In Spring time, it’s SAP Time!

Jan 29, 2023

 

I am sooo out of shape, I’m only good for a couple of hours of physical work before I need to take break.  That’s what comes of 27 years of sitting at a desk for a living.  And frankly, I’m lazy.  Sitting with the computer is addictive.

It has been warm during the day and cold at night for at least the last week.  So, the sap is running and if I’m going to do syrup this year, I’d better get to it!!

I got out all the stuff for collecting sap.  The spiles, the hooks, wires, gallon jugs and hoses.  Then the hammer (to pound the spiles in) and drill and appropriate bit.  It took me over an hour to get all the taps in.  The sap is already running and it’s going into the jugs!!

I expect I’ll be boiling by Wednesday.  I spent another hour breaking up sticks for the fire.  It takes a lot of wood to keep the fire going, and it has to burn for a long time – goes for a day at a time to boil down maybe three or five gallons. 

I have 14 taps out there.  I don’t think I’ll get as much syrup as I did last year because the winter has been non-existent so far.  We’ve had almost no snow and mostly warm days and cool, not cold nights.  It dips below freezing most nights which is what the trees need to run the sap.

I have some syrup left over (!) from last years’ run, which I will probably blend into this year’s run.  YAY!   Sap Season!

BRAG:

Bison Tyson Cronin has achieved his Intermediate Trick Title!  We’re so proud,  He also passed his CGCA – Canine Good Citizen Advanced.  Again, so very proud of him.  He continues to work on his handler to correct her mistakes (that would be me) and make them a better team.  His tail never stops wagging on Thursday mornings!

In the meantime, Teeny Haven’s Long Tripp, aka Trippy continues to show off at his agility class.  It took a couple of months after the last trial to find his joy in agility but at last he is happy again, and telling me off in no uncertain barks when I goof up on course.  The tail cannot wag any faster.  I am so glad for him.  He was diagnosed with OCD (no surprise there) but the addition of a little gabapentin has him much more relaxed, at home and abroad.  No more licking incessantly.

Lastly, Blackie-Cat is indeed getting older.  I think he’s becoming hard of hearing as his vocalizations can wake the dead.  I also think he’s having some difficulty with his teeth as I hear him chewing the hard, dry food.  He’s getting more canned food and I’m about to start dampening his dry food to make it easier for him.  He’s such a love.  He sleeps on or near me at night!