Happy Birthday V & Shawn

We had a great reason to get togther with John's family last weekend - Shawn & V's birthday! Happy birthday guys! Here are a couple photos from the Olive Garden Party!

Solar Thermal Installation

A picture from a solar thermal installation John is wrapping up. This type of solar system is for pre heating domestic hot water. It is an affordable and truly viable option for those looking to reduce their utility bills and carbon footprint.

The Nelsons!

Eric, Cindy & Jake (the ever faithful dog) spent a couple of beautiful fall days with us last weekend. We enjoyed a nice walk around the farm, checking out the windmill and John's growing solar panel collection, picking pumpkins and meeting the pigs.

Eric, Jake and Nellie take a little break

Eric & Cindy meet the pigs.


After pumpkin picking we made our way home to have a bonfire, drink some amazing champagne, munch on salmon jerky straight from the west coast and chocolates, and carve pumpkins. A perfect Sunday afternoon!

Cindy & I went for more detailed patterns....

While Eric & John opted for the less detailed power tool carving approach

Nellie was just exhausted by all the pumpkin carving.

Nellie and Jake became fast friends

Hayes hit Newport

We were so lucky to have good friends John & Micaela and almost 3 year old Maggie visit us this weekend. Here are some photos of our adventures which included a hay ride, pig feeding, picking grapes, a bonfire, R&R, foilage walks, and getting to know Nellie.

Cider 2008

We had our second annual cider pressing with friends Will & Kristen this weekend. It was hard work gathering all those apples but I am looking forward to the delicious hard cider! Will and John in the trees

Nellie is happy to be along for a ride around the farm in search of apples

Will and Kristen

Nellie looks on

The cider crew

A grape day

We had a record concord grape harvest this year - grape juice and grape jelly galore!

WWWWWEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

A little fun for Aunt Kate and Lizzie. (Sorry that the video is sideways, I couldn't figure out how to rotate it....) if you look closely at lizzie, she scrunches her face up in anticipation of the tickling. So cute.

Debate watching fools

John and I have been glued to the Presidential/Vice Presidential debates. Here are a couple of pictures from last night, John and I tucked in and were intent on watching, however Nellie went into 'play' mode. I guess she is not into politics. Well, one thing is for sure, she makes a better door than a window!

Latest Home

Here are a few photos from a home we completed yesterday in Belgrade, ahead of schedule even! Go team! :)