This past year has been a flurry of activity, between moving to the property, working on fixing up our houses and outbuildings, preparing fields, planting, harvesting, and making plans for the future. It seems like the warm days have just flown by, and here we are on the edge of winter, when most outdoor work will be put on hold.
While the physical farm is about to go into hibernation, we’re still working inside – continuing house work, and thinking and planning for the next year. We’re awaiting our permission from the Village to do “agriculture” on our property (trusting in a positive outcome), which will hopefully happen in January 2022. In the meantime, we’re taking a bit of a break from the flurry of activities, to enjoy the flurries of snow and a warm fireplace.
Covid has put a damper on outside family gatherings, so we’ll be mostly alone for the holidays. Which is fine with us! The ladies have put a lot of effort into decorations, making our houses homes, and we love living here. Mike and I, while having full-time jobs, will be taking time off just to enjoy with the family. Of course, we’ll be attending various events and services during the season, supporting local businesses, and meeting new people as much as we can. It’s harder during the cold months when fewer people are out. I at least am at the local coffee shop most mornings before work… come find me!
I’m looking forward to maple sugaring for the first time next year. Bought a small barrel arch and am in the process of getting it set up and purchasing taps and everything else I’ll need. The sugar shack is small and in need of repair, but that won’t stop me. We have a maybe 30+ maples on the farm – I still need to tag them – so it won’t be a big operation, but it will be a fun activity in the spring.
We’re also in the process of setting up our workshop in my son’s walkout basement. Insulated, heated, it will be a good place for me to be productive during the cold months, woodworking and welding. I have a couple small trailers in need of some TLC, and a multitude of smaller projects planned. Lord willing, there should be a steady flow of furniture and other wood items coming out of the shop by spring.
We always have coffee and tea ready to brew here, so if you’ve a mind to stop by and see what’s going on, nose around the property, or would just like to meet a neighbor, please do so anytime!