Grapevine Maintenance

We have a lone grapevine on the side of our house that has (obviously) been there for years. The previous owners took good care of this vine and we know nothing about how to grow grapes. I did some online research on grapevines and learned how to prune the vines to get maximum production. I followed the online directions and then attacked the vine:

I cut off all of the long branches and will tie up the entire vine with wire.

We had some grapes from this vine last year before the birds ate most of them. One problem we will have is to figure a way to keep the birds away which probably means installing some kind of wire cage around the vine. Josie and I decided that we would give this vine one year to perform and then remove it entirely if it becomes a big problem.

It's a big sports week with the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament in Scottsdale and the Super Bowl on Sunday. Unfortunately, there is some rain in the forecast during the tournament and I hope it doesn't ruin the fun that this event produces each year. Mark is here for meetings and to help his company man a tent that they are sponsoring for the tournament and I understand that Austin is also returning this year with his buddies. We will not get a chance to see them or to go this year and hope that they have a great time...