Arbor Day Has Arrived!

So, Arbor Day Eve at the Rancho was the big excitement around here. Michael was so stoked to drive the backhoe up the driveway. After he had a lot of time moving earth around he let the kids go for a ride.



Valerie did her part in the orchard too on Arbor Eve.



Alas, Sunrise over the partially prepared site of our future orchard!



Alligator came over to help put in the plants. Here we are taking a break from digging holes for the grape vines. I believe this one is a Chardonnay vine.



I tell you, he's a real farmer that Gator!





























So, here's the progress during the day. Very satisfying to see trees in what was just yesterday a barren patch of weeds. Now there is a promise of shade and fruit and birds and bees back there!



Here are the long shadows at the end of the day looking back toward chicken land. We got 11 trees in. We'll finish the rest on Sunday as I'll be on farm tour tomorrow. I'll be sampling the best wine/cheese/olive oil this valley has to offer ... who knows how it will inspire the direction of our future yard?