Lessons

With the Internet down there was no good reason to stay within the confines of home, so I ventured off to the vineyard for the first time in weeks.  I had stopped going because I had developed a cold that wouldn't shift, aching bones and a general apathy to being outside in freezing cold temperatures.

On my approach to the vineyard I walk past a wooded area that is part of the Forty Hall Estate.  Just me and the trees, some squirrels and the cackling of the Corvidae family of birds.  I could have quite happily stayed a while in such tranquil surroundings but there was work to be done.

Up at the vineyard, a north easterly wind blew straight through me and challenged my senses as I tried to coax unyielding vines to bend.  Desperately wanting to work quickly, bending the vines is not a job to be done in haste.  Between thumb and forefinger the vine has to be warmed and manipulated downwards onto the wire, twisted along and then tied down.  If you try to hurry the vine snaps and you have lost this years grape harvest from that plant.  It was a lesson in patience and endurance.

Talking of patience and endurance, just recently I am beginning to feel a little persecuted by the Universe.  Contentment is fleeting but drudge and toil seem always present. I don't remember the last time I had a good old fashioned belly laugh!  Patience and endurance,  you have shown to be hard task masters and you have now outstayed your welcome.  Please be gone.