The End Of Harvest.

And then the cold came...

Apart from a few rows sporadically situated about, all vines have been harvested and so far most wine farmers are extremely happy with their yields and are hoping for a great vintage. In a wine making area such as ours, having a great harvest makes the world of difference. Farmers happy, village ecstatic.

Now that harvesting is over Bob will be back to normal hours and be home for supper. After a month or so of not having him home for supper I have to rethink my cooking choices and cooking times. But that is a nice problem to have as it is much nicer to eat supper with him.

The pumpkin fields have also been harvested and that bodes well for pumpkin seed oil and Halloween. Yes, Halloween is around the corner and a huge celebration in our village. Only this morning I noticed our neighbhours having cut out pumpkin faces lining the stairs up to their front door. Gosh, they must have patience and imagination as I wouldn't know how to carve a pumpkin never mind making it appear scary.

The next few months will be a most exciting time for children. The shorter the days are getting the more festive the kids will be. Yes, one can hardly believe that Christmas is mere weeks away. Time to write a wish list for Santa and time to decorate the Christmas tree and time to get ready for all those advent functions complete with Glühwein and Lebkuchen.

Despite the nip in the air and the foreboding of more colder times ahead, it is also a wonderful part of the year. Of course, once the pristine snow has turned brown and mushy the hated summer heat will be the most yearned for time of all...

Biggi