20211125 + Thanksgiving

20211125 + Up early and L, Hazel and I headed out. We swung by the mailbox to see if some stuff I shipped was stuck in the chute, it wasn’t. We swung through McDs and headed to the Farm. It was an easy drive up and we got there in good time. L helped GmaW get things set up and I took Hazel up to Gma&paW’s. The boys showed up and I headed down and more and more folks showed up. It was nice to be back in the old Farmhouse with all the family after missing last year with the lockdown. It was nice to catch-up with folks. Roger prayed and we we had a very nice meal.

After our food settled a bit I went up and got Hazel and a group of us headed to the Falls.  We walked all the way up and L&I’s first house was gone, so was Oneida lodge, but my bridges still are there. The trail down to the falls is in really bad shape and treacherous. We went down to the falls and then back up, not out and around to the pines as the trail was not passable. We made our way back to the Farmhouse and hung out some more. LD&G worked on crafts, J vanished to Gma&paW’s while we were on out falls walk. We caught up some more and folks started heading out. D stayed to help clean up and Them he headed out. He is driving to Ann Arbor MI for the OSU game tomorrow… We got some things cleaned up and headed up. JG&I played some euchre with GmaW and then J headed back to the bedroom. G&I stayed up and played 3 way solitaire with GmaW, a new game for G. Everyone to bed and G&I stayed up with Gpaw showing him how to use the TV and review his health. J up late having a rough night.

20210410 - Maple Syrup Day @ the Farm

20210410 - Up way too early and LJG Hazel and I got everything loaded in the car and headed out. We made a quick pickup at McDs and headed up to the Farm. It was an easy drive and we got there about 8:30. Dale and Roger were there boiling down already and the steam was floating. I helped GpaW get some things set up and Brad and Dave were there helping too. GmaW took L and Dave's girlfriend Tammy up to the house to give her some bday presents and Dave Dylan and I took a walk back through the woods. We ran in to Tim in the woods working on a deer stand and chatted with him a bit. Back to the Farmhouse and more folks were there, all family, unlike years past. J&G took the pug and went up to the pond and all over the Farm. The weather was absolutely perfect and it was a nice small crowd and gave me the chance to talk with folks and not be so busy. The sap boiled down and stories were told. We had a nice lunch and then we poured off the syrup. Folks hung out a bit more and headed up to the camp and we got things cleaned up pretty quickly.

We got things cleaned up and LG&I changed and headed to Galion for baseball. The first game got away from us. G had a good hit and stole a ton of bases but we had a couple bad innings we couldn't recover from. G took the mound for the start of game 2 and did really well pitching, the lessons obviously paid off. He also got a great hit down the 3rd baseline. The rain came in the 4th inning and they called the game. Gma&paW were on their way to the game so we met them at DQ and had dinner and chatted about what a lovely day it was at the Farm and think everything went well and folks were glad to be out and together.

We drove home through some really hard rain. Home, unpacked and L&I sat in the living room with Thunder Force, a new movie, on but were in and out to consciousness... To bed in good time after a very nice long day.

20191229 - Winger Christmas Party

20191229 - Up in the am and we had some bfast and hung out at the Farm a bit before heading over to Shelby for the Winger family Christmas party. We had some good food, Chinese noodle candy, played soem games and learned to tie a bow tie! We passed out gifts and hung out with the fam until late. We packed up and headed head home. Still pretty worn down and happy to rest after the wonderful trip.

20191128 - THANKSGIVING

20191128 - Up too early and helped set out pheasants. Shortly after DJG&I joined the uncles and cousins and we headed out for a hunt. Even with the birds being released only a bit ago our poor hunting skills we only managed to get a handful of birds, J got 2. Back to the springhouse and cleaned the birds. We ran up to the house, got cleaned up and back tot he Farmhouse for the big Thanksgiving feast. It is always a great event where we get together with family and friends we sometimes haven't seen since last Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful day and played games, some hiked and posed for pictures and had a great day. D&J left early to get back to school and work. After the guests left we got things cleaned up and headed back up to Gma&paW's house. We played some cards, watched some tv and wound down from a busy day.

20190106 - Basketball Family Dinner

20190106 - Everyone up late in the am. I attached myself to the desk and got things done and lined up for the next couple of weeks. In the afternoon We all headed to Marion where we met up with Gma&paW, Roger and Jeane and Greg and Debbie for G's basketball game. G had one of his bet games this year and the boys won. After the game we headed to Ralphies for a nice dinner. A nice quiet long drive home and all to bed in good time.

