Going to the Crusher

It is not uncommon at this time of year to be stuck behind a slow moving vehicle loaded with grapes. Usually they are much larger trucks.

Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting grapes. It's all about the sugar content of the grapes. The late summer heat will bring up the sugar, but there is always the risk that the weather will turn and ruin the crop. If it's too hot, the grapes will turn to raisins. If it rains, they will mold. I'm guessing this farmer had a few grapes he left on the vines to soak up the last of the Autumn sun and since it is very cold and gloomy today he's decided to harvest them before it rains.

The grapes are still on the vines in front of the farmhouse. I hope Carmine comes and picks them this weekend. Although it is supposed to warm up again in a few days....That's why I'm not a farmer. there's always something to worry about.

Our book group was very pleasant last night, perhaps because the group was small. We were all in agreement that Madeline Albright was an extraordinary woman. We were even in agreement about the basic premise of a book called The Mighty and the Almighty. The differences came over the role of religion in world affairs, and the digressions came over the plight role of women on the diplomatic scene. Our next meeting will be a trip to the UC Botanical Gardens to see a sculpture exhibit currently installed there. Sometimes it's rather nice to have a non-book book group event.