Friday, July 3, 2015

Saturday, July 4, 2015


Happy 4th of July 
from Ramsay





The rush of Spring to Summer has kept us quite busy!

A mildly wet Spring gave us an early first cut of hay this year.

1st cut of Spring 2015

"Make hay while the sun shines!"

We got started on the garden in plenty of time..


Early June...

Early July























With the addition of restrooms to the Old Grigg Barn, we needed
to increase our water supply and installed a new well last fall and 
added a reserve tank system this spring to provide adequate supply.











The green house garden brings back old favorites each spring and

 this year produced a new explosion of Larkspur!!







The usual abundance of blackberries around the

 pastures came in right according to schedule this spring.






Last Fall we graded two flat areas west of the Grigg barn to

accommodate large tents for functions here at the estate. There was
 some concern that the upper pad may not be uniformly level,so back
 in May, we brought in a laser tripod to check the grade. Thankfully,
 we found less than 1 inch variance over the length of the pad!






After a quiet winter with only a few guests staying at the estate, May and June

brought some delightful folks--see the recent post about UVA Graduation-- and this
great couple  who stayed here recently at the Carriage House. In part, as a result of their
 visit at Ramsay, they are seriously considering relocating to this area!



The days grow long, and the work seems never-ending at times. We are
 extremely fortunate to have such good help here at the estate. Even so, Stephen
 sometimes can't remember where he left his hat!



We'll sign off with this picture as a tribute to the
 UVA Baseball National Championship
         
GO HOOS!!!!

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

University of Virginia
Graduation Edition
May 2015


We were honored to host a family from New York who were 
celebrating the graduation of two sons on the same day!

With many family and friends staying at Ramsay for the long
Graduation Weekend, the festivities began Thursday evening, and
the last car pulled out a little after lunchtime  on Monday. The guest total
for the weekend was 100+, and we believe it is safe to say that everyone 
 had a delightful, restful--a little hectic Sunday morning!-- and engaging
  time together. The reviews and accolades have been abundant and
deeply appreciated.

Respecting privacy, we will withhold names, but hope
 you enjoy this picture postcard from the weekend.

Bessie and Daisy welcomed everyone on Thursday afternoon.

Friday night























Chef Judy





























Saturday night


Jimmy and Joann - our weekend food wizards!
The family and friends were also celebrating two birthdays!!

"Sweet Sixteen!"





"Sweet Sixteen + "


The proud and happy family!






"It just doesn't get much better than this!"


Just one of the Ramsay "Post Card" views!




Waiting for the party!








So many stories... so little time!



Congratulations to the graduates and family.
Thanks for spending this special time with us at Ramsay!





Monday, May 4, 2015

Monday, May 4, 2015

The Green is Back!!


Main Entrance freshly mowed

South Pasture - First Mowing


Farm House Yard
North Portico View

In mid April, we had the grass paddocks and hay fields fertilized...



...and two days later, Mother Nature gave us 2" of rain!

Stockton Creek 2' above normal


The Ramsay Barn Group

Last week we summoned our versatile handymen Clay and Josh to
 install a small brick walk-through at the barn yard gate


Josh establishes a level edge, and a few hours later......

VOILA!!

One of our loyal painters, Oscar, (and a painter buddy)  came out over the
weekend to get a fresh coat of paint on the new fence at the Grigg Barn yard






Our gardener, Patsy, enlisted some able-bodied lads to spread mulch last week. They covered
 every square inch of flower beds, trees, and shrubs from one end of the estate to the other.
 75 cubic yards in all!!










Work at the Grigg barn restrooms continues as we finish the
utility rough-ins and make a few ceiling repairs.

Repair site identified

New cross studs added

First course of rough plaster