Break in the Weather

We finally got a break in the weather this weekend and were able to get outside. This weekend, it is forecast to be above freezing with Sunday being in the upper 40's. My family was getting cabin fever from being stuck inside for such a long and cold winter. Even the animals enjoyed the break and got outside to play.

Liam loves his cats, Clem and Georgia.

Hope had a blast running up and down the driveway. She isn't much of a "cold weather" dog, especially when the snow is over her head.

Saturday, we went to our friends' house to cut firewood. We were completely out, and they were almost out. It has been unseasonably cold this winter and everybody has gone through a lot of firewood. Our friend, Scott, was cutting wood at his father's farm next door. When he had a truckload, he stopped by to see what we were doing. He pitched in and helped for several hours. That's what's great about the country. Neighbors and friends help each other without needing asked.

I also started breeding our rabbits this weekend. I put a doe in with the buck yesterday and today. The normal gestation period is 31 days, so we should see litters around the 25th of March. The bunnies will stay with their mothers for six weeks and then will be transferred to field pens for another six weeks.

Today, we all went out to tap our sugar maple trees for sap. Although we have over 2 dozen sugar maple trees in our woods, I only have 3 taps and buckets for collection. I'd like to get more equipment next year, a little more at a time.

Liam loved being outside and helping me set the taps.

On the first day, after 4 hours, I collected over 1 gallon of sap from the three taps. The weather will be above freezing for a couple more days, then it is supposed to get cold again. At least we are finally seeing signs of spring.