The Big One

Wow! We had a storm that brought 16 inches of snow. That's the most for one storm in the history of Hardwood Hermitage! The challenge would have been great even with the tractor, but the very cold temps gummed up our diesel fuel. We cleared the driveway with the small red walk-behind blower, a piece of equipment that has really earned its keep over the years! A neighbor helped bring the tractor back to life.

Here are some pics after the big blast of snow. But first, remember: when life hands you lemons, make pineapple upside down cake:

Recent activities

Winter, the time to consider the looming work of spring through fall. That might include some outside time in the snow, or indoor pursuits. Recent examples of work on Hardwood Hermitage include:

Making a chicken pin cushion:

Moving wood from the shed to garage:

Axing and gathering some spring-poled birch for future processing:

Icy and cold

We had a lot of wind and some ice that has stuck around. Only a very small number of trees became spring poles as a result of the ice, but it sticks to every tree. Really cold temps, but not much snow, expected for the early part of the new year. Here are two pics from the year's last walk that occurred this p.m. Happy 2026!!!

Last walk of autumn

Autumn can close out with some wicked temperature swings, with this year being a prime example. We were at 52 degrees at 2:30 p.m. Friday. Saturday's low fell to 16. We had beautifully clear skies early today, then clouds and now a major snow squall. Before the wintry precip, the last walk of autumn took place. This photo, taken about 500 feet north of the house looks down the slope into what seems like a never-ending birch grove. Happy Winter!

Early winter

We've been cold and snowy during the closing part of autumn. December has seen 18 inches of snow, with morning lows below zero on two days. The tractor and snowblower have come in handy, for sure. Here are three recent pictures of our wintry adventure.

Old school forestry

Sometimes you just need to pick up an axe. This old head has a new helve thanks to a neighbor's craftsmanship. He even burned Hardwood Hermitage initials into the lovely hickory, a rock solid wood great for absorbing shock.

Sunny color, cloudy color

Some great pictures of our strange color season are still possible. The first one was taken before a few days of much needed rain. The sun makes the birches and yellow leaves really shine. But even on a cloudy day like this afternoon, the trees look great.