More Sugarin'

This time we visited Anita & Brian (and Clara) to see their impressive maple syrup operation.

Here is the home-made evaporator, with 4 "beds", and the barrel of sap:


The cheap labour, paid in sips of syrup:


Brian, keeping an eye on the evaporation, and tasting the sap.


Anita doing her favourite task:


Clara, Julia and Ella going to collect more sap:


Good stuff!


Wondering how to get it out of there (there was a pump).


Some of the amazing finished product, on the left is the early-season syrup, and on the right is what is being made by now.


Thanks guys!

Sleepover

The two nieces slept over last night - and camped out in Julia's room.

Here they are, waiting for a bedtime book.


This morning at breakfast:
Aiyana.


Sena.


Julia.


Then sharing the dollhouse.

Author's Tea

Julia had her annual "Author's Tea" this week. This year, it was autobiographical: Julia told everyone about herself: her favourite colour, favourite things to do, etc. 27 kids went in about 25 minutes...

Here she is:


Stella, not listening to her big sister.


Miss Natasha (will be missed).


Afterwards, outside, with Lexi and mama (3 pretty girls). It was beautiful and warm.


We had ice cream and Julia said hi to the cows.


Bonus picture: Stella on a walk today.

Sleeping Julia

Julia fell asleep while I read to her from my book. A pretty good way to spend a Sunday afternoon.


Stella.

Sugarin'

Julia and I paid a little visit to Hurricane Farm, in Scotland, this afternoon. The weather is warm, and the snow is melting.

Today's main attraction was the making of maple syrup:




A little surprise: a one-day old lamb, yet to be named. Seemed very comfortable in Erica's arms.




Julia and Violet had fun.

Stella, recovering

Poor kid's been recovering from being all stuffed up. Nobody's been sleeping very well, but we're all better now.

Here's her secret to getting healthy: