It becomes quite obvious no matter where you are on a day like today when the rain is falling and the temps are in the 40s, that summer really is over... and fall leaving us isn't far behind either. We're looking forward to our first winter on the farm if only because it's OUR farm. Personally... I like the other 3 seasons much better.
This weekend we officially closed down The Shindig. Since it's an open space, everything susceptable to freezing was brought into the house. The fridge and cooler were unplugged and the bar stools were taken back into the dining room. We may still gather in The Shindig here and there as the weather permits, but for all intents and purposes, shindigs at The Shindig will have to wait til spring start poking her head out of the ground and clouds and warms things up to a reasonable level.
Thanks to everyone who helped make our inaugural season, even if it was short, a great one. Those who helped Thom build the tavern space on our work days... those who came to hang out and make it the special space that it is... thank you all. We're already thinking about special events to host for next year.
Showing posts with label Tavern. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tavern. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
And the winner is....
Happy November! We're actually forecasted for our first taste of snow later this week. I don't think any of us are really ready as we all love fall and wish it would hang on a bit longer. But we're logistically ready I think having done a bunch of winter prep. Need to prep the bar (removing all the stuff that would freeze, etc.) but otherwise we're ok.
Speaking of the tavern, the naming contest is officially over. Saturday at 10pm we closed the voting and tabulated and receiving over 50% of the votes, the official name is ...
The Shindig
Thanks to everyone for voting! The 50/50 drawing winner was Amanda. Congrats!
Speaking of the tavern, the naming contest is officially over. Saturday at 10pm we closed the voting and tabulated and receiving over 50% of the votes, the official name is ...
The Shindig
Thanks to everyone for voting! The 50/50 drawing winner was Amanda. Congrats!
Friday, October 22, 2010
The race is on!!
1 week to go in the Name the Tavern Contest (and 50/50 Raffle) and we have a new leader!
1. The Shindig
2. The Withers Tavern
3. Kookyduke's Tavern
4. The Browncoat Tavern
5. Old Nelson's Charge
6. The Bascule Tavern
6. The Prancing Pony Inn
6. The Stirrup Cup Pub
9. Airs Above the Ground Tavern
9. The Shiny Oxer Tavern
Remember, you can vote as often as you would like between now and 10pm next Saturday (October 30th). The official name and the winner of the 50/50 Raffle will be announced at 10:30pm (although probably not posted here until Monday morning).
In other news, it's been kind of a rough week chicken-wise. Monday morning we lost one of the Rhode Island Red chicks and Monday night we lost one of our great Barred Rock hens. Everyone else is doing really well so we're not looking at anything contagious. There is the probability that our egg production ... slipping from 1 egg per hen per day to occasionally all BUT one hen is due to simply the shorter days. Still looking forward to spring when all the chicks start laying. Will be posting current pics of the chicks soon... they've started to lose the baby fuzz and are turning into beautiful birds.
Received 10 Eastern Red Cedar tree seedling transplants in the mail yesterday from The Nurseryman. They're planted in various locations on the north side of the property along Old Dayton Road, hopefully to grow up quickly and act as a wind/sound/noise break between the farm and the road.
We've also started "interviewing" for another dog here at the farm. Gypsy has made her preference for running the long distances with Chris pretty well known so one of the jobs of the new pup will be to be Chris's running partner as she continues to work towards her goal of eventually running a marathon. Will post information and pictures as soon as a dog is selected. We're primarily looking at cattle dogs or cattle dog mixes since Gypsy is such a wonderful girl.
Bella the cow is on hold til we determine for sure if she's been bred. She'll be here eventually and we've started making preparations for her arrival (fencing, hay, etc.).
Still have horse boarding available.
1. The Shindig
2. The Withers Tavern
3. Kookyduke's Tavern
4. The Browncoat Tavern
5. Old Nelson's Charge
6. The Bascule Tavern
6. The Prancing Pony Inn
6. The Stirrup Cup Pub
9. Airs Above the Ground Tavern
9. The Shiny Oxer Tavern
Remember, you can vote as often as you would like between now and 10pm next Saturday (October 30th). The official name and the winner of the 50/50 Raffle will be announced at 10:30pm (although probably not posted here until Monday morning).
In other news, it's been kind of a rough week chicken-wise. Monday morning we lost one of the Rhode Island Red chicks and Monday night we lost one of our great Barred Rock hens. Everyone else is doing really well so we're not looking at anything contagious. There is the probability that our egg production ... slipping from 1 egg per hen per day to occasionally all BUT one hen is due to simply the shorter days. Still looking forward to spring when all the chicks start laying. Will be posting current pics of the chicks soon... they've started to lose the baby fuzz and are turning into beautiful birds.
Received 10 Eastern Red Cedar tree seedling transplants in the mail yesterday from The Nurseryman. They're planted in various locations on the north side of the property along Old Dayton Road, hopefully to grow up quickly and act as a wind/sound/noise break between the farm and the road.
