new truck in the "old" town

As many of you already know, when we lived in York, Ed was the Assistant Fire Chief. He held this position for 11 years, and knowing that he would have to give it up when we moved, was a tough decision for him. He has been a part of the fire company since he was 16, and naturally, he has many close friends and tons of wonderful memories!! He is now a member of our "new" local fire company (once it's in your blood.. you don't just let it go) and he still keeps a close eye on the happenings in York.

Just after we "left" the town was "given" a grant that the fire company had applied for some months ago. This grant was to replace two very old (40 + years) firetrucks with a brand new one. Ed has served on "new truck committees" a few times, and he was invited to be a part of this committee as well. After some searching, researching, putting out bids and the like, the fire company found it's new truck.....

And it was delivered just a few days ago. Today they had a celebration of it's arrival, and the guys certainly wanted Ed to be a part of the celebration.

Since he now holds the title of "honorary chief", he still dresses in "his whites" and was photographed with the other "chiefs".... and then was also included in the "company" photo...

congratulations York... applying for a grant, then receiving it, and all the time and effort that goes into getting a new truck... is a lot of work and "we" are very happy for your success!!!!

another project done....

Now that we have had some decent weather to work in, we decided it was time to get the well up and running. Ed had to think about this because we don't have the cellar floor poured yet, which meant, what do we do about the water tank. After giving it just a bit of thought, Ed wondered why couldn't the tank just be put up on a "shelf"... so he checked with our well man, and found out that he could have it up and maybe we would be the better for it.

So, shelf was made, appointment was made with the well man, and this morning, Ed was at work, getting the water pipe (to the barn!!!) in place and getting the electric side of the well in place!!! Brian came, hooked in the well... and.....









We have running water!!!! (very exciting!!) we still need to "run the well" a couple of weeks, and then send a water sample out before drinking it, or giving it to the horses, but... we can use it for washing out buckets and grain pans... and even giving baths if the weather warms up a little bit more!!! Once we have it tested... then we will really be in business and no more hauling water from the camp to the farm!!!! We still have the plumbing to finish in the house, so we don't need running water in the house just yet, but when we are ready... it's all ready to go.

The stairs up to Ed's workshop are now in place. You may notice that we still have a "ramp" into the house, we can't make those steps until the garage floor is done. AND we are still waiting for a bit of frost to leave the ground inside the garage... it is progressing, but slowly.

That will probably be the next big project... the radiant heat and the cement floors. Aside from needing to put the radiant heat in place and waiting for the frost to leave... we also have to wait until the "heavy load restrictions" are lifted from the roads. (for those of you who may not know, here in New England, when the roads are full of frost and they "heave"... heavy loads are restricted until the roads settled down.. so, that means, no cement trucks can get to us just now!)

I puttered around the house while the guys were working with the well.... the sun comes into this house so nicely...

this photo was taken from the living room looking into the 'quilting room".. in time there will be a wall here, but today it is open and very bright. The grids have been put in the windows, so that gives them a completely different look as well.

I am falling in love with this house!!!!

just clouds....

As we were tucking the barn to bed this evening... this is the view we had over the field.....

starting to finish up

The door that leads into the mud room... will have a small front porch on it...

The guys began that project today... for them, the list is getting small...

but for Ed and I the list is.... well..........

sneakers!!!!!

Look at this!!!! I am on the farm (that's Annabelle) walking around... wearing sneakers!!! "so what?" you might be asking... well the "what" is... NO boots!!! could it be that we are actually almost done with mud season!!! that the ground is actually dry enough that you can wear sneakers now and not worry about sinking up to your ankles.... I think so. It also means that the field is even solid enough that I (we) can get back to working some horses and not worry about them sinking out of sight. Next to the lake and loons... I think this might be the next most exciting thing about spring and "real good weather"!!!!! course, black flies come next, but they're not here yet!!!!

Now, tonite didn't go exactly to plan.... I was suppose to start teaching three new dog classes in Wells. But my "boss" called to say that one of the classes didn't fill, so after some thought, we decided to give it another week and see if that one class will fill a little better (if not, than I will just teach two classes next week)... SOOOOO.... not having to teach tonite meant... I got to go to steak night!!!! I haven't been able to go since Christmas.. and I was very excited to have the night off and spend sometime with our friends. It was a great evening......


Two of my very loyal...

(ah -- make that ) EXTREMELY loyal

blog readers!!!!

Told them I would have something for them to read........... :-)

news of the day...

Yesterday, the lake looked like a mirror... I am just so happy to have it back and not look out over the "great white tundra"... People are returning to their camps, raking up the winter messes, taking shutters off the windows, and all the usual "spring work". I notice each weekend, it gets a little busier.

I didn't "capture him" very well, but that white line you see across the picture, is a loon taking his morning cruise. He probably enjoys having the lake all to himself, I would say within a month, he will have to share it with boats once again. But for now, it's all his....

