The Tapping

 Mark started the coffee maker at 4:30 am and that meant I had to be up and guarding the coffee maker at 4:45 am or Mark might steal a cup taking all the good strong stuff and leaving me the weak coffee. At 5:30 am he was ready to start bringing in wood for the day. It is still pitch dark out at that time so I was a little surprised and turned on the outdoor lights for him. He made it all the way to the wood shed before coming back and sheepishly explaining, I forgot it was still dark out and need a lantern. We both had a good laugh at that. That's what happens when one wakes to early.  Breakfast was served after the wood was brought in. At 7:00 am I headed up to the barn apartment to turn up the heat and turn on the lights before coming down to get ready to head over to mom's house.  Mom had a restless night, waking up at midnight. Karin thinks it was because she didn't drink enough yesterday, gave her a glass of water which she drank then slept the rest of the night. Today we made a special effort to make sure she drinks more. She also got some walking in and leg exercises.  Aunt Jinnie has been helping with those. Mom had a good lunch then got settled on her chair around 12:45 pm so I left to start working on the supper meal. Sarah took the afternoon and Ruth took the evening but I told them I would bring supper. Tonight we had paprika chicken served over white rice with green beans cooked in chicken stock and a big salad with bacon bits (left over from breakfast) a hard boiled egg, grated cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds served with either poppy seed dressing or blue cheese.  All was delicious. Both mom and aunt Jinnie gave me the recipe. For dessert we had vanilla ice cream.  During dinner a text came in from a man wanting to come see Rockaway tomorrow after church. We left mom's at 6:20 pm just as it was getting dark. Mark led Sally into the indoor arena, Rockaway followed and from the indoor arena we took them into the stall barn and both were given some grain. After putting the halter on Rockaway both were led back to the paddock. I was pleased Rockaway led well but then we were following Sally.  I went back to feed the cat only to find the garbage can the cat food was in was knocked to the ground, the bag was torn apart, the other garbage can (the one with garbage in it) was also knocked over and garbage was strewn all over the stall.  There was no cat food left. I hiked back down to the house and got a can of sardines to feed the poor cat today and she will get another can of that or tuna tomorrow as there is no way to pick up cat food until Monday.

That cat is much to valuable around here to go without food.

I think a raccoon got in the barn and caused the mess. The side door of the barn has been frozen open and I usually keep the stall door shut but didn't think about shutting it as we no longer have any grain in there. Monday after buying another bag will need to figure out how to keep the bad critters out. 

Jozsef went to David and Stephanie's today to tap their maple trees.  This is such a good learning experience for all of the kids.

It takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup. Within a few minutes of setting the tap the bucket already had a couple inches.

This evening the peppers for tomorrow's meal were washed and cut up then put in a gallon sized bag and put back in the fridge.

Tomorrow they will be coated with extra virgin olive oil then covered with parmesan cheese before grilling. The dishes were done and it is now 8:00 pm. I am so ready for bed.