August is Here... Autumn is on its heels!

The wedding....

After a crazy-busy July of travels to Pennsylvania, visits with friends and family, horse shows, horse-sitting, a wedding and more, August is a month to chill out, get mentally and physically prepared for our home-school year, and get some of our projects finished up before the first snow, which is likely to be early November for us.

The horse shows...

the "and more"!

We're adjusting to some changing family dynamics, too - Nathaniel has moved back to south-eastern PA for his new job, installing and repair septic systems.  He's working for a man that Don and I know and respect, and he's surrounded by family and friends, but it is still a big adjustment for all of us. And, William begins a 6-month automotive technologies certification program in two weeks, plus his part-time job.  Therefore, my boys are not going to be around much...at least until next maple season!

 Any farmette, actually any 3+ acre property, needs regular updates, maintenance, modifications and/or adaptations.  When we bought this property of 23 acres, it was in pretty rough shape, so the initial metamorphosis continues for another year or two before we can go into "maintenance mode" for awhile.  The fire actually helped keep the process moving, we realized after the initial shock and horror of it.  Even when you and I can't see big changes, Don, with the help of our kids, is moving forward.



Now, the frame for the pole barn is up, stone has been spread for the sugar shack floor and the pole barn floor, the tack room has a window, insulation and paneling with shelves and saddle racks going in soon.

We're changing and adding fencing, also.  The horses will soon have two pastures:  one of about 3 and half acres, the other about one and a half acres, with a small paddock area in between so we can rotate for pasture health!

Additionally, a new chicken coop is in the works because our hens need a bit more space!

On a crazy side note:  

Apples and strawberries at the same time?  Yes, indeed!  Our very old Cortland apple trees are producing, AND our brand new ever-bearing strawberry plants each hold two to four ripening berries.  We'll finish the berries, then the start in on the apples....

The metamorphosis of this place has not been easy!  It has been challenging, frustratingly slow at times, and even downright ugly, too.  But, in the end, I'm sure it will be beautiful.  The folks who will appreciate it the most, I believe, are the friends and family who come up to visit periodically, and those who read my blog consistently.  Keep checking regularly for updates, and hope to see some of you up here in the near future!