Finishing details are happening around the house, and according to Ken, they will be done probably within a week. THEN the project is ours (scary thought!!!) This week they laid the plywood down over the upstairs "false" floor. I have been interested in seeing this done, because I really couldn't figure out how it would all look in the end. They kept assuring me that I wouldn't even notice it was a false floor and I found that hard to believe. Now that I see it, I think they're right, when finished you won't even know that it's been built up. (this is the hallway looking into the two bedrooms)

This is the master... bathroom to the left and the closet (were Ken is working) is to the right... no floor just yet.....

Here the first piece goes down. I couldn't stay long enough to watch it all happen, but when I go today, it will all be done.

And this shot was taken out the bedroom window.. we will have a nice view of the field when we wake in the mornings!!! I will be able to see the horses... we have to take some trees down and do some thinning to see the barn... but everything in good time.

Monday evening there were three more "graduations!!!" Another "six weeks" starts again next week.... told you my life is marked in six week sessions....

this is the "puppy class"












And the first of the Advance classes... (this was Banjo's class)

Here's "my" Banjo baby!!! (notice that he has already creased his hat???)




















And this is the second Advance class ( the gal on the end to the right... is Kathleen with her latest service puppy Harvey)

And now I am off, I need to get a walk in with the dog's, make a "grain run".. do barn chores and start the new Wednesday night obedience classes later this evening..... fun!!!!!

wisdom from an old farmer....

Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.

Meanness don't 'jes happen overnight.

Your fences need to be horse-high, pig- tight and bull- strong.

Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere Tractor.

Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.

You can not unsay a cruel word.

Every path has a few puddles.

When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

The best sermons are lived, not preached.

Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyways.

Don't judge folks by their relatives.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.

Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is to stop digging.

Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

The biggest trouble maker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every morning.

Always drink up stream from the herd.

Words that soak into your ears are whispered.. not yelled.

Forgive your enemies, it messes up their heads.

Good judgement comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgement.

Lettin' the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.

If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' someone else's dog around.

Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

MY students!!!!!

I know that I have the VERY best job in the whole world!!! Being a dog obedience instructor brings me so many joys and blessings, that I can't even begin to share it all with you. Aside from the wonderful dogs that I have the priviledge of working with, are the wonderful owners... many of whom turn into dear friends. Such is the case of these two students.....

This is Rick and his beautiful boxer, Mindy....this past weekend, they attended a two day seminar and Mindy is now an official therapy dog!!! She and Rick passed the course and test that is sponsored by Therapy Dog International. Rick already has some ideas of "where" he and MIndy will be "working"... so I know there are going to be some pretty wonderful stories to share in the near future!!!! Congratulations to you both.... excellent work!!! (and I am sure that Kelli and Gus are very proud of you two....)

And this is Oliver!!! who is owned by another student/friend of mine. This weekend, Mary and Oliver were entered in a two day dog show, working on their second Rally Obedience title. Mary has reported that not only did Oliver earn two legs in the Advance Rally class, but he placed first on Saturday and third on Sunday!!! This is a long way from the puppy class that Oliver did with me, but I am so proud that I am a part of his obedience career....Excellent work you two....one to go for that second title!!!!

Told you I had the best job!!! Stories and "reports" just like these make me so very happy.... and I just had to share them with all of you!!!!

Easter blessings and random things...

Had I gotten up a tad earlier I might have gone to the sun rise service at church. But since there were horses to tend to, and I didn't feel like rushing about, I took some quiet time with the Lord and watched the sun rise over the lake. It was a wonderful, personal time to spend in prayer and be mindful of what Easter is truly about. Christ the Lord has risen today!!!!

The Easter treats aren't as "fancy" as they might have been in the past, but I still had to get a little something for the "kids". We never were that much into "baskets and bunnies", but it's always nice to find a special treat... even if you are a "big kid"....

The day was very cool and bright. Attendance at church was near bursting.. wish that could be the case every Sunday!!! I did have a new outfit to wear (thanks to Kas helping me shop... I "hate" shopping, but really did need some dressy clothes).. still, I couldn't help but wish that I had my comfy jeans and warm sweatshirt!!!! Service was wonderful, and we had a nice visit with friends afterwards in the fellowship hall. Then it was off to my parent's house for a great dinner with the family.

My little niece is such a doll. It is such a blessing to have a real youngster around. Here she is playing "flower girl".... she is very entertaining!!! I can't believe that she will be three in just a few months, time certainly has a way of flying by....

After a very nice afternoon with the family, it was time to head home and do chores. My dear "barn fairy" Betty had done all the stalls, and I dare say, a ton of grooming, because every horse looked very clean!!! All Ed and I had to do was feed and bring in for the evening.

Do you see something wrong with this picture??? Like one little horse on the WRONG side of the fence!!!! Miss "Tude" was out again!!! honestly I don't know how she does it!!! I am just glad that the grass isn't richly green, and she probably hadn't been out very long!!! Fortunately she stuck close to the barn, and came running in when we called for her... but I will have to be careful. Founder is a real problem with these minis, and green grass can be a huge factor... so, when the grass begins to come in, we will have to fix this "escaping thing" for sure!!!! (maybe if she drops some of that winter coat, she could actually feel the zap of the fence!!!)

