 A couple of weeks ago I detailed how we had started to apply EIFS to the greenhouse walls. Well, this week we completed them! EIFS is an acronym for exterior insulation finishing system and also provides insulation value. It is like a synthetic stucco but more durable than traditional stucco. EIFS is applied in 3 steps - a thin layer ...  Today on Family Friday I would like to share an update on the greenhouse. Last week we poured the concrete in the ICF walls (insulated concrete forms). While the ICF has excellent insulation value, we chose it for the greenhouse just for ease. The ICF snap together like big legos and are so easy for the DIY'ers. We ...  We have finally gotten back around to work on the greenhouse that we started way back when! I think we have too many projects going on at the same time! And, when you do the work yourself on all of them, well, it just takes time. I know patience is a virtue but it sure can be hard ...  As you may already know, I have always made a place in my schedule for exercise. Exercise releases "happy hormones", or endorphins, which give an overall sense of well-being - who doesn't want that! This year more than ever, my exercise has been in the form of walking and working in the vineyard. But, after being off my feet ...  Is your garden providing you with more squash than you know what to do with? Do you have access to fresh squash at a local farmer's market? Whether it is zucchini or yellow summer squash, have I got the answer for you - Freeze it! Freezing squash could not be easier, especially if you have a ...  I don't know about you, but our garden is producing a lot of zucchini and yellow squash and,we sure are enjoying it! In an effort to keep the kitchen cool, this year I tried something new - grilling! Grilled squash has quickly become our favorite way to eat it. Besides tasting good, it is so ...  Since the vineyard work has slowed and we are not so pushed for time, we have started building a greenhouse and a new filter house. John's brother Joe was a great help in getting both projects started. Both will be utilizing Rewards ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms). We have been so pleased with the first phase of ...  Have you ever seen the damage a herd of rogue cows can do to a vineyard and a garden? We were spared disaster when a neighbor's herd of Black Angus cows got out and went roaming - through our vineyard and garden. If you have been reading Dimes2Vines for awhile, you know that our milk cows, Buttercup and ...  I posted quite a while ago about building our own hoop house. It has worked wonderfully - except for the high winds whipping the plastic around. We finally took the plastic off and left the small plants protected by buckets. The buckets provided shade, as well as, wind protection. Now, however, it is time to transplant to the ...  I love the springtime - even here in West Texas. Or, maybe I should say, especially here in West Texas! After such cold, brown winters (compared to lower Alabama), the green of spring is a welcome sight bringing with it hope and a new beginning. Once the vineyard begins to bud and grow, it seems as though ... |
     
 
God has amazingly blessed me, Dina-Marie, with a wonderful husband and 10 beautiful children. Moving from our "secure" life in Alabama to the "exciting" life of starting a vineyard in west Texas has definitely been challenging. Besides frugality, farm life and simple living, I have learned the importance of diet, quality of food and traditional cooking. Through the GAPS diet, I am successfully reversing my rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and food allergies. I hope to encourage you to make the most of where you are and what you have as I share my life with you. 
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