Memorial Day weekend at the cabin was a relaxing good time.

Our daughter Jennie and our son-in-law Justin (and Rex their dog) came up to spend the weekend with us. We always eat and drink really good on the holiday weekends when we have company, and this weekend was no exception. Elaine is an excellent cook and her cuisine never disappoints.

Saturday started with the Memorial Day parade in Blairsville in the morning followed by a tour of the arts and craft booths on the square. Elaine of course found some jewelry she liked and bought it. Justin played 18 holes at the Union County golf course which he told us was the nicest course he has played. When Justin got back, he helped me configure and install the irrigation drip system. It was quicker and easier to set up than I imagined. The timer is all set to water the vines Weds AM automatically. Of course, there is lots of rain in the forecast when I got it done.

Sunday was a slow leisurely day with most of the afternoon spent at Crane Creek enjoying the vineyards and their wine. E packed a nice lunch and we found a quiet picnic table to enjoy it. We tried a new CC wine called Zusa. According to their website; Zusammengeschmolzen, German for combined, blended fused. A Teutonic blend of the Northern European varieties, Gruner Veltliner, Riesling, and Traminette. A wonderfully classic, wine… Cool, crisp, and clean with hints of citrus and melon. Zusa is perfect for the “Dog Days” of summer! Pretty refreshing on a hot day.

On Monday Jennie and I took the kayak down the Nottely river, launching at the new area to Meeks park built off old hwy 76, close to the cabin. We went down into the lake and turned around to come back. We got wet, but we had a good time.

The vines with one exception are doing extremely well. I have a couple vines that are over 2 feet tall! The Norton’s have been true to their reputation and are going gangbusters with long skinny shoots bursting out. Norton #3 is a bust though. See the couple of pictures showing the size of the vines inside the grow tubes. Those tubes are 30 inches tall and only sunk in the ground a few inches. I’m thrilled with the progress so far and am already planning a couple more rows. E wants some Cabernet Franc vines, so those are on the short list.

Holiday weekend summary: 

• relaxation
• visiting with the kids
• visiting the in-laws
• Memorial Day honor & remembrance
• s’mores
• Wine
• Racko
• Atlas Shrugged Part 3 movie
• Crane Creek
• kayaking
• little bit of vineyard work
• Helping Elaines’s aunt with her lawnmower