Just Scraps

My friend Mike came over frequently this summer to help with various projects on the farm.  And to play.  He teased me about how much scrap lumber I had in storage.

To get even, and to express my appreciation for all his help, I built him this small crate.  From scraps, of course.

 Then I filled it with snack products produced here at the farm, or at least in Woodhull.

Home Grown

Since 2007, I have been growing Christmas trees on the farm.  This is the first one we have been able to harvest.

 A little short, but shaped nicely, this Norway spruce became our first "home grown" Christmas tree.

It will be a few years before I have enough to start harvesting on a larger scale and hopefully, sell a few each year.

Most Favorite Trail Cam Picture Ever

Elena went for an ATV ride with me this morning and we switched the card in the trail camera while we were out.

She was amazed at the BIG rocks we saw that the bears had tipped over in search of food.

While riding through the christmas tree lot she expressed surprise at all the "baby" trees I had planted.  When we came to the trees that were 3-4' tall, she said, "These are toddler trees".

New Home on the Horizon

 In the morning fog

A house is hiding

Preparing to be a home

Soon the Fosters abiding

Visit to Mom

Tim, Bonnie, and I left Friday, February 22, and met in Abingdon, VA at Andy's for the night.  The next day we traveled through the rain and arrived at Mom's tired but happy.

We all went to church Sunday morning and enjoyed so much hearing Mom at the piano, Pat at the organ, and the choir leading the worship.

 And the resident sand cranes visited us after church.

 Mom treated us all to lunch at one of her favorite restaurants, Corky Bells, where we enjoyed a wonderful meal outside on the warm and sunny deck overlooking the St. John's River.

 Aunt Betty and Sandy joined us for dinner at Mom's Monday night.

 And Tuesday night, Aunt Betty, Sandy, and Danny joined us for the evening meal at Pat and Butch's.

 We all enjoyed our quality time with our mom.  Tim did some carpentry work at Pat and Butch's widening a hallway for better handicap accessibility.  I did a few odd jobs around Mom's house.  And Bonnie gave Mom the spa treatment.

 Of course we didn't dare interrupt the plans for watching the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions.

 Wednesday afternoon, Pat and Butch took us out on the river in their boat.

 We saw several osprey,

and peered into the cypress swamps lining the river.

We left Friday morning, stopping again at Andy's Friday night.  All arrived safely home Saturday evening having had a fun time with new memories and stories to tell.  And some we won't.

Dining Room Suite

 After years and years putting up with hand-me-down dining room furniture, table held together with duct tape, chairs with bungee cord stabilizers, and waiting to hear grandmother's fine china crashing through the bottom of the hutch to the floor, it was time to buy new.  Nothing in the furniture stores impressed us.

We found a very friendly Amish cabinet maker and designing everything from scratch, he built our new furniture exactly to Jann's specifications.  Oak with dark walnut stain, I was very impressed with the final fit and finish of the pieces.

The table adjusts from 5' to 9' with self storing leaves.

 

The hutch has a nice mix of ornate and sturdiness, two drawers and four cabinets below.

And the chairs (8) couldn't be more sturdy, and comfortable.

I highly recommend Menno Hershberger at Deer Mountain Cabinetry, 2222 St Rte 36, Jasper, NY.  They list kitchen cabinets and bedroom suites as their specialty.

Thanks, Nick Morehouse, for helping me pickup and deliver this furniture.

90 Years

Jann's dad, George Herbert Densten (Herb), turned 90 on January 22, 2013!

 To honor Herb, we travelled to Madison, Indiana, to surprise him with a birthday party.  He was surprised.

Honored with a cake,

 and gifts,

 and family.  

Here, grandson Jonathon, Amber, Ava, Lily and Austin, who turned 1 that weekend, help Herb celebrate.

 Nancy, Jann, and Starr with Herb and Iris.  Absent in body but not from our hearts was Robin.

 With Starr and Amy.  Amy also celebrated her birthday that weekend.

And the whole gang!  Happy birthday Herb!

Bobcat

I spotted this bobcat on my way into the valley this morning.  It is always a nice surprise to see such a stunning animal.  This is a big one and it is easy to see why some people think we have mountain lions in the area.

SNOW!

 We received over a foot of snow during several storms recently.

I even felt the need to remove snow from the roof to prevent ice dams and water damage.

 

But most importantly, we took advantage of the opportunity to go skiing several times.

The first trip out involved climbing a big hill through the woods to start.  Not so much fun.

 So we had to have a little rest and picnic.

Later, Jann decided to demonstrate her  unique style of resting after a long downhill.

Read Me a Story

Looking out in my yard

I see tracks in the snow.

Made by a little girl of four,

A week or so ago.

I recall her tromping,

Calling my name.

“C’mon Grandpa,

Let’s play a game.”

Oh what a delight

That twinkle in her eye

As I wistfully recall

With a contented sigh.

“Read me a story.”

Next she would say.

Never a bother,

I’d do this every day.

Survivors

Every year following deer season, I have a fear that there are no deer left.  It's silly, but this year with the reduced herd size, I was more concerned than usual.  As of this posting, I still have not seen any with my own eyes.  But trail sign and the trail camera tell me otherwise.

 This yearling buck will be back next year.

 Even this nice 8 pointer.

And this big one too!  I'll be looking for some antler sheds this spring.