
How cool! Happy Birthday, Patrick!
And more good news! Angela is coming to visit her sis - Kary and family - at the end of March. So I will be able to see her, too! - at least for one of the days she is here. If the weather is good, all of her family is welcome to come out and enjoy the Land. If the weather isn't so good, I will go in to the 'burbs and spend time with Angela and all. I' m so happy I will be able to see Angela. She is a delightful daughter-in-law! Jeff and Angela are so fortunate. So am I!
Smitty and Chris came out to fish today and just left. Much like postmen, they brave rain, sleet and snow storms to ice fish. What dedication! I took another photo of their fishing hut. (Above) This photo is taken from between JJ's chapel-to-be and my house-on-the-hill-to-be.
Dave was here and found another dead mulberry close to the house site to be taken down. I am in need of smaller logs to burn, and this tree fits the bill. Once again I am burning the wood we cut today. It makes me feel so good that nothing goes to waste.
Alan donated two tents to the Land for friends and family who may be camping out here. Dave picked them up and brought them over here. I will make good use of them! Thank you, Alana!
After Dave left, I discovered there are lots of downed branches on the path that leads to Willow Creek, so I've started yet another burn pile - right near where the branches have fallen. I am envisioning you, dear Reader, gathered around the fire, listening to the dry branches crackle as they burn, and Willow Creek"chortling" along. In my mind's eye, I also see Gavin, Jake and even little Olivia picking up twigs and throwing them on the fire. I'll supply the marshmellows for all my guests!
Guess what else I discovered while working on the new burn pile? Welll...let me back up a little. Over the last several months there has been evidence of beavers back on the Land, as many small willow saplings have been chewed off. After observing this for a while, I looked all over for a beaver dam. I couldn't find one. Today, as I am working on the new wood pile just above Willow Creek, I happen to look down and there it is! Right below the area where the bonfire will be! Exactly where previous beavers have had their dam and right in front of my face. (See photo below.)
Beavers have a tendency to cut down any tree in sight, so I have to closely watch all my larger trees - most of which have wire around them to protect them from the last bunch of beavers here. Ah...there is always much to think about and to do on the Land. But that's why I love it so!
I baked chocolate chip cookies yesterday...so I'm going to end this update and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a few cookies as I watch the newest round of snow pile up!
Cheers, dear Reader, cheers!