A few weeks ago the two youngest asked if we could please start school again. How do you refuse that request?! We've been easing back into a school routine with them and the girls will start next week.
This afternoon we dissected owl pellets after reading about owls for the past few days. Ian took part in the activity for a bit, but Jonathan really enjoyed searching through the pellet and identifying the various bones. He told me that I was the "bone archeologist" and he was the "bone-ologist" (I got to do the fur removal using special tools and he would put the cleared bones to a clean bone identification area.) I remember doing the same science activity with the two eldest and it left quite an impression on all of us as to how many 'pests' owls take care of in one meal.
Tomorrow I pick up Matthew for the long weekend. He's looking at purchasing a used car and is taking it for a test drive while home. It would be great if he could drive it back to Bath next week.
We had the first corn on the cob of the season--unfortunately, it wasn't from our crop. Our corn didn't produce well and is destined for the goat and sheep. At least it's not going to waste, but it was a disappointment to have to buy corn.
I made a batch of pesto from my basil tonight. It was quite good with the summer squash stir-fry. I love having fresh grown veggies from our garden! We're researching how to expand the harvest by putting hoops over our raised beds.
This past weekend we had a great visit with Kathy and Jim. They brought lobster for those of us who love it (only 3 of us--silly children!) and we went to Pie in the Sky on Sunday for home made ice cream. They went to church with us and heard Katelyn play a violin solo. The 2 boys were supposed to have a special part in the service, too, but the schedule was changed at the last minute so they didn't get to see their part.
All too soon the leaves will fall and we will be dealing with cold weather, but for now we're cherishing the last few days of summer.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
August is upon us...
Marc and Katelyn had a great time on the bike trip. I am still amazed that they pedalled over 150 miles in the Catskill Mountains.
Katelyn had a wipe-out on Wednesday, but is healing well. We're all very thankful that it was surface wounds and nothing major. Her bike's gear shift was duct taped back together so she could complete the week, but it will need an overhaul before she goes on any other trek.
I'm preparing for a yard sale this Saturday. It's time to weed out all the home school material for preschool through 2nd grade. It seems strange that there are no more 'littles' coming along to use the younger level material. I'm also trying to weed out the attic collection. We used to 'lose weight' with each move when we were in the military, but it's been 15 years without a move and we have the 'weight' to prove it!
Today I cleared out and re-organized the home school shelves since it'll soon be time to hit the books again. The IHIPs (individual home instruction plans) have been submitted to the superintendent of schools, and now I await word on whether I am 'compliant' with NY state law. (They just review our plans and make sure that we are covering all the required courses.) Actually, the children have already been doing activities that 'count' as school. Ian has been having a wonderful time writing stories on an old Underwood typewriter that was loaned to us. Jonathan has been learning about amphibians since Rachael brought home a baby newt (named Geico). Geico has disappeared, but not before Jonathan learned all about what newts eat, where they live, and how to care for them. (Thankfully, Geico was being kept on the back porch so I don't have a newt wandering through the house...that I know of!)
It looks like Nathanial and I will be heading to Cary, NC September 8th-11th for him to visit Shepherds' Theological Seminary, which he plans to attend for the spring 2014 semester. (He wants to check the school out before committing to a move to NC.) I'm going along to help with the driving, check out where he'll be moving to, and have the treat of meeting up with some friends who live in NC.
We're all looking forward to my sister Kathy and brother-in-law James coming for a visit next weekend. It isn't often that we have family from Maine visit, so it's a special gift to all of us that they are making the long trip in this direction as part of their vacation.
As I type this, there are flocks of Canadian geese flying over...I don't want to think about what that means!
Katelyn had a wipe-out on Wednesday, but is healing well. We're all very thankful that it was surface wounds and nothing major. Her bike's gear shift was duct taped back together so she could complete the week, but it will need an overhaul before she goes on any other trek.
I'm preparing for a yard sale this Saturday. It's time to weed out all the home school material for preschool through 2nd grade. It seems strange that there are no more 'littles' coming along to use the younger level material. I'm also trying to weed out the attic collection. We used to 'lose weight' with each move when we were in the military, but it's been 15 years without a move and we have the 'weight' to prove it!
