crop estimation is boring? NOT ME!

Newbie

The past couple of weeks I have been running with the bulls. I knew that the industry was saturated with men, but I had NO idea. They are, for the most part, wonderful men and have been helping me every step of the way. Most of my classmates have been in the department for at least a few semesters, but there are a few of us newbie (like the new vines planted above).

The program is wonderful. I knew it would be great, but I had NO idea. The grape science class is kicking my butt, but I am crossing my fingers that he grades on a curve. I took my first take home quiz and realized how little I know. -grin Since then, I have been all study and no play. I am starting to get the hang of the viticulture thing.

I have spent a couple of days in the vineyards harvesting. It is very romantic getting up at 4am to pick grapes. Other then that I have been out tasting, tasting my nose, and relearning scientific terms.

I have made an executive decision. I don't want to wait tables, even if it is at a popular vineyard. I just don't want to do it...so, I am out looking for employment in anything BUT waiting tables. I figure this is just a part time job, so I can work as a bakery clerk if need be.

Brian is coming up this weekend. We plan to hit the Blue Ridge Parkway and have lunch at Chateau Morrisette on Saturday. Sunday, I think I will take him down to Mount Pilot and then to a friends vineyard, Round Peak.

Chateau Morrisette

Friday I spent my day driving up the Blue Ridge Parkway and visiting Chateau Morrisette. It was a very delightful and relaxing trip. I was very impressed with Morrisette's wines, particularly the 2007 Chambourcin. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good red.

After a wonderful sensory evaluation I hit the road to Roanoke to visit my BFF and her family. Roanoke is beautiful this time of year, everything is green and in bloom. I always love my visits with Allison is this was no exception. We spent happy hour outside on a patio of a local downtown eatery and then off to see live music.

Today I am back in Mount Airy watching a movie and then hitting the books. I have TONS of reading due for my grape science class. Yes, it is as exciting as it sounds. I am a bit overwhelmed by it, this first week of class, but I will get the hang of it. I am also taking a Ag Econ, Wines of the World, and Intro to Viticulture class.

I started my job search last week and I have a good feeling about a waitress job at Shelton Vineyards. It isn't nessacarily my thing...waiting tables, but I am willing to take anything at a vineyard just to get my foot in the door. I plan on putting in my resume to Chateau Morrisette, as well. It is an hour away, but I figure I can commute for a couple times a week.

Bibbi Forsman: it's up in Lidköping

Bibbi has finished her wall.
She never ceases to amaze me with her work.

Bibbi Forsman: it's up in Lidköping

The Mr.

Brian and I went up to Mount Airy this past week, so that he could get a taste of where I will be living for the next 2 years. The day before we left he asked me to marry him, so when we arrived on Monday we hit the court house and tied the knot. Above is a photo of Brian spreading the word to the parents.

I am back until Monday and then I am heading back up to Airy for my first day of class on Tuesday. I have signed up for http://www.audible.com/ , so that I can have some fun books on tape for my 5 hour drives. Of course my first book is all about wine.