I have been enjoying a real treat the past couple of mornings. Our church's women's group met this past week. One of the ladies brought a big batch of home made donuts!!! and they were just wonderful!!! I can't even remember the last time I had "real home made donuts!!" When I was a little girl, a lady named Mrs. Hutchins made the best home made donuts, and I don't think I have had them since she has passed away. I would really like to learn how to make them, and I plan on finding out one way or another!!! course that might not be such a good idea, but I think I will just the same.


Yesterday afternoon, we filled the water tank yet again. I have no complaints about this tank... it got us thru the winter, and even though it can be a "pain" hauling it to the camp, and then trekking it back to the barn... it is way easier than trying to transport buckets of water. However, this task is beginning to "get old".. but Ed is thinking that he might have a way to get water to the barn from the well now that we don't have to worry about hard freezing anymore. SO.... there is a chance that this is the last time we haul water from the camp... that would be a great "improvement"...

Another Easter come and gone. It was quieter than some, and better than others (like the year that Nate was deploying to Iraq or last year when my dear Ed had been in the hospital!!!!!).. but for what it "was"... I am truly grateful...

Happy Easter.

aaahhhh.....they're back!!!!

This evening, as we were coming in from church... a big full orange moon was just beginning to rise over the lake. I stood outside for a bit, admiring the moon... and what do I hear...

the singing of the loons!!!!! They are back on the lake!!! it wasn't until I heard their beautiful song that I realized how much I have missed them all winter...... you can bet I will sleep with the window open a crack tonite, just so I can listen them!!!

welcome home loons!!!

another graduation...

My life, it seems, is marked in "six week sessions"... that is, all my obedience classes are six weeks...

and tonite, the Wednesday night group had their graduation!!!! This is the puppy class....

And this is one of the advance classes.....

everyone did such a great job... and next week, a new session begins again.....

I stole this picture from Sadie.... thought it was a cute one of her and Silver.... she certainly loves that old boy.....

news around the farm...

Life has been pretty much chugging along here on the farm. Some days, there doesn't seem to be much to blog about, so for those of you who haven't had much to read... sorry about that!!!!

But, yesterday seemed to come up with some news.. so here we go

I went down to the barn to do chores, Annabelle was waiting for me. She has turned out to be the perfect barn cat!!! As I arrived, she greeted me at the door with loud "meows" and followed me all about, She even kept the seat warm in the "gator" while I mucked the stalls. Betty told me that over the weekend, Annabelle had a small (mouse) gift for her!!! Good girl, her "job" as barn cat is to keep them little critters out... and though she hasn't presented any gifts to me, I am happy that she has gone to work!!!!

and it seems that the guinea hens have begun their work as well. Look what I found!!!

I know that they do lay and I guess their eggs are pretty good, but since I have no idea how "old" these eggs might be, I am a bit leery to try these two. Now that I know they are laying, I will keep a watch for eggs, and if I find some that are fairly fresh, I might just give them a try. They are a bit smaller than a chicken egg, but they are quite pretty looking. The trouble with the guinea's is they will lay pretty much any place, I found one egg in their stall and the other on a pile of hay in the ally way. I guess they won't (or don't) use a nesting box like a chicken might, so it is hard to know when the egg was laid. We are down to three birds, and if they keep "running away" from home, we may have less than that!!!! Several times over the past couple of weeks, they have left the farm and I have found them at the various neighbors. I don't want my birds to become pests.. and there is one road that they cross which is quite busy. In fact, one of them was almost hit last Sunday... I don't know why they must cross the road... we have 30 acres here... you would think that would be enough room for three little birds to find something to do!!!! Ed and I have talked about fencing them in, and I think we will... but, the idea of the guineas was for tick patrol and if they don't free range, then they can't get the ticks... so, I don't know what the answer will be. If they just stayed home, then everything would be OK...


What do you think of my kitchen?? Yesterday, Ed and I (along with the guys) began to plan out the kitchen. Ed needs to know where things will go so he can get the electrical wires in place, and I need to know.. just so.. I know!!!

Sadly... I am a very "visual" person, so even though the guys make lines on the floor for the cabinets and the like, I still couldn't "see it".

Then Ken cam up with the idea of building a mock up.. and you know, that really did help alot. It's a very open kitchen, which is what I was hoping, because nothing is "worse" than to have friends over, try to visit with them, and yell your conversations from the kitchen!!! We shouldn't have that"problem" in this house!!!






The day was a bit grey and rained off and on... so, the guys had the woodstove chugging to take the damp out. It did a pretty good job!!!

Nellie and Zoe certainly appreciated it!!!!!

the lake....

Friday.. April 3

Monday, Arpil 6th

and this morning.. Wednesday, April 8th!!!!

NOW... THIS is SPRING!!!!!