Starting a business, especially in this economic climate, is a challenge. There are numerous quotes I might have used to describe our status over the past several months had I taken time to share my thoughts. It often felt like two steps forward, one step back. But it seemed each setback was followed by a word or experience of encouragement. In May the story of our vineyard was featured in the Lancaster Sunday News. The number of "likes" on facebook is growing and comments by friends inspire and energize us.
We remember the wisdom of Aesop: "Slow and steady wins the race". A Native American prayer reminds us to "Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way".
Today I respond to "No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude." (Author unknown)
LongView Structures has worked patiently over the months, transforming our dreams into plans, our plans into reality.
The walls,
the roof.
Don Kennel, owner of Above All Roofing, helped with the standing seam metal roof. Larry, Scott and Nathan followed his instructions with this result ....
First Citizens Community Bank believed in us and extended construction and long term financing.
Our friend and neighbor, Eric Deppen, rented us his skid loader numerous times when we needed to move supplies or equipment and to pound end posts. Friend and colleague, Boyd Henderson, rented us his trac hoe to dig underground lines. Waltz Vineyards allowed us to use their post pounder.
Scott, with help from Larry and Steve, is installing the drains and underground plumbing lines.
Soon it will be time to pour concrete, run the wires for electricity, and install windows and doors.
Fran is working with Bill at Middleton Design for logo and label design. The logo is finished, the labels are well on the way.
Using our logo, we ordered a business sign from Sign-A-Rama in Lancaster.
Fran and Sarah attended a two-day marketing seminar. They are planning the tasting room interior design. Fran is working her way through the licensing process.
In the meantime, the vineyard work continues. Established vines require canopy management, tucking and taping shoots, pulling leaves and laterals, hoeing, mowing and spraying. The new vines need lots of work, too. The end posts, anchors and line posts are augered and pounded. The fruiting wire is strung, the pencil rod is clipped, leveled and pounded, and the new vines are pruned and taped to the rods.
This year's crop is ripening. It's time to drop the nets and implement other bird control measures. We hope for a good harvest.
There is much work yet to do, but step by step, we will reach our goal. At the end of the day, when we pause a moment to enjoy the view from the new tasting room, we are reminded of our many blessings and we are grateful.
Congratulations Admin! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this exciting information.
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