S'more Fun

The collection has begun. Thursday was a warm and rainy day. Gary and I met for the woods right after work.
One of the buckets at the creek. Right to the top with an ice cube to keep it chilled.
Back at the creek, the road was starting to break open.
By Friday evening, the road was flooded. Really wanted to be sure to have your rubber boots on crossing. Pretty swift coming across.
Saturday after boiling, letting the hot coals burn down.
Just right for an after dinner desert.
Just like the syrup, golden!
Done for the day and ready for a treat.
Yummy!!!

First Boil

March 6th was the season's first boil in the sap shack. The day started with warmer temps but quickly dropped.
Front pan, finishing the sap to syrup.
The first draw off the pan. A good maple flavor and light amber color.
Gary making an adjustment to some of the logs for the evaporator.
Waiting for the next draw. A good game of Uno. Laura's favorite.
Ready to bottle the syrup.

The Spreader That Spread No More

The ole John Deere spreader has served many purposes. This piece of equipment holds "special" memories. After Gary and I were married we came home from our honeymoon to pick it up from the farm. Once here it served as the wood wagon for years. With the addition of other wood hauling equipment, Gary thought it would be a good idea to convert it over to a sap wagon.
First step, get the snow and ice out of the back end by any means.


Back to the barn with one side off. After cutting the bolts it was the second side that caused a little more work.
If you can't get at the bolts that you want, flip it upside down on a snow bank. Then climb on top with a pry bar.
Finally the sides are off. Taking them to the grave yard until spring. (Pictures of this post may or may not have been approved at the time of taking. Happy to say the sap tank is on and so far so good. Will post some pictures in action later)

Snow Fun

While we had a pile of snow to play in, the girls took advantage of it. Gary even helped with rolling the snow.
Kelly enjoyed climbing on top and jumping from them. Laura used hers to make a snowman.
Or should I say, Snow Family?

I forgot I had this picture. Over winter break, daycare had a Wacky Wednesday. These are our wacky girls. Laura wore Gary's John Deere shirt, while Kelly wore mine.