Today I cleared out and re-organized the home school shelves since it'll soon be time to hit the books again. The IHIPs (individual home instruction plans) have been submitted to the superintendent of schools, and now I await word on whether I am 'compliant' with NY state law. (They just review our plans and make sure that we are covering all the required courses.) Actually, the children have already been doing activities that 'count' as school. Ian has been having a wonderful time writing stories on an old Underwood typewriter that was loaned to us. Jonathan has been learning about amphibians since Rachael brought home a baby newt (named Geico). Geico has disappeared, but not before Jonathan learned all about what newts eat, where they live, and how to care for them. (Thankfully, Geico was being kept on the back porch so I don't have a newt wandering through the house...that I know of!)
It looks like Nathanial and I will be heading to Cary, NC September 8th-11th for him to visit Shepherds' Theological Seminary, which he plans to attend for the spring 2014 semester. (He wants to check the school out before committing to a move to NC.) I'm going along to help with the driving, check out where he'll be moving to, and have the treat of meeting up with some friends who live in NC.
We're all looking forward to my sister Kathy and brother-in-law James coming for a visit next weekend. It isn't often that we have family from Maine visit, so it's a special gift to all of us that they are making the long trip in this direction as part of their vacation.
As I type this, there are flocks of Canadian geese flying over...I don't want to think about what that means!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
A Whirlwind of Days...
Seasons seem to pass so quickly, but summer seems especially fast as the warm days are filled with regular activities in addition to those that can only be done in the summer sun.
We've had the usual trips to doctors and dentists. Katelyn has developed asthma, but is responding well to the medications. Wayne's oncologist/hematologist doesn't need to see him until November since his blood tests were so good (Yahoo!)
The past two weeks have been filled with visitors. Wayne's Mom and Aunt Millie came for a few days before returning to PA for a family reunion and a memorial service for one of Wayne's uncles. They and several uncles, an aunt, and Wayne's sister stopped on their way to Massachusetts for Uncle Gilbert's burial. They stopped on their way back to PA for dinner and a quick visit before completing the trip home.
We also had the members of East Wind Gospel Group arrive from Maine last Saturday. Nancy and Phil spent the night here while the 3 remaining members stayed in a local motel, but we had a great day together Sunday after a concert at our church. The newest member of the group is from my home town of Pownal, Maine. We had fun talking about mutual acquaintances and things of "home".
Matthew also made it home last weekend for a visit. It was great having all the kids together again.
Monday I took Matt back to Bath and then Katelyn to the doctor's for a check up before her upcoming bike trip. Wednesday was music lesson day, shopping for necessities for the bike trip, and meeting with the Artisan Guild to discuss the reopening of our shop (which is still in limbo). Yesterday Marc had his monthly black smith lesson in North Hampton, MA.
Today it was yard work day, making last minute purchases for the bike trip and packing for the trip. Tomorrow we take Marc's and Katelyn's gear to the loading area to help pack the trucks with all the luggage and tenting equipment. Early Monday a.m. the bikers leave Oneonta and head to Cobleskill, NY where their tour through the Catskills begin. They'll be gone until next Saturday. It will seem strange to have only Nathanial, Rachael, Jon, and Ian home (and Nathanial will be working most of the week).
As I mentioned earlier, the re-opening of the shop is on hold for the time being as we await the legal workings of the church organization allowing us the use of one of their buildings. Our using their facility will not be generating any income for the church, which will be confirmed at the upcoming hearing. We have no idea how long this process will take, but the local church is very anxious for us to be in the building and not leaving it vacated any longer than necessary. We are praying that it will be speedily put to rest and we'll be able to open our doors soon. In the meantime, we're gearing up in production so we'll be ready with ample inventory.
No wonder the days are flying by!
We've had the usual trips to doctors and dentists. Katelyn has developed asthma, but is responding well to the medications. Wayne's oncologist/hematologist doesn't need to see him until November since his blood tests were so good (Yahoo!)