20181122 - Thanksgiving @ the Farm

20181122 - Up in the am and DJ&I and for the first time with a gun G went hunting. We had about 8 of us and it was a different experience without a dog but we did pretty well scaring up about 10 pheasants, G shot at a couple of them but didn't get one. The group only got 3 in total but it was a good morning and good experience for the boys. Up to the house and DJG&I got cleaned up and headed to the Farmhouse. Roger gave grace this year and we had a full house with a huge meal with tons of family around from all over. It was a very nice time and we got to visit with lots of folks. L took a hike up to the falls, I tried an impossible puzzle and had no idea where the boys went. After everyone left we headed up to Gma&paW's where we for some reason ate more and played some fun Christmas games. Not up too late, very tired from a long day.

20181121 + Setting of the Pheasants

20181121 + Up in the am and L prepared the dip for me to take to work. In to work, no J this am and traffic was surprisingly light... In to a quiet workplace and getting things done. As it got closer to noon the place got louder and food was set out and we had a feast! It is a nice group of folks and there were some good and interesting dishes. After lunch I packed up and headed home. We got ont he road and made good time to the Farm. We met up with Gma&paW and the Halsteads at the Farmhouse and chatted for a long time. Roger showed up with pheasants and we all went out to release them. The Halstead girls were a bit shay at first about the process but gave it a try and had a good time. Back to the Farmhouse and we all chatted until they had to leave, great to see them. Up to Gma&paW's house where we got the guns ready for tomorrow and GpaW got us Chinese for dinner. We had a big dinner and then hung out a bit watching TV and looking through ads. To bed in good time.

20180414 - Maple Syrup Day @ the Farm

   
Up early and the Farm is already a buzz with Scouts and Roger and Dale manning the syrup. The Scouts cooked their own breakfasts and helped get final touches on things so we are ready to roll when folks start showing up. Soon folks from as far away as Washington state and the state up north started showing up. 101 in total + 4 dogs this year. There was a huge lunch in the Farmhouse and everyone had plenty to eat. We didn't have as much sap as in past years but we still made the sweet syrup that we all love. Many stories were shared and memories made.

No matter where you travel from.

When you get to the Farm, 

you know you're home.

Thanks to all who helped prepare, those who came to share, those that came to play. Because of all of you, it was a wonderful day. See you next year!

See all our Maple Syrup related activities. 

20171122 - Bird Placing

20171122 - Up in the am and at the desk knocking things out so we could get on the road. L got everyone packed up and the boys helped me get the rack on the back of the car. We got on the road about noon and I took a call that lasted almost the entire drive. We got to the Farm, unpacked and I hit the PC again working until Roger showed up with 20 pheasants. We got dressed up and headed out to seed the fields. Roger, GmaW, DJG&I walked down through the fields and put the pheasants out in various places. It wasn't miserable cold and was easier than previous years the boys are getting good at it. After we got the all set out we headed in. I did a bit more on the PC and then we headed to Jake's in Ashland for a nice dinner. Back to the Farm and we wound down the night and got to bed in good time.

20170819 - Family and Friends

20170819 - Up in the am and we all jumped in the car and headed up to the Farm. We got there and met the family at the Farmhouse and then headed over to the Chestnut Grove Church where many generations of our family are buried for a memorial service for Martha. Roger gave us a history lesson of everyone buried there and our connection to them. There was a nice service, with nice things said by some of of the family, very sad. We all then headed back tot he Farm to have a nice lunch. Everyone chatted and caught up for a bit and then headed out. After everyone was gone GmaW, DJG&I went and got a couple of plants to plant across the road from the Farmhouse. We got them planted and then LDJ&I headed home, G is spending the night.

We stopped at the store on the way home so J could get a present for his buddy and then we dropped him off at the bday party. D headed to DGF7's and L&I headed to the Jamborleapley, a party a guy I use to work with has every year. Kevin had put in a big pond and told me all about it, it was amazing. We had some food, hung out and chatted and relaxed a bit. Home and had some issues getting the big TV working, but eventually watched the movie 'Life'. To bed, but up VERY LATE arranging things for D's bday.

20170415 - Maple Syrup Day @ the Farm

Up in the am and down to the  Farm House to meet Roger that had the sap boiling down already. Soon friends and family started showing up for the most beautiful day we have seen for one of these events in many years.  The sun was out the sky was blue and it was definitely time to get outside and start this Spring. Because it was Easter weekend we thought the attendance would be low, especially without the Scouts, bu about 100 friends and family showed up to stand around the fire to relax and catch up with a bit of maple syrup making mixed in there too.

No matter where you travel from.

When you get to the Farm, 

you know you're home.

Thanks to all who helped prepare, those who came to share, those that came to play. Because of all of you, it was a wonderful day. See you next year!

