Update on everything around here

We finished the maple syrup - we ended up with a pint shy of 11 gallons (87 pints)!  Not bad for a couple of old timers like Harold and I, eh?  It was a lot of work, but we feel a sense of accomplishment.  Now we have to go around and pull all the tree taps and get rid of the sap bags.  AND the ticks are out!!  This will not be a fun job!!

Now, we are working on finishing our high tunnel greenhouse.  If you recall, Harold started this project last November.  Yesterday I took this photo of Harold's progress:

All the posts are in.

Today I took this photo of his progress:

The roof panels are going up.  We are using cattle panels bent to fit.

Harold uses a hammer to bend the edges of the cattle panels.

A close-up of the roof panels. 

I will post pictures of the progress.  Basically the greenhouse will be covered with a very thick plastic, and there will be one inch wire mesh all around the bottom, about 3 feet up, all around.  We will have to install a door, too.  Inside will be long raised beds for the plants - one down the middle and one along each edge.   The sides will roll up for air if needed.  This is our own design based on professional models we have seen.   We have never built anything like this before, so this is all a new experience!  This story is definitely "to be continued"!

The ice is off of the ponds!  Here is the view from our front porch:

As I walked up the driveway after getting the mail, my cats came to greet me.  It was getting close to their dinner time, so I suppose they thought I was coming to feed them.   Since I always carry my camera with me, I thought:  Here's a chance to get a photo of all the cats.  Well, you know cats never cooperate for picture taking.  They just wouldn't sit still!  Here's the latest pictures of the "mouser crew" anyway:

Here are 9 of my 13 farm cats. 

Still trying to get them to sit down and pose - no cooperation here - just TippyToes agreed!

I finally gave up on trying to get a group shot, and so did they!