The past two weeks have been filled with visitors. Wayne's Mom and Aunt Millie came for a few days before returning to PA for a family reunion and a memorial service for one of Wayne's uncles. They and several uncles, an aunt, and Wayne's sister stopped on their way to Massachusetts for Uncle Gilbert's burial. They stopped on their way back to PA for dinner and a quick visit before completing the trip home.
We also had the members of East Wind Gospel Group arrive from Maine last Saturday. Nancy and Phil spent the night here while the 3 remaining members stayed in a local motel, but we had a great day together Sunday after a concert at our church. The newest member of the group is from my home town of Pownal, Maine. We had fun talking about mutual acquaintances and things of "home".
Matthew also made it home last weekend for a visit. It was great having all the kids together again.
Monday I took Matt back to Bath and then Katelyn to the doctor's for a check up before her upcoming bike trip. Wednesday was music lesson day, shopping for necessities for the bike trip, and meeting with the Artisan Guild to discuss the reopening of our shop (which is still in limbo). Yesterday Marc had his monthly black smith lesson in North Hampton, MA.
Today it was yard work day, making last minute purchases for the bike trip and packing for the trip. Tomorrow we take Marc's and Katelyn's gear to the loading area to help pack the trucks with all the luggage and tenting equipment. Early Monday a.m. the bikers leave Oneonta and head to Cobleskill, NY where their tour through the Catskills begin. They'll be gone until next Saturday. It will seem strange to have only Nathanial, Rachael, Jon, and Ian home (and Nathanial will be working most of the week).
As I mentioned earlier, the re-opening of the shop is on hold for the time being as we await the legal workings of the church organization allowing us the use of one of their buildings. Our using their facility will not be generating any income for the church, which will be confirmed at the upcoming hearing. We have no idea how long this process will take, but the local church is very anxious for us to be in the building and not leaving it vacated any longer than necessary. We are praying that it will be speedily put to rest and we'll be able to open our doors soon. In the meantime, we're gearing up in production so we'll be ready with ample inventory.
No wonder the days are flying by!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
A Long Holiday Weekend
The kids wanted to do something special for the 4th, but being so warm and not wanting to travel too far, our choices were limited. We decided to go miniature golfing. Wayne held down the home fort while I took the 6 'at home' kids to Oneonta for the adventure. Nathanial and I have played mini-golf before, but this was a first for the rest of the gang. After 2 1/2 hours of laughing and fooling around we finally finished the 18 holes (there wasn't anyone behind us, which was a good thing!) Jonathan did extremely well to keep the ball out of the water until the 17th hole. It was a great day of memory making and now Ian keeps asking when we can go back.
We've had several evenings of sporadic firework displays. Ian gets a little bit frustrated with them when he's trying to go to sleep. "Don't they realize that some people want to sleep at night?!"
The rest of the weekend has been spent doing projects around the farm. I was able to hill the potatoes and corn yesterday before the heat got too intense. I've also been harvesting herbs for projects.
Katelyn and Marc are in training for the big YFC bike trip through the Catskill Mountains which is scheduled for the 2nd week of August.
Rachael and Katelyn were able to get some horseback riding in yesterday at the stable where they work. It's been a long time since they've had the opportunity to ride and are a bit stiff and sore today.
Nathanial is looking to go to NC to work on his masters degree. He's working out the details to make a visit to the campus before committing to moving there. I'm hoping to tag along and visit friends while in the area.
Even in the lazy, hazy days of summer there's plenty to keep us busy.
We've had several evenings of sporadic firework displays. Ian gets a little bit frustrated with them when he's trying to go to sleep. "Don't they realize that some people want to sleep at night?!"
The rest of the weekend has been spent doing projects around the farm. I was able to hill the potatoes and corn yesterday before the heat got too intense. I've also been harvesting herbs for projects.
Katelyn and Marc are in training for the big YFC bike trip through the Catskill Mountains which is scheduled for the 2nd week of August.
Rachael and Katelyn were able to get some horseback riding in yesterday at the stable where they work. It's been a long time since they've had the opportunity to ride and are a bit stiff and sore today.
