Oh and we tried to take out the spiders too. No spiders were harmed in this post -or photographed – so it is safe to proceed.
Yesterday was cold all day. One of those cold days that has a proper serious chill carried by a mean little wind aimed at that one spot of bare on your neck. The cold that makes you hunch and shiver at the thought of what is to come. 
Big Dog brought out his blankie and watched the proceedings from his bed. He really does drag his blankie around with him, he goes through three or four every winter because they catch and rip on sharp things as he runs dragging them along, flying behind him. They get stuck in the ice or get lost. He is wrapped up in at least one every night in the barn. Yesterday was his first day of carrying his blankie around the yard, so I guess this means winter is coming after all.
Cats do not care about the cold. They were discussing secret cat things all day. 
WE spent all morning picking grapes for the Ice Wine.
They were as sweet as table grapes.
We ignored the bemused and confused peahens calling out “who has been eating my breakfast” in honk language.
The grapes were stripped from the stems, everything went into the pot. A Stock Pot for the wino. The pigs and chickens fought over the skins and stalks after ..
..everything was crushed with potato mashers and freezing cold hands, left to wallow for a while and exchange flavours, then strained in the press. 
Twice. Yes Roger you are right; the glass you see above you is from my first vintage. Vintage is such a posh word. Looks and big posh words can be deceiving. And Jed just for you, even though I left in all the dried up exciting looking grapes, and the few sweet rotting ones, and even a few cobwebs, together with the pinky, plump and juicy ones, I did take out all the earwigs. 
The resulting cloudy, dirty looking, delicious smelling grape juice will settle overnight. Then John will take over as the boss and proceed with the wine making process. I take over again when it is drinking time. This is a very long wait for me you understand. I will need a lot of support.
The Daily View was taken later in the afternoon yesterday. 
I know that the temperature gauge does not look as cold as it really was. But there was a chilly wind. I am told that it is warming up again this week which will be very nice, thank you very much.
There is another Weblog presenting a daily picture. Over at My Little Corner of Rhode Island – where Angels have no fear treading- Marie takes a shot of her view every Four O’Clock. We are enjoying the comparisons.
Have a lovely, lovely day. Celi.
The Kitchen's Garden 
62 responses to “Everything but the Earwigs – Making Wine on the Farmy.”
Not only beautiful and informative, but your blog is always so well written and fun to read. I LOVE stopping by here!
It is another world – another universe this Farmy of yours. Daily you capture the magic of ordinary things. Daily you create magic with your words and photographs. I read your blog then carry it with me through the day. I must certain raise a glass to you Celi. Hugs Virginia
Another wonderful day in the life… of Big Dog 😉
Lovely post.
(If you want spider pictures, I have some….) 🙂
I do love spiders but Mandy and John are terrified of them..so I am very careful not to traumatise them.. bless.. i shall pop over to your place to see some.. c
I learn so much from reading your posts about the natural life of growing things, and how to transform them into eating things – and drinking things ! XXX
eating and drinking!! aaah.. c
Thank you for responding. After I wrote it, I thought to myself that was a harsh thing to say. It’s just that I love Big Dog every bit as much as every other creature on the Farmy, and it kind of bothered me he wasn’t given a human name.
No that was not harsh at all.. the animals kind of name themselves after a while.. and he has always been the biggest dog, but he is fading in a way, old now.. so holding onto his moniker of the Big Dog seems important to how he interacts with the rest.. even limping, and slow to get up, he is the first to growl and bark at a cat who gets too close to his bowl.. dear old thing..c
Wine making and cute dog pictures! Great post!
That is funny about the earwigs. Do they like grapes, too? The story of Big Dog and his ever-present blanket is just too much! I have never seen a dog take their blanket with them. Maybe he has arthritic joints that don’t like the cold. We’ve had chill and a bit of wind and rain all day. Even a thunderstorm thrown in for good measure! I’m glad you are expecting a warm-up, maybe it will find its way here next week.
i am going to stalk that dog this winter and get a shot for you of him running, a portion of the blanket in his mouth, the blanket flying out behind him like a superman cape..
I would love to see that!
Oh I DO have to agree about Big Dog! You do collect the most intelligent animals as family: first the Shush Sisters and now a dog knowing exactly how to achieve creature comforts! Love the view of your home . . . comfortable . . .
It is comfortable and warm.. morning eha! c
A lot going on plus making wine on the Farmy – Happy Monday!
Maybe Big Dog should be renamed Linus. Love the blanket shots, and the daily view, and the temp gauge, and of course the grape-making. Maybe you need a blanky while you wait for the wine to be ready?
Dogs are like snowflakes. See them in a group and they look and act pretty much alike. Take the time to get to know one, and you’ll see just how unique an individual he is. Big Dog is proof of that. Max doesn’t have a blankie or even a bed. He does steal toilet paper. That’s got to count for something.
We’re on a bit of a roller coaster , Celi. One day warm and the next chilly. Keep your coat and gloves handy! Good night!
I will have to visit Marie.. but will pour myself some ice wine before I go (in your honor of course). What shall we do to help you with the wait?? Hmmm… Send you photos of ice wine in a glass, that could be torture? I could do without until you have yours and then we could toast together? I’m not sure I have the willpower, lol! xx Midge.. er Smidge
if you need a hand with the drinking…I´m your girl!
Hi miss c! Big dog looks soo cute with his blankie 🙂
How long takes the wine to be ready?
You too have very nice day!