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Whispers of Spring
In a world of ever-changing fads, security and assurance in permanence is precious. The cycle of seasons is a continuously altering, though a dependable sequence. Each passing year begins deep in the arms of winter with the cold. The world is white and colorless. All is quiet. It is a time to reflect on the year passed. Winter is a time of rest and contemplation. As the months pass, and the sun begins to linger longer every day, the icy winds release their grip and give way to whispers of Spring…the season of new beginnings and growth. As the snow retreats, vibrant greens and yellows peek through the decomposing leaves…
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Syrup Making: Part 2
– The crisp air and the bright sunlight harmonize during syrup season. The forest, though still barren, is alive within, running with sweet sap. The river of sugary sap flows through our taps into the buckets. Every day, we tromp through the soft, wet snow and gather the sap. Production varies from year to year, but this year we collected enough sap to produce over 40 gallons of syrup. With the estimated ratio of 32 gallons of sap to 1 gallon of syrup, that is over 1,280 gallons of unreduced sap. The hours and days invested into syrup making is comprised of more than gathering and taping. Once the sap…
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Maple Syrup Making: Part 1
Yesterday I walked out the door and it was spring. The sun was shining, and I could feel the thick warmth from its rays. Spring means maple syrup season has come and gone. We (mostly Dad) make maple syrup from the broad leaf maple trees that dot the valley floor. Unlike the typical sugar maple, these trees give sap that makes a thinner syrup, though it still has the distinctive, natural maple taste. When the weather yields cold frosty nights and warm days, Dad starts gathering taps, hoses, buckets, and a sled to begin tapping trees. The fog hung low, clinging to the bare fingers of trees. The slushy scraping…
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Letter Writing
Handwritten letters are some of my most treasured things. A deep surge of joy fills my heart when I open my mailbox to find a letter bearing my name and a beautiful stamp. When I have the privilege to write a letter, I begin with choosing my paper. The paper I use most commonly is plain lined writing paper, or some simple stationery. With pencil and paper, I embark on my journey of creativity and relaxation. After a greeting, I write about what is taking up my time, whether it is school or work or play, and then I eagerly describe any new or exciting news such as, upcoming trips…
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Back to the Basics
Electricity—The impact of this single word is profound in our technologically advanced society. We rely on this commodity every day. It becomes easy and almost unavoidable to take the privilege of electricity for granted. We use it all the time. We use it when we take a shower, turn on a light, or cook a meal. It is everywhere. The electricity in the valley comes from our own (small), hydro-powered powerhouse, and the backup diesel generators. Though we theoretically have a steady supply of power, we experience frequent power outages. I count this as a blessing. It is a reminder of how great a privilege electricity is. The longer you…
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The Grocery List Effect
3pm. It is an interesting time of day; I quite like it. 3pm is usually when I finish school. But, on this particular day, 3pm struck, and I kept working. I was trying to focus, but an unfinished list was swimming in my head. ‘I hope I don’t forget anything this time’. The thought pounded along with the list of what tomorrow morning had in store. When the sun rose the next day, our house had been busy for some time. The preparations for the trip to come had been ongoing and were no getting into full swing. There were last minute bits and bobs to pack, snacks to gather,…
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What Do You Do in the Winter?
One of the most common questions people ask when they find out about my remote lifestyle is… What do you do in the winter? This lifestyle does lend itself to a seasonal cycle of busy, action packed summers, and slower, dark winters. But we don’t hibernate. We still do normal things like everyone else. We still have to take care of our homes and family. Even more so with carrying wood to keep us warm and shoveling snow. Like everyone else we do our laundry, make things to eat, maintain relationships, and do all the things necessary to live. In this serene and peaceful valley, time does seem to move…