Nathanial is looking to go to NC to work on his masters degree. He's working out the details to make a visit to the campus before committing to moving there. I'm hoping to tag along and visit friends while in the area.
Even in the lazy, hazy days of summer there's plenty to keep us busy.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
End of June Excitement
Ever since the closing of the shop in February, the Artisan Guild has been searching for a new home. It's been very discouraging because there are a LOT of empty buildings/businesses in the village of Unadilla, but for one reason or another, none of them are available for us to rent. There have been times when we wondered if we were just to give up on the idea, but as soon as the thought was verbalized, there would be a re-iteration by some outside source of how important the shop is to the community.
The other day Wayne received a call from an area church board member offering their parsonage as a temporary shop for the Unadilla Artisan Guild. The pastor is moving out this weekend and we'll be able to get in to look over the new site either tomorrow or Tuesday. Depending on how much work needs to be done to set up the shop we could be open very soon!
Having an active shop again will provide the opportunities for us to pursue other funding to purchase a permanent building for the Guild and provide other growth opportunities for the Guild and the community. We are VERY excited to see what God is going to do in this next phase of the Artisan Guild.
The days ahead will be busy as we take stock of inventory, finish new items for the shop, and build displays in the store. It'll be great working with all the wonderful artisans again. They've become like family and it's been strange not seeing each other on a regular basis for the past few months.
How neat it is that a church has provided a means for the community to regain a business. We are blessed!
The other day Wayne received a call from an area church board member offering their parsonage as a temporary shop for the Unadilla Artisan Guild. The pastor is moving out this weekend and we'll be able to get in to look over the new site either tomorrow or Tuesday. Depending on how much work needs to be done to set up the shop we could be open very soon!
Having an active shop again will provide the opportunities for us to pursue other funding to purchase a permanent building for the Guild and provide other growth opportunities for the Guild and the community. We are VERY excited to see what God is going to do in this next phase of the Artisan Guild.
The days ahead will be busy as we take stock of inventory, finish new items for the shop, and build displays in the store. It'll be great working with all the wonderful artisans again. They've become like family and it's been strange not seeing each other on a regular basis for the past few months.
How neat it is that a church has provided a means for the community to regain a business. We are blessed!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Busy Days
We made the planned trip to Syracuse on Thursday, but the weather didn't cooperate for a zoo adventure. We ended up going to the MOST Center, which is a hands on science museum. It was so much fun seeing the 2 youngest enjoy the museum. Ian told me that night that it was the happiest day and that he just couldn't stop smiling as he thought of our time at the museum.
Yesterday Rachael and I attended a small fiber festival. Rachael got lots of inspiration for needle felting projects. She was also drawn to every animal at the festival. I had to remind her several times that we weren't there for herding dogs, alpaca, or sheep. After the festival we stopped at a quilt shop where she picked out fabric to make a new tote bag for her music lesson. We stopped at another small shop to get some coconut oil for me to make another batch of goat milk soap.
Today started with a trip to the ER with Wayne due to severe pain spasms of his back. They gave him a "cocktail" of pain and anti-inflammatory medications and he slept for a bit.
Upon returning home, I took Katelyn to her final concert of the season with the Little Delaware Youth Ensemble. They did a wonderful job. I'm always so impressed that such a diverse age group of young people can come together and make such beautiful music.
Katelyn is going to miss her weekly rehearsals with her orchestra friends, but I'm looking forward to the break from 'crazy Monday' (which also included work for me and swimming lessons for the 2 youngest). Marc also finished his session of therapeutic horseback riding for the summer so that's another 'to do' gone from the list.
So another week has passed and a new routine will be kicking into gear with the end of the school year and the beginning of summer adventures. Let the fun begin!
Yesterday Rachael and I attended a small fiber festival. Rachael got lots of inspiration for needle felting projects. She was also drawn to every animal at the festival. I had to remind her several times that we weren't there for herding dogs, alpaca, or sheep. After the festival we stopped at a quilt shop where she picked out fabric to make a new tote bag for her music lesson. We stopped at another small shop to get some coconut oil for me to make another batch of goat milk soap.
