RicelandMeadows

August 12, 2025

The last days of summer are approaching fast. The goldenrod seasonal bloom has started. The honeybees will need a new honey super soon. The wasps and hornets are looking towards winter too. I found this beauty on the side wall of my back barn. Luckily, I saw it just before I walked into it. I was restoring order to get some equipment out. The hornets were not happy. They are very aggressive. They convinced me to find something else to do..at least for a day or two.

The old pig barn renovation is nearing completion. The siding was all sourced from our own woodlot as was the material for the trusses. It is pleasing to see what a tree can be. The removal of a few dead trees and a couple over crowded ones, were used for this project. The woodlot looks better now too.

This week’s project is to get ready for concrete. We are well started but still have a ways to go before we can pour. That job I outsource. Concrete is too expensive to “play around with” as I learn. I would not save money, in fact it might be a big waste of it, if I tried by myself. I will get everything ready. I will standby to help in any way needed, but this job is for the professionals now. Seventeen yards is too much for an old guy with bad knees and a big belly!

Our Suffolk babies are growing well. Here are two of this years crop. They are hanging out, drinking with their daddy. Hank has returned to his herd and all is peaceful. He loves his job and spends much of his day grooming the little ones.

Our county fair wrapped up last Sunday. I finished up the last of our hay for 2025 last night just after dark. It is nice to have both successful things behind us. Canning season is about to go crazy as the garden produce ripens. Green beans will finish today. What a blessing to have them in the pantry. Our sweet corn is almost ready and we can almost taste it! School starts next week and I can’t believe it…that was a quick summer break!