See all our Maple Syrup related activities. 

After the festivities we had everything cleaned up in no time.  We went out for a nice dinner at the Texas Roadhouse.  Home and watched some TV and relaxed

20161124 - Thanksgiving @ the Farm

20161124 - UP in the am and DJG&I got dressed warm and orange and headed out with the hunters: Roger, Johnny, John 3, Sierra, John C, Greg, Christopher, We walked the usual route and D got a bird, J&G hit the brush with sticks and found bones, I got a bird and we all learned we are pretty horrible shots... Back to the farm house and I cleaned my bird and D helped Christopher clean his first bird. 

Up to the house to get cleaned up and then down to the Farmhouse where the Family gathered around the large tables for grace, fellowship and stories like we have for generations. It was a great meal and put most of us to sleep. 



We then mustered up the energy to head up to the Falls for a brisk hike.

Back to the Farmhouse where the ladies worked on a craft and the boys headed out for some more shooting. 

After everyone left we got cleaned up quickly and headed up to Gma&paW's to hang out and watch a movie. Very thankful to have such a big family.

20161123 - Setting Out Pheasants

20161123 - Up in the am and did not go into work. Got a bunch of things done around the house and we got on the road about 1pm, got gas and a couple of pizzas from Little Ceaser's to eat on the road. We dropped off a wreath on the way out of town and headed to the Farm. The traffic wasn't as bad as past years and we made good time. John Benepe and his son Logan were there and were installing a door for GpaW, D&I lent a hand, but the door was the wrong size... We headed down to the barn to look at the roof and it is a BIG job, trying to keep it from collapsing... In to the Farmhouse and we helped get things set up and soon Roger and Spencer showed up with the pheasants. DJG&I with Roger, Spencer, John C and Mary headed into the fields with the boxes of pheasants to set them out. We put out 20 birds and it is always an adventure. Everything set up and ready we headed to Chinatown for a nice dinner, then home and watched Eagle Eye. All to bed in good time.

20160806 - Scout Pickup and Family Fun

20160806 - Up and on the road to get D&J from Scout Camp. It was a fast ride over and once there I hiked back for the closing ceremonies. I had quite a few of the adult leaders come up to me and tell me D really stepped up this week as a leader and made the week go very smooth :-) I got my boys in the car and we headed out towards the restaurant we all drop at on the way back. The boys talked and talked for the hour it took us to get there, telling me all about the funny things that happened (D and some of the older boys had a skit mocking the adults that was the 'pinnacle' of the week), and all about the kids that didn't do so good... It was great to talk to them and hear all the stories. We got there and made sure the tables were ready and then directed the troop as they came in. The boys ate a ton at the buffet and we were the first to head out as we needed to get to the reunion. Once in the car I gave them their phones and the new rules that come with them... With their phones in hand it was a quieter ride to the farm.

Back to the Farm, everyone cleaned up and G&I went swimming with the cousins from Germany. We got changed and headed up for the dinner and entertainment. It was a fun night with lots of stories and good times. It was good for the boys to be around multiple generations and a nice event.

20160409 - Maple Syrup Day @ the Farm

20160409 - L woke up to find a clock in the hall, G was the 1st boy up and ready to go, he headed out with GmaW. J up and explained the clock was ticking too loud so he had to put it in the hall... D&I up and all out to a beautiful crisp snow covered Farm morning. We all headed out and met up with the frozen scouts that were busy making breakfast. D, directing the scouts and I helped GpaW get things ready and things look really good. Roger and Dale had the sap rolling in the old cast iron kettle and the steam melting the falling snow. 

Soon relatives and friends from near and far filled the yard, barn and house. Tours were given, maple syrup making lessons and stories of days gone flowed by while introductions and new connections were made. The Boy Scouts started their side dishes and lunch was prepared on the grill and inside. 

Soon the food was read and with the snow nearly everyone went inside to eat. I walked around and took pictures and thought how happy Great GmaW would be to see her house so full of wonderful people. We had 95 people here, 27 from Troop 98 that spent then night in the barn and tents on the South yard. 

After lunch the sap had boiled down to the right temperature to officially be Maple Syrup. We pour it off and filled the jars of the golden brown glorious goodness, we think it's the best we've ever made!

Things started wrapping up and the Scouts headed off on a hike up through the camp and to the falls peppered with continuous snowball fights. Cold and wet the hikers returned to the Farmhouse to warm up, eat some leftovers for dinner, play games and hangout.

We look forward to this day to start our Spring off with family and friends each year and this year despite the snow was no exception. We are ready for spring with our maple syrup reserves and hearts full ready for the warm weather and crazy busy schedules to kick in. 

