When I was a kid, snow meant sledding, snotty nose, wind-burn, and sometimes a few bruises. Later, it meant walks in the woods with my dogs, who (as dogs do) acted as though it was all some magical special effect I had put on for their amusement.
Now, I sit wrapped in a warm polartec bathrobe, behind my computer. I have a lasagna that I made (it’s better after a couple days!) sitting in the refrigerator, and tons of coffee. I don’t think I’ll be getting to the shop today.
My property-line is about 6 feet back into those trees, which go on for about 20 miles, forming the southern part of Black Moshannon State Park. I know some of those trees are maples and, next year, we’re going to experiment with collecting some sap and boiling down maple syrup. Depending on how energetic I feel (signs point to “not very”) I may construct a wood-fired sap boiler. It’s just welding, right? Next year. With their leaves off, it’s hard for me to tell a sugar maple from anything else. I’m used to looking at my wood in the form of cut boards.
That looks like a fabulous place to go for a walk, especially with a dog. I prefer to see wood in its original tree form, and sugar maples are one of my favourites.
The farm where we get our maple syrup has a small sugar shack that still uses old-fashioned, wood-fired boiling, and in the spring, the scent fills the woods where we walk. It’s intoxicating.
Lovely image and memories!
Apropos of nothing, I got an email announcing the release of this Lego set today and immediately thought of you, as I know no other blacksmiths.
Genghis Faun@#2:
Apropos of nothing, I got an email announcing the release of this Lego set today and immediately thought of you, as I know no other blacksmiths.
Wow, that’s nice!
It is, innit? Still, I’m writing the company to let them know they got your facial hair all wrong and that they need to include this headpiece.
we’re going to experiment with collecting some sap and boiling down maple syrup
It can be fun, just do not forget the rough ratio of sap to syrup is 40:1.
jrkrideau@#5:
It can be fun, just do not forget the rough ratio of sap to syrup is 40:1.
Yeah, there’s that.