Party pooper

I picked all the grapes yesterday, mostly just to spoil the party for the coons.  They always hold a nocturnal grape binge when they're exactly ripe enough. Raccoons like to suck out the insides and throw the skins down, just like we did when were were farm kids, making a big mess on the deck.

Actually, these are as good as they ever get, maybe because of the warm dry summer. If only they didn't have all those seeds.  The large ones are sweet enough, with a complex taste nothing like supermarket table grapes-- they're more like the Napa wine grapes I like to "sample" in the vineyards when no one is looking.

I think these are called White Concords, but I planted the indestructible vine over 30 years ago so I forget.  Maybe they can go to work with John on Monday, because I'm too lazy to make jelly from the juice. Unlike jam, you have to measure carefully and fuss with pectin. Anyway, Welches makes a pretty good product if we get in the mood for grape jelly.

After last week's nasty, winter-like weather, we're enjoying a spectacular fall weekend. We took a short walk in Lincoln Park this afternoon, and the trees are just starting to change color.  Tomorrow afternoon is our first Seattle Symphony concert of the season.  As my seat-mate and friend Betsy said, "time to lose ourselves again the soothing womb of classical music."