Elk damage. 9/19/2018

Heard the elk bugling a couple of nights ago. Next morning I heard more bugling and then saw a bull with a big rack and a cow walk out of the CREP project in the upper field. It's a bit unusual to see them during hunting season. Went down to show Tom Nygren the thinning that we were doing in the CREP project and found this tree. Those darned elk! This is a really nice tree, but now only a little bark left on the back side. I hope that it survives.

Apples! 9/5/2018

Picked these from the tree below the granary. They make a delicious apple crisp!

Buffer Swamp 9/5/2018

Went over to the Buffer Swamp today to see what needs to be done ahead of Tom Nygren's visit. I got a USDA grant to have a plan written for the Buffer Swamp, and Tom will be writing it for us.

First problem was this ash down across the bottom of the hill, so it was difficult to get into the CREP project. We also need to get the CREP thinned before 12/31/2019. We mowed the landing and the ramp, and then started in on this tree. Got a couple of sections cut before we had to shut down. Also, walked around to see what else needs to be done. Will need to work over here this fall and next spring when we get the chance.

Jepson was up for pork chops. August 29, 2018

Hard to believe that he will be 98 years old in November!

Finished putting in Jepson's firewood. August 28, 2018

Got the firewood in before we head to the State Fair on 8/30, and then on to Ashland on 8/31 to see Oklahoma! Very happy to have this project done. Amisha and her kids helped us on Sunday.

Making progress on the decks at Joe's. August 24, 2018.