Grape News! and Great News!

Jeff and I spent last weekend in Visalia, CA....about 2.5 hours away.......to visit some of his friends. It was fun and well there is a sonic, and it was nice and warm there. On the way home, Jeff talked with his mom. She was driving to talk Mac, Jeff's gradad into living his home in New Orleans. Not and easy task. With Connie there and Jeff on the phone...Mac left. Mac & Millie more than likely have lost everything but each other. They are held up in Baton Rouge for the time being. I continue to pray for them as well as other families in this horrible disaster.

Tonight Jeff took me to the vineyard with him. It was so much fun.....I got to pick some grapes (they taste really good....super sweet). Wine grapes have a higher suger level (brix level). We collected samples from each row....we had a total of 30 bundles. We crushed them in a bucket. FUN! and then took a suger sample. The brix level is at 23.7. Jeff will harvest his second group of grapes for his thesis in the next day or two. I hope I get to go and take some pictures. I think it is so neat. The pinot grapes look like lavender.....deep purple...almost look fuzzy but they aren't.

Jeff also got offered a new position at Gallo. Basically it is an assistant vineyard manager. They want him to do the night harvest. Ok if you know Jeff....he is definately NOT a night person. God is funny. But we have been praying that God would give him direction and we feel that this might be it for now. Thing is he would have to take a semester off, or really be pushed this semester. sigh. The good news is: the experience and they will pay for part of his school. Huge blessing.

I am so proud of Jeff. He does his job well and he still able to love on his crew. Not to mention his spanish is getting better every day. Whatever God has instore for us, I know I am blessed to be partnered with Jeff.

My New Roommates!

Jeff has a crush on the one with 4 legs! Her name is Hazel. Kelly is the cutie holding Hazel...both are very sweet and FUN! I am very excited about my new "home" in San Luis Obispo.

I got a new attitude!

As August is quickly ending, I am realizing that "summer" is about to give way to fall. I am anticipating Sept and Oct...."supposedly" the absolute best time to be in San Luis Obispo. Apparently the tourists are gone and the nights get a little warmer. The fog rolls out to leave clear blue skys and "perfect" weather that hovers around 80.

It was so great to be "home" ..if only for a few days. I feel full and affirmed in my decision to be in San Luis and reminded why I moved....bc I have a rare love with a man named, Jeff Crank, and being away from him is stupid. I am feeling more confident in being here....more at ease. Thank you to those that loved on me well and reminded me.....I haven't been forgotten and I am not missing out.

I am now living with Kelly. She is 31, a teacher in Santa Maria and has the cutest little puppy, Hazel. It has been so nice to be with her. I just feel a little more relaxed and I am enjoying her company. I total blessing. Also work is better...I even got a $3 dollar raise! Nice...but I am still working for Stacy who owns California Fashion Outlet. Great things are happening for her....I will help her with a postcard and maybe a catalog. Plus she just opened a new store in Pismo...closer to me. However I will probably not work every weekend like I have been..it is just too much. Plus I did take a girl's senior pictures...so maybe that can be a little something extra on the side. Alot of irons in the fire...who knows which one will really work out...if any. I am checking out some youth stuff.....its just working two jobs...I don't know.

I get so wrapped up in "my purpose" ..."my calling".....when I just need to follow christ. AND if i just follow closely enough....I will always be in the "right" place.
I am learning to just relax....live for the moment. I have been letting my worries and fears for tomorrow..steal my todays. So stupid! So Satan!

Jeff begins harvesting his first "group" of grapes for his thesis. His thesis being something like this....the longer the grape stays on the vine..the higher the brix level (sugar level)...so he will harvest at different brix levels .....have wine made ....and a tasting panel.....to see if the longer the grape is on the vine...does it make better wine. Which if check out John 15:5....totally biblical....stay connect to the vine.

What else? Oh I am looking forward to Hazzzard's wedding. Jeff and I can't wait to celebrate with her and Nate. I am so excited to be apart of my sweet friend and sweet "sista's" wedding.

Tonight as I drove home....the mountains were orange...with a blue sky..then as the night came in....the mountains become purple blue..and the sky a pinkish orange....isn't amazing the beauty God displays to us daily. Sigh...if only we took time each day to just live in those sweet moments given by the hand of God.