Raising the roof!

The building is really starting to take shape!  This week the rafters were installed and our vision is finally coming to life. Shane and his crew placed the rafters in both parts of the building and are now working on securing the roof sheeting.  We are pushing to get the building capped so we can get the floor poured in the production space because we need to start making wine very soon if we want it to be drinkable by summer time. 

This week our electric service was hooked up and it appeared to go pretty smoothly.  We hardly noticed they were here - at least I didn't :) Runestone Electric worked in conjunction with Mike from Lundebrek Electric to make it happen.  Mike has been on the site quite a bit this week helping make the connection to the building and staging his supplies.  I'm looking forward to seeing the lighting plans come to life.  Joe and Mike have something pretty cool in store for us!

And Lundblads were back this week grading the east side of the building, removing dirt piles and rock, and smoothing things out.   The weather has been nice and dry this week, although a bit chilly, which has made for some great days to get the dirt work caught up on.  Finally, NO MUD!  If it wasn't so cold we would have been able to get the grass seeded yet this fall, but it looks like that will have to wait until springtime. They also added another level to the retaining wall.  The biggest question now is how should we dress it up?  Or is it beautiful all on its own?  The fact that every single rock came from our property is just so cool. 

Joe has been busy this week trying to get the crop harvest wrapped up as well.  We have about 50 acres of corn left and just a small field of beans. They have put some really, really long days in, and the boys are starting to miss their dad, as I'm sure he's missing us as well.  The forecast looks favorable and we are all looking forward to the end of this crazy fall.    We have also started chopping stalks and working ground, trying to beat the frost.  We will get done what we can, but it's hard not to wish for the finish line to come!

And the grapes are hardening off really nice - we like to see that dark reddish/brown color!  They will sleep now until around May when the sap will start to push and the buds will break open.  For now, we will let them sleep and enjoy the break from the vines. 

Happy Halloween Everybody!  I took the boys trick-or-treating last night for a couple of hours and finished up the night with a pizza party in the field.  They got way too much candy, but they had a really great time!  This was the first year Oliver walked with his older brothers and he did a great job keeping up with them.   We had a Minecraft Creeper, Harry Potter, and Gekko from PJ Masks.

And without further ado, the online store is officially open!  We will keep the apparel items available in the store until November 16th.  These items are all made to order so get shopping!  The rest of the items will be available until the inventory is sold out.  I really hope you are able to find things you love!  And everything will be delivered locally or shipped by December 16th, so you should have them by the holidays!

One exciting thing I have added are tours that will be available starting late next summer.  Maybe these unique experiences will help you check that really difficult person to buy for off your list!  If anything isn't clear, feel free to send me a message and I will do my best to walk you through that process.  Dates will be reserved via phone or e-mail, but the packages can be purchased right from the website. 

"When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance." :)