Sunday, November 6, 2016

Vineman Saga

Each year as part of the garden clean-up, I harvest the grapevines to make wreaths for the holiday season. After seeing a grapevine snowman on-line, I decided to give one a try in lieu of wreaths. October 31st, I pruned the grape plants and brought the vines up to the porch as a stage for crafting.
What dog doesn't love a stick?  Trask was in 7th heaven with a stash of dozens of long vines. He also decided they needed to be moved from the porch to his front yard play area.
November 1st - somehow the dogs knew that Halloween was over. First thing in the morning they dismantled the squash attack...















to play with and feast on among the grapevines.
"I didn't put it there."
 "Don't look at me."
"Well, maybe I did but the sun is better out here so you should join us with your project."
Following their lead, I moved my stool, coffee and clippers out to the lawn and began to create.  The only directions on how to make a vineball involved balloons and beachballs as forms to work around.  Having neither, I just started weaving. Vineman got a head and hat that day. I started the bodyballs but Trask rolling them down the hill made me realize I needed to modify my design to better withstand three Chinooks potentially crashing into them.
After recrafting the bodyballs and waiting for better weather, I was finally able to assemble Vineman this morning.
 Staked with rebar, Vineman stands almost 6' tall.
My grape plants are pruned. The vines were put to fun use by both me and the dogs. In all, Vineman was a successful project. Only the test of time will tell how well he withstands the weather, territorial bucks and Chinook tag.
As long as I had the camera out, why not take quick shots of my favorite three Chinooks?
Cedar
 Koyuk
 hopefully healing, scarface, Trask