Filed under: February 2018 | Tags: busy, happy, maple syrup, maple syrup production, Small Farming, tired
February 25, 2018
This year’s season started off in a BIG way! We tapped a week ago today. The ground was slightly frozen and a little snow covered the ground. It was like a picture from a New England farm scene. We laughed and worked and had the tapping job done in no time. The sap started to drip by late afternoon.
On the next day, Monday, we installed the unloading pipe for the new tank. It was raining steady. We waited as long as we dared, but finally had to work in the rain. We got soaked to the skin, but before dark, the pipe was set and the sugarhouse was mostly ready.
The new tank receives the raw sap. The sap coming into the tank gets filtered as it fills the tank. The sap gets filtered again as it pumps inside to the big tank that feeds the stainless steel evaporator.
Now that the new tank is in place and working well, we will make a more permanent unloading pipe support structure. I guess that will be an upcoming project, because for now, this works very well….and there is no time for any other projects!
We started collecting sap late in the day Monday and finished after dark. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we gathered sap and boiled until after midnight. Those were some very long days. Friday and even into Saturday we boiled to empty all the fresh maple sap in the tanks. I went through a lot of wood. Thankfully, the sap had quit running by Thursday afternoon … so, for now we are caught up. Tomorrow I will do some additional cleaning to make ready for the next sap flow.
The maple season, just like making hay, is 100% dependent upon Mother nature. We need cold nights and warm days to make the maple trees drip sap. I am very glad that she gave me a rest today. I think the horses are too. We are now pretty much in the swing of this spring dance, called maple syrup season. The steps are not new. When the sap runs, the maple syrup producer does too!
Filed under: February 2018 | Tags: change, diplomacy, donkey, donkeys, lean manufacturing, retirement, the 5 "S"
February 12, 2018
Our donkey has been with us for about six months. I had no idea just what awesome critters these guys can be. He is the sweetest, most loving farm animal that I have ever encountered. He is a gentle guy with patience that resembles “Job”. He follows me around, but knows exactly what the daily routine brings. He doesn’t like change much at all!
I will not say that every donkey is a sweetheart, but I can sure say that this one is. There must be a few donkeys that demonstrate the “stubbornness” they are rumored to have. I’m guessing that it has more to do with them not embracing change. They have a tendency to shout out and even lock their heels at new things. Hmmm, I show some of these exact tendencies myself when it comes to change. I am guessing that is why some folks see me as an ass……That’s ok with me…as long as a few others see me as a lovable, patient, gentle man.
I like the status quo. I can do change when I must, but am sometimes the one shouting loudly and locking my heels. At my advancing age, my tolerance for bullshit….also know as change…is just about zero! I think its almost time to separate my self from a place where constant change rules the day…It’ll be much better for everyone involved. If that makes me a donkey…so be it…. just call me a donkey diplomat!
RicelandMeadows 