Cutting down and cutting up the big Walnut trees close to the house in our back yard. These beautiful trees dropped splines, leaves, and walnuts into our gutters all year. Now gutter clearing will take much less time and effort!

Plum Pickers....(in Sarah's point of view)

So plums actually produce every other year. I know there's a name for that, but it's escaped me at the moment. This year we were lucky to have them produce some of the loveliest fruits we've had, even though they are quite sour at times (that's the way Marmie likes 'em) We were also lucky enough to get a lot off before the squirrels and deer got to them. They're not the type of plum that you might be thinking of since they're only the size ofa cherry; but they taste about the same. Here are a few:

This Spring.

A few snapshots we pulled out to show you a glimpse of our lovely spring on the farm. Bleeding Hearts below, along with Iris'.

Easter this year consisted of easter egg dying (of course). This year we enjoyed the company of the Jona (Jon and Ana), Chris, Elana, Mumsie, Pappie, and myself. Aren't we a creative bunch? Mmm....then we ate them all up.
I know we have these every year, but for some reason Redbuds always surprise my family with their beauty. At first it's only a gray/pink, then a dusty/purple that transforms itself into a brilliant light cherry color. It's almost like every year they become more beautiful. We're so blessed to have them in the Shenandoah Valley!

This Winter... (from Sarah)

Hey all, it's Sarah. Dad's been a bit busy (being the dedicated worker that he is), so he hasn't had time to update the blog. I'm sure most of you know about the rather odd winter we had this year( hallelujah we actually got snow!) I took this as a sign to take as many pictures as possible...which actually led to so many that we had to get a back up hard-drive because the computer couldn't handle all the photos....whoops. Here are two:

This past winter our family also found a facination with the movie Julie & Julia. I found myself making Julia Child's 'Boeuf Bourguignon' the day of my birthday....longest day I've ever spent in the kitchen; but it was worth it. Of course, Titus didn't mind being in the kitchen all day waiting for scraps, it was his absolute pleasure and delight helping me 'clean up'.

Three July birthdays...me, Mark Iverson and Dan Iverson; celebrated with our favorite cakes; which everyone enjoyed!

A Snowy Walk at Dusk

I enjoyed a nice walk with Titus down to the creek and along the edge of the field. Took a picture looking back to the house and Hogback Mountain behind it. At this point the snow is about 6-8 inches deep and crackling like a wintry mix.

Eva Karunakaran's Birthday

Our dear friends, the Karunakarans, came to visit to celebrate Eva's birthday. We enjoyed quite a few laughs and some delicious food. Isn't this a beautiful group of women....and one handsome guy?