We've also started "interviewing" for another dog here at the farm. Gypsy has made her preference for running the long distances with Chris pretty well known so one of the jobs of the new pup will be to be Chris's running partner as she continues to work towards her goal of eventually running a marathon. Will post information and pictures as soon as a dog is selected. We're primarily looking at cattle dogs or cattle dog mixes since Gypsy is such a wonderful girl.
Bella the cow is on hold til we determine for sure if she's been bred. She'll be here eventually and we've started making preparations for her arrival (fencing, hay, etc.).
Still have horse boarding available.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
First trail race, tavern updates and impending new arrivals
Sunday we held the Kelly Day Race. This was a simple trail race on our running trail (just over a mile in length) for the kids and parents of the homeschool group (WILC). We had 23 runners participate and several other visitors. A bit chilly but great for running. Afterwards, the kids entertained themselves running around the farm or playing air hockey, while the adults congregated either in the lounge area or in the bar itself (mostly in the bar as we have a couple kerosene heaters in there). Hopefully we'll get the pictures downloaded from the camera soon, but it was definitely a success!
With several runners in the family, we hope to make a trail race at least an annual event, and eventually our goal is to be able to host a 5k trail race around the property. Look for more trail updates as they happen.
Friends stopped by the tavern last week and a suggestion of writing on the bar our favorite, funniest and most poignant quotes from Firefly was mentioned. We love the idea and have started putting it into place. So next time you're at the Tavern (chilling or perhaps voting for a name), you'll have some reading material on the bar itself. It's looking really nice so far.
We have 2 impending arrivals at the farm. First, sometime next week we expect our day old chicks to arrive! There will be 26 -- 12 arcanas, 13 rhode island reds and 1 mystery chick (could be of any breed and either sex -- here's hoping it;s a hen or his name will be Broth).
Also this weekend, we learned that we should be the proud owners of a Jersey cow in the near future! After speaking with a farmer on the topic several times, she has agreed to sell us one of her cows. Soon there will be no more sleeping in... but the fresh milk will definitely be worth it. Watch for more details!
With several runners in the family, we hope to make a trail race at least an annual event, and eventually our goal is to be able to host a 5k trail race around the property. Look for more trail updates as they happen.
Friends stopped by the tavern last week and a suggestion of writing on the bar our favorite, funniest and most poignant quotes from Firefly was mentioned. We love the idea and have started putting it into place. So next time you're at the Tavern (chilling or perhaps voting for a name), you'll have some reading material on the bar itself. It's looking really nice so far.
We have 2 impending arrivals at the farm. First, sometime next week we expect our day old chicks to arrive! There will be 26 -- 12 arcanas, 13 rhode island reds and 1 mystery chick (could be of any breed and either sex -- here's hoping it;s a hen or his name will be Broth).
Also this weekend, we learned that we should be the proud owners of a Jersey cow in the near future! After speaking with a farmer on the topic several times, she has agreed to sell us one of her cows. Soon there will be no more sleeping in... but the fresh milk will definitely be worth it. Watch for more details!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Building Stalls and a Fort! (plus Tavern Naming contest update)
Work is progressing at Serenity Valley... in some cases at a tremendous speed!
We are *THIS* close to being able to advertise for boarders. The stall is done (except for mats which will be purchased next week at Quarter Horse Congress). We've put down extra stone in a couple places where the run in footing was a little soft. The ramp to the workbench area has started and will be solid AND soft for the horses. 3 of 4 lights in the area are up and running! it's really looking nice.
Due to the chillier fall weather that finally descended upon us, we picked up a ginormous tarp from Craigslist (bigger than the seller advertised) and the bar now has a roof! The goal being to be able to keep a bit more heat inside the bar area for upcoming gatherings. Yes, between surrounded by canvas and now covered with a tarp... it looks like we built a fort! :) but it does help retain heat. I only wish I'd remembered to take pictures during construction. which reminds me... next time you're at the bar, take a look at the washers used to help keep the roof tarp in place. I think they'll make you smile.
Winterizing activities will start in a couple weeks. Until then, we're continuing to clean out the storage area (in order to house hay for horses as needed), finish the stalls and further "insulate" the bar. Oh and we'll be getting a tree to plant sometime this week for the patio area.
The latest standings for the Name the Tavern Contest & 50/50 Raffle are below (as of Sunday, Sept 26). Remember... voting open til 10pm on Saturday, October 30th (during teh Halloween Party) with the drawing at 10:30. you do not need to be present to win the 50/50 drawing! Name that collects the most $ will be the official name of the Tavern. Each $1 you vote gives you a chance in the drawing to split the proceeds. Vote often!!
Name leaderboard:
1. The Withers Tavern
2. Kookyduke's Tavern
3. The Shindig
4. The Browncoat Tavern
5. Old Nelson's Charge
6. The Bascule Tavern
6. The Prancing Pony Inn
6. The Stirrup Cup Pub
9. Airs Above the Ground Tavern
9. The Shiny Oxer Tavern
We are *THIS* close to being able to advertise for boarders. The stall is done (except for mats which will be purchased next week at Quarter Horse Congress). We've put down extra stone in a couple places where the run in footing was a little soft. The ramp to the workbench area has started and will be solid AND soft for the horses. 3 of 4 lights in the area are up and running! it's really looking nice.
