Some old loggers asked if we'd be interested in having them chop a few maples in our back woods and we agreed to one load, and they've cut a wider path for us, taking out some saplings for their skid all the way back to the river. Although it initially looks like lots of devastation, it opens up the canopy, dries up the forest floor and allows for smaller things to grow.
Could he possibly be eleven already?!?! He had a fantastic day, eschewing the traditional cupcakes for the class in favour of a store bought Truffle Royale cake which he's been dreaming of for months.
I really like this pic that GT took with the new camera! It makes me look like I've been working hard in the garden. In reality, though, GT and Bop have been the muscles behind the operation, digging and raking and burning and trimming and sawing and stacking ... getting rid of those nasty hawthornes and vines. They're the best kind of guests!
J got his first trophy at the race! GREAT RIDING! It was a beautiful sunny day and he rode his heart out, kicking up clouds of dust and roosting those unfortunate riders behind him. With a gracious nod to the spectators, he zoomed past, gaining the admiration of all. A trophy well earned!
This blog is really going to reap the benefits of my birthday present! Here are some test pics. Thanks Mom & Dad!! 
The weather has been so great for sawing, splitting & stacking the wood that'll keep us warm till spring.
These past mornings we've been lucky to have the luxury of time to hang with S&J as they get ready and run off to their school buses. The sun has been shining every day and the early fog lingers as the bus stops at the end of the drive. One morning we saw a herd (or gaggle) of wild turkeys in the hay field next door. If you zoom in, you can see them peeking their little heads up above the straw.