No matter where you travel from.

When you get to the Farm, 

you know you're home.

Thanks to all who helped prepare, those who came to share, those that came to play. 

Because of all of you, it was a wonderful day. 

See you next year!

4/8/17

20151125 - Whittling & Setting 'Free'

20151125 - Up L drove to Farm, hung out, boys played with the kitten, G&I did his soap whittling for his pocket knife carrying chip.  Roger showed up with 20 pheasants and the boys and I helped him let them out.  It was G's first time and he did great.  when it got dark all the boys came in and we headed out for dinner at Chinatown with Gma&paW.  Back to the Farm and to bed exhausted.

20150411 - Maple Syrup Day @ the Farm

20150411 - UP in good tim and down to the Farm.  Roger and Dale had the syrup well underway.  We finished getting thinggs ready and the Scouts helped.  Soon we had over 100 people at the Farm enjoying the perfect day.  The weather was fantastic and everyone explored, visited and played.  G made several trips to  the pond, a hayride to  the Falls and explored all over as the leader of the herd.  A nice slow day.   Things wound down, the Scouts helped clean up and we retreated to the house for a Chinese feast and review of the day.  G collapsed, J soon after.  G did wake back up for a bit and we watched Boxtrolls with GmaW.  Another perfect day at the Farm.  All to bed exhausted...

No matter where you travel from.

When you get to the Farm, 

you know you're home.

Thanks to all who helped prepare, those who came to share, those that came to play. 

Because of all of you, it was a wonderful day. 

See you next year!

20141126 - Set them 'Free'

20141126 - UP in the am and getting things ready to roll.  L drove all of us up to the Farm.  We got there in good time and I set up to get some work done.  I got a ton of email done while D helped GpaW with some chores and the little boys played and hung out.  Roger and Mary soon showed up with a car full of pheasants.  We suited up and went out to help 'seed' the fields for the hunt tomorrow. D has it down pat, J is really good at it and doing it all on his own this year, G is still a bit frighted and just watches.  Mary dd it for the first time, and GmaW came out to watch for the first time.  We let 20 of the out.  Back in from the cold and we had a Chinese feast.  Up watching a movie and then to bed in pretty good time.

20140412 - Maple Syrup Day @ the Farm

20140412 - Up in the am, little boys already out of the house. I can see the smoke rising and the Boy Scout moving around down in the South yard. I have my cup of coffee and head down to help get the last things in place for the day. Uncle Roger and Dale are there, already hard at work boiling down the sap in the ancient cast iron kettle.  The morning is perfect, a bit windy but no chill, the sound of the fire and the running spring fill my ears with memories.  Soon family and friends start showing up and conversations, history lessons and new friendships are formed.  Kids are in the barn swinging from the rope, building hay forts, feeding the ponies treats and exploring in the woods.  The Scouts are cooking over open fires and the pot-luck food is overflowing on the table inside.  Tours of the house and building, friends all around and the sun blessing us with a perfect afternoon.  Lunch was served and everyone had plenty to eat; the Boy Scouts had their potato dish competition and everything was excellent.  Back out to the fire and the sap is almost syrup.  The samples demonstrate the pure goodness in the real syrup.  We pull the kettle from the fire at just the right time and pour the syrup through the filters, then take it into the springhouse to bottle.  Every family got a small sample to take home with smiles all around.  After the syrup event we headed up to Camp Mowana for a trip to Flemming Falls and a meandering walk past Hoppy's grave, the Indian fire ring and through the pines.  The kids stopped for a game of basketball and then back to the farm. Things wound down and friends headed home with memories they will have forever.  The Scouts helped us clean up and we relaxed by the fire as the sun went down.  The Scouts then headed out on a night hike and G came back a bit early scared by the coyote sounds.  The Scouts settled back in their tents and the barn for another night of camping out.  Up to the house and everyone exhausted. What a perfect day!

No matter where you travel from.

When you get to the Farm, 

you know you're home.

Thanks to all who helped prepare, those who came to share, those that came to play.  

Because of all of you, it was a wonderful day.  

See you next year!

See all our Maple Syrup related activities. 

20131128 - Farm Thanksgiving

20131128 - Up hunting with D, Roger Johnny, John 3, John Christian. I'm not a very good shot, one flew right over my head. D got one, and a couple of the other men too.  We cleaned the birds up and then ran up to house to cleaned up.

Down to farm house for nice dinner, a lot of family and friends around. Took walk to falls, target shooting down by the creek. In the evening D&GpaW played chess GmaW LJG&I played some cards, J melted quickly, G soon to follow, little boys in bed. Stayed up to watch Red 2.