1/21/2012

     OK! I have been out of the loop for just about long enough. Been waiting for winter to arrive. It seems to finally be available to us here on Catawba. Got 1 -1.5 inches of powdery snow overnight. It's beautiful, of course. The best part, according to many around here, is that we got closer than ever to summer before the first real snowfall which should mean winter will be short. Right? I won't be counting those chickens...

     Speaking of chickens, I finally made a trip to Meyer Hatchery yesterday and placed my order for chicks. We will have 13 day old chicks ready to pick up on April 16. Can't wait. We will have a pretty fun variety of hens for all to enjoy: some heavy egg layers to help out with breakfast, some beautiful girls for show more than anything else, and some fun "easter eggers" which lay lovely colored eggs. I'm not sure exactly how many weeks each hen will take before she is ready to lay but until then they will at the very least be a great source of entertainment.

     This winter is a busy one even though the inn is quiet as usual. I have begun work at a tax preparation service and am in charge of organizing the annual fundraiser for my daughter's school in April. Lots of work to do in between my weekday schedule at the tax place.

     As always, looking forward to a great season and to meeting you/seeing you again!

Joe 

4/9/12

     A fine Easter Sunday yesterday. Hope yours was nice, too. It seems the Easter Bunny made a stop at Malley's in Cleveland before coming out to Catawba. Three cheers for that rabbit. And for the fact that my daughter likes to share.

     I may have finally stumbled upon a way to put together my raised garden beds without being forced to take out a second mortgage. I have gathered as much leftover lumber and other materials as I can find for now but, alas, there are a few items which must be purchased. I had better get moving on this one. Walt is bringing up his backhoe for a week along with a dumptruck or two full of soil. I'd like to avoid having to put the dirt in the beds one shovelful at a time. Reducing the amount of backbreaking labor I need to do is always a favorite focus of mine.

     For the moment, I am really focused on the annual fundraiser for my daughter's school which is April 21st. I am part of the committee which is planning the event and boy is it a lot of work. There will be an auction - live and silent - along with dinner, music, and raffles. Should be lots of fun. 

      Joe