We have been out at the farm working on getting things going. Last weekend we spent a day pumping out the old well housing and shoveling out the sludge! WOOO it was some smelly work but needed to be done. We caught and released a frog who had made his way into the well housing. Then we drained it with a pump, as much as we could before the pump intake clogged up with the 11 years of leaves, old well house cover and other stuff that had fallen in. Once the water was out we were able to get into the well house and scoop the rest of the water and sludge out by hand. The dogs ran around and had a great time out there! They love to run, especially Mike. Sadie is still more of a velcro dog and she sticks right by us. After we finished with the well we went into the woods and started finding the maple trees. We are hoping that there are enough to produce a good quantity of syrup! That’s another thing we need to learn how to do. Thank goodness for the internet!! I was, of course, not just looking at the trees but also hoping to find some edible fungus! I like mushrooms and would love to forage some to cook up for dinner one of these days. Our neighbor came over, really great kid, and he helped us identify some of the trees. His mom invited us for dinner which we graciously accepted after our long day working on the well. She is a great cook- made up some corn, mashed potatoes (YUM!) and fresh Michigan asparagus. (Oh, and for the meat eaters she had a pot roast). It was very kind and we spent some time telling stories out on their back patio. They also offered us use of their tractor- an old Oliver- that needs some new tires and a rim replaced but otherwise works fine. We just love being out on the farm where people help each other out~ instead of in the city where it seems everyone is just in it for themselves. Still have that condo for sale- help support a family farm as we get started by sending this weblink to all your friends and family that might be looking for a great place to live in Chicago: http://www.4710nwolcott1e.com/ Many thanks and I’ll keep you updated on our progress!!
About 11 years of sludge had built up, along with 4 feet of water
This is the easement owned by Wolverine Pipeline
Here we are getting ready for a full day of labor!
