I Love Lucy's Newsletter No 16

IT'S NEARLY 12 MONTHS....

0n 12th November 2009 we resigned ourselves to the unavoidable fact that our beloved Lucy was never going to get better and we made the heart-breaking decision to say goodbye. We have buried her in the garden with the very first bottle of Lucy's Run that came off the conveyor belt tucked tightly between her front paws.

We still miss her terribly.

Our sweet Sophie has adapted to the role of 'meeter and greeter', somewhat reluctantly at times, and is now growing into a dear little dog. She's a simple soul but very affectionate and has adopted John as her special friend. I'm allowed cuddles but only if John isn't doing something exciting which requires her supervision - usually from the comfort of the front seat of the truck. She initially put on stacks of weight without Lucy to keep her active but is now looking pretty trim and is much healthier. Which is best considering that it's now Spring with the heat of Summer not too far away - a very busy time for the vineyard.

The vines look fresh and young with new bright green shoots. The verdelho always starts off as the most vigorous but the merlot and shiraz soon catch up. Once the branches become too long and wild, they have to be raised on wires to a higher level to allow fresh air and light to reach as much of the vine as possible. This discourages diseases and encourages healthy juicy berries. Good wines come from good fruit and it has always been our aim to grow clean fruit with great flavour.

Of course weeds also appreciate the heat and rain of the season and must be kept in check so the vine's growth isn't hindered by unwanted competition.

I think Lucy would approve of the look of the vineyard but she certainly would be most disapproving of the number of kangaroos that have returned to the paddocks and olive grove since her absence. Sophie lacks the rigorous authority, and speed, that previously kept them at bay.

The welcoming committee amongst the olive trees will be a new sight next time you come to Lucy's Run.

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