Sunday, March 9-Wednesday, March 12, 2014

This week's spring-like temperatures and sunshine have made the remainder of the snow disappear, and the ground is less muddy thanks to breezy weather.  We celebrated our son Gordon's 36th birthday on Sunday, and we enjoyed having family here at the farmhouse.  We were able to visit the cows and the horses with granddaughter Haley in between lunch and party.

Sherry and Geo have been here, Sherry for her regular hours and duties, and Geo for a portion of his time.  He is making great progress clearing the underbrush in the woods just west of the farmhouse.  Some other highlights from this week:

--Jess and some of the crew from Central Virginia Builders were here, taking final measurements and making plans to begin work on the south portico on Friday.

--Stephen located a source and placed the order for replacement control knobs for the stove in the main house.

--C & G Paving delivered gravel to make a better surface for the muddy lane behind the farmhouse.

--Donnie moved the few remaining round bales for pick-up, clearing the way for the new spring grass, which is already appearing in the pastures and fields.
--Stephen heard from Zeke at Grelen that they have located some suitable trees to replace the ones along the main driveway, and will be on site to do the transplanting in early April.

Tomorrow (Thursday), Patsy will be on site to fill the urn in the brick walkway and replace other plantings as requested, and to do a final winter check before prepping the gardens for spring work.

We are expecting below-freezing temperatures tonight, after three days in the 60s and 70s.  Maybe this photo of the view to the north will be one of the last truly winter pictures, as trees begin to bud and new grass is appearing.