Journal | January 12, 2026

Am Radio

Yesterday presented ideal bush pile burning conditions. It had been many weeks since our last rain, so the stacked branches were easily ignited. An all-day rain was about to settle in and the winds were calm. No chance of the fire escaping its boundaries. So burning in the rain was the task of the morning. Most of my time is spent watching. Just in case. Watching flames lick the sky is eventful (these were very large piles), but I had to seek nearby shelter from the cold rain.

As I sat in my new 1994 Kei truck, I listened to the AM radio which is its only accessory. I have fallen in love with this bare bones, no AC, manual, right hand driver’s side truck. No warning beeps, no idiot lights, no electronic anything. It treats you like an intelligent adult.

But the intrigue of Saturday was with scanning the AM radio waves. For reason unknown to me, cloudy days allow for the best reception and it seemed that I had the whole world at the turn of a dial. Country music, evangelism, sports, oldies, conservative talk, Spanish language, and very local news blared in that special tinny static tone that can’t be replicated anywhere else. It was a good education. I highly recommend it.

Linden sold to a few restaurants and shops. We packed up the minivan twice a month after calling for orders. There were a few French sommeliers that were intrigued with this emerging wine region and had the palate to decipher between good and not so good. They were supportive. But most restaurants didn’t have anyone on staff that knew much about wine. They were afraid. 

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Hardscrabble Journal: January 12, 2026