November has rolled into December; but we haven't been idle on the farm in the slightest. The lab results have come in for five of our wine varietals, allowing us to be one step closer to getting them into stores. As you can see, Nibs and a friend are pleased as punch with this news, as are we. We have been in communication with our commissioned artist on the labels as well, and although the farm's cats may be sleeping off the snoozy wet weather, we are doing anything but.

 While the cats sleep, the elements have been unpleasant. Wet, muddy weather is the norm in this part of the world, but it hasn't been a particularly white winter; the cold wind and endless rain have caused numerous losses in our sheep flocks, which we've been dealing with as they arise. So far our best success stories have involved quick location of floundering sheep combined with judicious use of calorie supplements, blankets and hot water bottles. The trick is that many of them don't show signs of distress until it's just too late.

We did however have a white holiday. It didn't last long, but it was pretty while it did. The sheep were grateful for the respite and displayed absolutely no difficulty in getting around in the snow. Our goal is to see lambs in spring of 2013, and with a little hard work and a little luck, our wines on shelves around then as well. May 2013 bring us all the peace and prosperity which seems so sorely lacking in 2012's world, from us to all of you.