We've changed our mind

We decided instead of opening a winery, we would open an indoor playground for the kids :)  We'll have wine and drinks available for the big kids, and lots of sand for the little kids to dig in.  Sounds fun, right? I'm totally kidding, but our kids had a great time yesterday running around and digging in the sand pile inside the production space. 

This week Gateway focused on getting the roof liner buttoned up, closing up the floor trusses on the outside, and installing the house wrap on the ceiling of the production space.  We are pushing hard to get that space prepared to pour the floor hopefully at the end of this week. 

In order for that to happen, we need to get the floor drains installed, the plumbers need to come out to make the connections to the drains, and the sand needs to be re-compacted.  The State Plumbing inspector needs to then come out and approve everything before the cement trucks can come. Any and all positive thoughts and prayers will be accepted! :)  Once the floor is poured, the clock starts and we need to wait 28 days before we can start installing equipment.  So the sooner the floor is poured, the sooner we can start making wine! 

These floor drains will have a narrow opening with a wider base underneath the concrete floor and will look similar to the photo below when its complete.  These will be installed under each row of tanks and will help collect water from our tank wash-downs and move the water away quickly, resulting in a safer environment for us to work in. These were on Joe's "must have" list of items he wanted for the production space, so hopefully they won't disappoint! 

Lastly, a small tribute.  My good friend Megan lost her battle with cancer over the weekend. She fought so hard and her body endured so much. She was one-of-a-kind!  She loved cats and worked relentlessly at rescuing them and finding them new homes.  She re-homed a few on our farm over the years.  She had the most beautiful voice too and my plan was to have her perform at the winery next summer.  Sadly that won't happen, but I have a feeling she will find ways to let us know she's still with us - probably through stray cats showing up every now and then :) I have lots of regrets, wishing I would have made more of an effort to see her after I moved, wishing we took more pictures, wishing we would have taken that trip she always talked about, wishing I would have been able to see her one last time and say goodbye.  I know she knew I loved her and that's what matters most.  She loved unconditionally, gave selflessly, fought her battle fiercely, and lived freely.

I'm so grateful she shared a bit of her life with us.  Rest in peace friend!