Monthly Insider - February 2006
February, in like a lamb, out like a lamb
Seems interesting, just a year ago we were battling drifting
snow, whiteouts and wind chills way down in the negative numbers. This year in the Northeast there is a lack of any
type of discussable weather. Little weather fronts come and go, bringing a couple inches of snow, only to melt the following
day with that touch of Spring sun warmth. With the fuel prices where they are, I think we lucked out...
Just as weather can change year to year, so can peoples lives. Here on the big hill we have decided to move our business
and residence south to the Carolina's. It is a big decision for us, moving away from loved ones and all those animals.
So far, most of the animals have been sold and we are carefully packing those special keepsakes and personal belongings for
the journey. We head for a place with milder climate and a bit different environment that we will enjoy sharing with
our readers.
Life is so short, don't miss the opportunity to live it to the fullest, we are certainly
giving it a try.
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Monthly Insider - January 2006
Happy New Year... What
a taste of Spring
Nature has once again teased us here in the Northeast with January seeming more like April.
The mountains have been wiped of their coating of snow and the ice in the driveway has just about disappeared. Our animals
in the fields cannot seem to get enough of this warm sun, with its almost summer feeling they relax there soaking it all up.
As I look out the window one can almost get a little jealous of them sitting laying on their beach. Well this boy is
not fooled, its January and I sit and wait knowing that with just one turn of a wind our friends further north will share
the winter storms and cold air, turning this tease of April into the reality of January. As for me, I stay prepared.
Gloves and boots at the door, and a full fuel tank and plow on the tractor waiting for mother nature to show me what she has.
Those guys on the beach must get a good laugh as they ask each other; Why does our friend on the top of
the hill only come out in the terrible weather?
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Monthly Insider - December 2005
Winter
Sets In
What an interesting world a pond must be from under that huge block of ice. From what we are
told, water makes for a good shelter and when the weather gets cold, all life in the pond moves to the bottom. It is
there our Koi fish, frogs and turtles must hide in those small spaces under a favorite rock, a tunnel hollowed log, between
those fallen leaves or maybe even bury themselves in the mud to protect themselves from the bitter cold. I'm sure
they see a stray shadow or hear a tap on a rock and think back to the late afternoon feed. Life just slows down a bit
in the winter. In the pasture the cattle look at us differently these days. Nature has stopped producing the green
grass and has covered the ground with white. The cool trickling water that quenched their thirst on those hot summer
days has turned to water buckets that seem to forever freeze over. Humans have now become someone very important in
their lives. Down from the top of the hill walks this abominable snowman who pitches them hay, provides them grain and
defrosts their water. There's a sense of peace and satisfaction in the pasture after the meal and a drink, the animals
seem to know they can make it through another day. From our eyes, it's truly amazing how these animals can spend
the night in an environment that we have difficulty spending an hour. Are these just little children depending on us
to be there when they need us most?
As the temperature drops the streams slow down to reveal their path.
What's more beautiful, the flowing water, or the painting of rocks the stream has left us to admire? Both have their
beauty. Remember, the path that we create is what others will follow and how everyone will remember us. Make is
a beautiful one.
Enjoy the holidays and have a safe and prosperous New Year.
*******
Monthly Insider - November 2005
The Start
Our land here in New York consists of 32
acres of pasture that we raise beef cattle; Josie, Agnes and Elsie all bred heifers, Benny a bull that should have been born
a dog, our calves, Scarlet, Angel and Daisy, two horses; Maggie and 1800 pound Draft horse and Lexie and half Draft, half
Quarter horse, three cats that were rescued as kittens just before brushhogging: Ebony, Whisper and Ditch and our wonderful
friend Dusty, a 110 pound Labrador Retriever that loves to ride in our truck and smiles a lot.
This
month on the hill has mostly been preparation for winter with hay loading, field mowing, fence mending, holiday planning and
of course working in our Stained Glass Shop to complete orders for those special holiday gifts.
With the
upcoming winter months moving in, the land seems to almost prepare itself. The trees have lost their leaves to handle
the weight of the snow and the October winds have whisked the leaves from the ground by blowing them all away. Where
did they all go? Other than the few that seem to run into the garage every time the door opens we just do not know,
but they have left this little house on the big hill.
Hunting season started yesterday and with all
the gunshots in the woods, the Whitetail deer have dissapeared. For some a shame for others needed food for the
family. Our friends are not gone for long, they seem to magically visit us in December although seldom seen we know
they are there, they leave us their signature every morning in the snow. In the spring the fawns will arrive from the
miracle of birth and erase all the echoes we heard in the mountains in the past
Our first accumulating snowfall
is in the forecast. Where we live once this stuff is on the ground, it does not leave for a while. December will
bring chilling winds and driving snow that with frost bitten cheeks we will plow, move and shovel from this spot to that spot
just like little kids on the beach playing with sand. By February, we will scratch our heads; Where do I put it
now? The warm March sun will come to the rescue for us and the piles will slowly diminish the snow to running streams
or flowing brooks and new life begins.
Open every day like a precious gift and live them to the fullest,
we don't get them back. Stop to listen and learn to what nature has to offer it's amazing what it will teach
you. Tell the ones you love, just how much you really love them, life is too short not to.
We have met some wonderful people as a result of our Little Shop of Panes and we would like to wish everyone a wonderful and
safe holiday.
George, Ann, family and the critters.
