Jeannine and Michael's updates

This has been a good year for us so far.

We had a bumper crop of peaches off our 1 single tree. Over 3 bushels, which we canned, made into jam and froze a bunch for cobblers and ice cream. Blueberries? We got a full gallon off 2 plants and the blackberries came in with a good crop as well. Our elderberry plant also produce a good amount for its first year.

Had both of our granddaughters stay at the farm for a couple days and then later Stella returned for an entire week with us.

Had canning parties together with Chris, Molly and Kendra with our new outdoor kitchen and shared the goods.

Momma, our blooming trumpet cactus put on a great show of 11 blooms this year. Later this summer we had to modify her, because, she was getting too heavy and awkward to move. She is surviving well and growing new parts.

I got the backup electrical system completed and tested, and it is performing well. It can provide 50 amps and 12,000 watt service to the barn, with solar and/or generator charging of battery systems, while providing power to barn. 

We just pulled the RV trailer out from under the barn roof and have it ready for new owners. We plan to purchase a 12 X 20 shed and make it into a bedroom and bath to replace the trailer. Thats my winter project this year, building it out.

The wood stove is in and kicking butt!

The woodstove is a Drolet Deco II. It heats the entire studio during 10 degree weather with ease at half a load. We purchased heat shields so that we could back it up to the corner as much as possible, and we purchased a handmade woodstove tool kit from the Ukraine.

Loaded up for the cold weather coming in this weekend.

With the addition of the wood stove and getting the backup power system in place, we should be set for any power outages that happen to us.