Published by bill on Wed, 08/04/2010 - 15:40
Sugaring came early in 2010, matching a trend that we have noticed for many years of earlier and earlier sap flow. We were tapped early (by Feb 22), and were able to collect sap from those early runs. It’s fortunate that we did, because the season sort of petered out as we got further and further into March, the normal peak sugaring time. In spite of the odd season, syrup quality was good and we ended up with a decent year.
Published by bill on Tue, 08/04/2009 - 15:26
We were finally forced to put a new roof on The Cottage this summer. The previous roof consisted of three layers of asphalt shingles, and all three were well past their usable life. It was really challenging to strip all that asphalt, and we hope to never do a job of that sort again. The new metal roof should outlive us.
Published by bill on Mon, 08/04/2008 - 15:03
Although we are rarely able to get away from the farm for prolonged periods, we were fortunate to be able to take a trip to Alaska in May. The trip (University business for Bill) saw us flying to Anchorage, and then taking the Denali Star train up to Fairbanks. The train trip took twelve hours, and provided fantastic views out every window.
Published by bill on Sat, 08/04/2007 - 13:49
Julia Horton, Jolene Rickter and Margaret Williams, riding for Blue Heron Farm, completed a great summer of competition at Open Shows and Gymkhanas.
Published by bill on Sun, 07/09/2006 - 13:23
After a snowy winter and a good sugaring season, 2006 took a turn for the worse with the passing of Bill’s Father, Dante, two and a half months into his 96th year. Dad lived with us here, first in our farmhouse, and then at The Maples, the place we built together in 1999-2000. His obituary ran in his home town newspaper, The Providence Journal. Dad really loved the farm, and we will miss him.
Published by bill on Thu, 08/04/2005 - 09:02
Published by bill on Wed, 08/04/2004 - 11:38
Published by bill on Mon, 08/04/2003 - 13:40
Published by bill on Tue, 12/31/2002 - 00:00
The winter of 2001-2002 was really mild, without a lot of snow, and almost no freezing rain or sleet. In spite of the relative lack of snow, the rentals were booked for ski season visitors to the nearby Berkshire East Ski Resort.
Published by bill on Wed, 02/28/2001 - 00:00
Over the course of a few weeks, Jeremy Clark and Bill worked to put a floor in a part of the hay barn where none had previously been. Originally, the barn was used to store loose hay, so a floor was not necessary. Since we put in bales, and we can always use storage space, the new floor is a great addition. We built it from heavy native hemlock timbers and planks milled by Norman and Jeffery Hicks of the nearby Hicks Farm and Sawmill.