Sap Flow!

Tapping trees, snowshoes required. 

At the end of February we had a warm spell, and I pestered Shawn relentlessly to get the trees tapped. And then the world froze again, and stayed frozen, for weeks on end. Even Maine Maple Sunday at the Happytown Farm happened without fresh sap flow. It was freezing out that day-- and in spite of the fact that we pride ourselves on being a wonderful, supportive, neighborly bunch, most of us stayed home and out of the wind. March continued on in this manner, with little flow here on the farm, until just this past week-- the last days of March into the first days of April -- and the trees have let loose! Hallelujah! I have set up my chair next to the evaporator and look forward to sun-bathing while babysitting the boil. 

Hear Shawn's Maple Syrup song, Sticky Fingers (I think Spotify is required, but free!)

A Daddy's Helper, always. 

Here's a throwback to "little ella" -- she's pictured above  as "BIG ELLA". 

Routine Break

We live here! In this amazing little earth niche, within reach of water and all sorts of amazing mini-scapes.

 

 

 

 

                                                                          We. Live. Here. 

 

 

Sometimes we need to take a break from the routine for it to truly sink in. The gratefulness for this piece of heaven fills us and will sustain us as we work through the seasons.

 

 

 

 

 

When working on a homestead, the feelings of creativity, necessity, and passionate drive can take over. Almost all of the time. Taking little breaks of breath and joy can be so healing. Spirit fuel.