Today started with a trip to the ER with Wayne due to severe pain spasms of his back. They gave him a "cocktail" of pain and anti-inflammatory medications and he slept for a bit.
Upon returning home, I took Katelyn to her final concert of the season with the Little Delaware Youth Ensemble. They did a wonderful job. I'm always so impressed that such a diverse age group of young people can come together and make such beautiful music.
Katelyn is going to miss her weekly rehearsals with her orchestra friends, but I'm looking forward to the break from 'crazy Monday' (which also included work for me and swimming lessons for the 2 youngest). Marc also finished his session of therapeutic horseback riding for the summer so that's another 'to do' gone from the list.
So another week has passed and a new routine will be kicking into gear with the end of the school year and the beginning of summer adventures. Let the fun begin!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Jumping into June
I've been spending the past couple of weeks getting the garden planted. I still have a few herbs and flowers to find homes for, and there will be at least one or two more staggered green bean plantings, but now the main focus will be on subduing the weeds. I'm also researching crops for late fall and winter harvests to help keep our diet healthy, costs down, and which can be grown in our hoop house.
Friends came and helped reposition the shed our neighbor gave us for Marc to use as his blacksmith shop. Wayne hopes to get the hoop house attached to the side of the shop so it will double as an entry into the hoop house (providing a buffer from the cold air to enter and exit during the cold months).
On the 1st Wayne and I celebrated 28 years of marriage. It's hard to believe that so many years have passed. It's been a wonderful adventure!
Yesterday I celebrated my 50th birthday...half a century!?! The girls made a spaghetti dinner and a cake for me. It was a wonderful day of relaxation and rest.
Tomorrow the 'baby' of the family turns 8...that doesn't seem possible either! We're going to make a family trip to Syracuse and try to get to the zoo for a special birthday present. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll try out the hands-on science museum. Ian will be thrilled with either activity, and it will be fun to do something as a family.
The girls finished their standardized tests, so they are 'officially' done with school for the year. As soon as we receive the test results, I can file our end of year reports with the school superintendent and I'll be done for 2012-13. School never really ends since there's always learning experiences in life, but it'll be nice to have a little less structure to the schedule and some extra time to do all the things we put off for summer.
Today we made a difficult decision and took two of the alpaca to auction. We got rid of "Mr. Wonderful" and "Peter". Mr. Wonderful didn't have very good fleece and was getting quite old. Peter was a kicker and his fleece was difficult to work with. Culling the herd is hard, but I know we need to make these difficult decisions as part of our business. I will miss "the boys" but will try to keep my focus on what we have left.
Friends came and helped reposition the shed our neighbor gave us for Marc to use as his blacksmith shop. Wayne hopes to get the hoop house attached to the side of the shop so it will double as an entry into the hoop house (providing a buffer from the cold air to enter and exit during the cold months).
On the 1st Wayne and I celebrated 28 years of marriage. It's hard to believe that so many years have passed. It's been a wonderful adventure!
Yesterday I celebrated my 50th birthday...half a century!?! The girls made a spaghetti dinner and a cake for me. It was a wonderful day of relaxation and rest.
Tomorrow the 'baby' of the family turns 8...that doesn't seem possible either! We're going to make a family trip to Syracuse and try to get to the zoo for a special birthday present. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll try out the hands-on science museum. Ian will be thrilled with either activity, and it will be fun to do something as a family.
The girls finished their standardized tests, so they are 'officially' done with school for the year. As soon as we receive the test results, I can file our end of year reports with the school superintendent and I'll be done for 2012-13. School never really ends since there's always learning experiences in life, but it'll be nice to have a little less structure to the schedule and some extra time to do all the things we put off for summer.
Today we made a difficult decision and took two of the alpaca to auction. We got rid of "Mr. Wonderful" and "Peter". Mr. Wonderful didn't have very good fleece and was getting quite old. Peter was a kicker and his fleece was difficult to work with. Culling the herd is hard, but I know we need to make these difficult decisions as part of our business. I will miss "the boys" but will try to keep my focus on what we have left.
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