After many days of fun in the sun in Sonoma County, we finally have taken a couple of days to do the things that are necessary at the ranch. It was a hard lesson to realize that we can’t play all the time, but that reality seems to be enjoyed by our grandchildren. Naomi and Grandma went on a nursery-shopping extravaganza at Harmony Farm Supply and Nursery where we bought perennials, Italian basil, fresh tarragon and a beautiful Gravenstein apple tree. We wanted to surprise Grandpa with the tree, which will be planted at the ranch to honor Russian River Valley’s reputation as the center of the universe for this delicious fruit.
Back at the ranch, Grandson Sebastian pruned away the suckers from all the trees and stumps on the property, and granddaughter Naomi took on the responsibility of watering the trees, shrubs, vegetables and roses. She also replanted a half barrel that is displayed at the entrance of the vineyard with the various beautiful perennials we’d purchased. Grandpa trimmed the long hedge along the roadway and mowed all the non-vineyard property. Grandma’s job was to hoe the east block, where weeds are working hard to take hold, and plant the tarragon and basil in anticipation of some beautiful Italian meals in the near future.
To congratulate us all for a day of hard work, Grandpa awarded us with his famous Spaghetti alla Carbonara.