Final touches to the old barn!

Anthony, Emilie & Ronny hard at it!

So Maple Syrup season has come and gone. It was probably the shortest and most intense season that we ever had. It was also the earliest that spring has ever sprung. Lots of really warm days and opportunities to get some renovations done to the barn. We had saved the cedar shakes that had been taken off the old log house 5 years ago and used them to side the renovated barn foundation that has been waiting for that final touch for almost 25 years. The barn was built by a community barn raising in 1901. Commissioned by Kens great grand father George and masterminded by a Mr.Mason who received a horse in payment. The shakes look really good - like they have been there all the time!

Maple syrup season has begun with a bang! Whats interesting is that we tapped our trees almost a full 10 days earlier than we have ever done! You figure global warming is at play? Today was our first boil and we made our first sweet liquid gold! We are collecting sap now and will not be boiling again till Saturday at the earliest.

Sad...but another milestone

Hello All!

It has been over a week now since Walker (Dad/ Grandpa) passed away. He died in his sleep surrounded by family at the Pines on February 21, 2010. He will be missed by all. He had an amazing life and hung on to the family farm through thick and thin. His legacy lives on through this very farm.

This picture was taken earlier this year. Walker was almost 90 years old.

Update!

Finally, after tearing each others hair out, my Mum and I have managed to add some substantial content to the website.

Enjoy!

Another amazing event!

On January 1, 2010 Joane and Walker Riley ( M & D as we fondly call them) celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary! Yes folks as Dad would say... "yes siree 65th"!!! Now that is quite a milestone and we were all there on the farm to celebrate the day with them!

What a day!

Snow Snow and more Snow

Hello there! To give you a jist of whats happening on the farm our blog will continue with pictures. Look, see and believe!

This shot was taken in December when we had almost 2 meters of snow dump on us in just three days. Amazing nature! There was nothing we could do but sit and watch! Now in January we still have piles of the white stuff..but we are getting into working in the maple bush. Guess what! Digging up the lines!!

Look forward to our sweet golden syrup!!

Strawberry Festival?!

Never in my life have i seen more people at our farm... The festival was a huge success! I was going to wait until i had pictures so you could see just how amazing the day was. As you can see i didn't, you're just going to have to come back and visit again to see them.

The strawberry smoothies, salad, and pie were a hit. Catherine and my Mum can really bake a mean pie. They used "the family secret" hot water pastry recipe to make a pie so good i couldn't even begin to describe it here. Maybe if you're really nice she'll tell you... maybe.

If you missed out, there's always next year. We're also planning a corn festival which promises to have a live band, and even more fun for the whole family. Check back later for more details.