Due to the chillier fall weather that finally descended upon us, we picked up a ginormous tarp from Craigslist (bigger than the seller advertised) and the bar now has a roof! The goal being to be able to keep a bit more heat inside the bar area for upcoming gatherings. Yes, between surrounded by canvas and now covered with a tarp... it looks like we built a fort! :) but it does help retain heat. I only wish I'd remembered to take pictures during construction. which reminds me... next time you're at the bar, take a look at the washers used to help keep the roof tarp in place. I think they'll make you smile.
Winterizing activities will start in a couple weeks. Until then, we're continuing to clean out the storage area (in order to house hay for horses as needed), finish the stalls and further "insulate" the bar. Oh and we'll be getting a tree to plant sometime this week for the patio area.
The latest standings for the Name the Tavern Contest & 50/50 Raffle are below (as of Sunday, Sept 26). Remember... voting open til 10pm on Saturday, October 30th (during teh Halloween Party) with the drawing at 10:30. you do not need to be present to win the 50/50 drawing! Name that collects the most $ will be the official name of the Tavern. Each $1 you vote gives you a chance in the drawing to split the proceeds. Vote often!!
Name leaderboard:
1. The Withers Tavern
2. Kookyduke's Tavern
3. The Shindig
4. The Browncoat Tavern
5. Old Nelson's Charge
6. The Bascule Tavern
6. The Prancing Pony Inn
6. The Stirrup Cup Pub
9. Airs Above the Ground Tavern
9. The Shiny Oxer Tavern
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Last Day of Summer update
Last day of summer still is feeling quite like summer, as the weather forecast is calling for a couple days of high 80s and afternoon thunderstorms. As dry as it's been, if that's what it takes to get some rain our direction, that's probably ok.
Everyone at the farm is doing great. We've cleaned out the run in part of the barn and have begun to build a stall. I think as soon as we can get that up and look at purchasing some electric tape fencing, we'll be advertising for a couple pasture boarders. Thought long and hard about it and I know boarding can be iffy, but I think it will help in the long run. Pasture board only, no riding. My ideal would be to find a couple older retired horses. Guess we'll see what we come up with.
Couple of events coming up:
First, Kelly Day Race. Willow's idea. We're inviting the WILC (homeschool group) kids and their families over to the farm on Sunday, October 3rd for a trail race. 2 laps around the running trail (about 2.5 miles total) followed by snacks and just hanging out at the farm. If this goes well, it may be something we look at repeating in the future in a more formal way.
Second, the Halloween Party. Keep it in mind -- October 30th. Costumes encouraged but not mandatory. Not sure when we're "starting" yet but request to bring a snack/desert/drinks to share.
The Name the Tavern 50/50 Raffle is still going on! In fact, we had a name suggestion that we liked SO much that we're adding it to the mix -- "The Shindig". If you've already voted, your vote still counts although if you want to change it, let us know and we'll switch it. Voting open now through 10pm at the Halloween Party. Vote ANY time you wish... doesn't have to be at a party. Vote as often as you wish and for as many different names as you wish. Name that collects the most $$ will be the name of the Tavern. Each $1 you put into the voting gets you a chance in the 50/50 Raffle!
Hope to post more pictures of projects soon! Stay tuned! Fall is coming. :-)
Everyone at the farm is doing great. We've cleaned out the run in part of the barn and have begun to build a stall. I think as soon as we can get that up and look at purchasing some electric tape fencing, we'll be advertising for a couple pasture boarders. Thought long and hard about it and I know boarding can be iffy, but I think it will help in the long run. Pasture board only, no riding. My ideal would be to find a couple older retired horses. Guess we'll see what we come up with.
Couple of events coming up:
First, Kelly Day Race. Willow's idea. We're inviting the WILC (homeschool group) kids and their families over to the farm on Sunday, October 3rd for a trail race. 2 laps around the running trail (about 2.5 miles total) followed by snacks and just hanging out at the farm. If this goes well, it may be something we look at repeating in the future in a more formal way.
Second, the Halloween Party. Keep it in mind -- October 30th. Costumes encouraged but not mandatory. Not sure when we're "starting" yet but request to bring a snack/desert/drinks to share.
The Name the Tavern 50/50 Raffle is still going on! In fact, we had a name suggestion that we liked SO much that we're adding it to the mix -- "The Shindig". If you've already voted, your vote still counts although if you want to change it, let us know and we'll switch it. Voting open now through 10pm at the Halloween Party. Vote ANY time you wish... doesn't have to be at a party. Vote as often as you wish and for as many different names as you wish. Name that collects the most $$ will be the name of the Tavern. Each $1 you put into the voting gets you a chance in the 50/50 Raffle!
Hope to post more pictures of projects soon! Stay tuned! Fall is coming. :-)
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