And They’re Off!

There’s always something going on here at Gael Glen Farm. Today was egg delivery day! The fresh eggs are off to make the bellies of our egg plan members very happy.

 

Belly Laughs & Taffy Gaffes

We spent the day with family friends at White Lake enjoying this gorgeous February Sunday. It was a leisurely afternoon full of fresh forest air, spontaneous snow squalls, and campfire crackles.  You can never have enough good friends, belly laughs, and sticky maple taffy. Thanks for helping us make some great memories Brody, Kelsey and family!

Ali thought tipping over was beyond hilarious.
He was simply roaring with laughter here.

Ali was thrilled to find a "hot dog" in the frozen swamp (aka cattail).
Thank goodness he decided NOT to eat it.

Hot chocolate, maple syrup, and a bonfire -
what more could you ask for on a February day?!

Those dots WAY out there on the frozen lake
are the kids exploring. They had the absolute best time.

Ali found the most awesome tree house.
He got up but couldn't get back down.
Thank goodness we didn't have to call the fire department, lol.

A Team Effort Under the Maple Tree

The fellows of Gael Glen Farm sure know how to get things done out in the maple grove. They made quick work of tapping day.

Liam drilled the holes.

Seamus hammered in the spiles.

Alistair was responsible for buckets.

Mama hung the lids.  Daddy directed, assisted, and supervised.  It was a family affair to be sure but then again, it always is. Flashback...to 2016. Liam is almost 3 years old and Seamus is 1 year old.

Liam drilling with Daddy (2016)

Liam

Dreaming of Drips

Can you guess what we’re doing this afternoon?

Dreaming about Spring

As we plunge headfirst into what feels like the 100th blizzard of the season, I choose to focus on the fact that my marigolds have sprouted.  That's right, I am ignoring winter and dreaming about spring. And focusing on the fact that's it's Friday.  TGIF!

Sunny Side Up

I can't help but feel grateful on days when our hens are laying, the sun is shining brightly in the February sky, and our boys have rosy cheeks and ever cheekier smiles.

Needing a Donkey Hug

Seamus successfully competed day two at his new school.  We are working through transitioning him from the French language school board to the French immersion program at our local English language public school. He is adapting to his new adventure like a trooper and we have hope that the changes we are making will position him for success with some added dashes of self-confidence, pride, and happiness thrown in. We are so proud of Seamus even if these past few weeks have been beyond stressful for all of us. I guess it was just our time as parents to learn that what you want to be best for your child is not necessarily what actually is best for your child. A difficult life lesson to be sure but at least Ian and I can confirm that we are now both more emotionally intelligent people. Good grief.

I certainly could have used a
good Charlie hug this week.

Making Winter Lemonade

When they cancel the buses because of the pending ice storm, you still drive your kids to school.  But you also set out some bowls to catch the ice pellets so they can make snow ice cream upon their return home.  #winterlemonade

Seed Starts

Despite having to tackle the mountain of laundry that has taken up residence in our mudroom, we were also able to have some fun today. Liam and I got our next bunch of February seeds started; in went the hot peppers, onions, herbs, and flowers.

The weather was grey but so mild that we got outside for a backyard bonfire.

I am glad we are all together today and we are thinking of the families of first responders who can't be because of the protests downtown. We are grateful for your service.

Ali & the Snowmobile

It was a busy day on the lake. Under the lure of lots of snacks, hot chocolate, and snowmobile rides, we got the kids outside for some ice fishing. It was cold and very windy but fun was had by all.

Alistair loved his first snowmobile ride.

Liam is big enough to help Daddy drill holes through the super thick ice
using Grandpa Derrick's special auger.

Seamus loved the snacks!

 Ian caught an impressive pike and I drove a snowmobile for the first time!  We are glad to be together enjoying the great outdoors! Happy Family Day Weekend!

Team Wonka or Team Wilder

Ever since our homeschooling adventures exploring homestead ruins, the boys have been fascinated by pioneers. We are currently reading the Little House on the Prairie series and they are loving it. Liam came across a recipe for pioneer molasses candy in the latest book and was eager to try it out on the fresh fallen snow. It is a bit like the maple taffy that you pour out in strips for it to harden on the snow. One look at the recipe and I would tell this was not Willy Wonka approved but Liam was convinced that Ms. Laura Ingalls Wilder knew what she was talking about. And so we proceeded.

Well, it was revolting. Those pioneers were certainly hard pressed for sweets if these were considered edible, let alone delicious. We can confirm without a doubt that we are Team Wonka.

Visiting the North Pole

After 10 mm of rain yesterday, it looked for a minute like springtime was coming. And then the snow started.

When we awoke this morning, it looked like we'd been transported to the North Pole. It snowed 30 cm overnight and is now -25 degrees C. 

It took Ian and the boys over two hours to snow blow and shovel us out this morning.  The school buses were cancelled but we drove the boys to school anyway.  Thank goodness for our old truck with four wheel drive!

The chicken coop is currently frozen shut with the birds trapped inside (with food and water so they'll be fine).

Finally, to top it all off - my shovel broke!  What a day.  Where the heck is spring?!

Old Duck, New Tricks

Someone has been picking on Kate, our elderly sight-impaired Indian runner duck. With her being half blind, I suspect she is an easy target since the bully can sneak up on her. The top of Kate's head is bloody from being pecked and she needs some time to recover. She is our oldest animal so what is one to do but bring her inside? The boys gave her a bath to get her cleaned up.

Kate loves swimming in the warm water and even drained the bathtub all by herself when she was done.

So yes, we now have a duck living in the bathroom. Even with the daily baths/swims, Kate is still very, very stinky. I think there might be a reason ducks are not kept as indoor pets.

Oh Happy Day!

Look what came in the mail today!

A giant box of seeds!  Oh happy day!

In celebration we brought our plant stand back up from the basement.

The eggplants, rosemary, and lavender now have a new home under the bright grow lights.

 And it is time to start the onions and hot peppers! I just love growing things.

The Very Hungry Red Squirrel

This is why we can't have nice things. Because of red squirrels. I mean who needs their garden hose in one piece? And even better question is why on earth would a squirrel want to eat a hose? 

Or two pairs of children's rain boots?

 Why red squirrel? Why?