[LongViewFarm]

Thanks for the support. Finishing this has been cold work, and makes me very aware of how short the days are getting. Just getting to the mill after work and getting any work done is a study in diminishing returns. I can’t wait for the days to get longer.

I don’t do any custom sawing now, just cut for myself, and traded some to my farrier. I hope to use the mill to cut the needed timbers for my own future construction, and add custom sawing to my diversification when I leave the off farm job.

[LongViewFarm]

Brad did an Awesome job, presenting to about 100 different high school students today, explaining everything from horse care to economics, environmental impacts, and techniques and strategies for being efficient, “as you have to be if you are going to be successful in any job.” There was a lot of interest from the students, and several volunteer drivers- first time teamsters.

I wanted to get a professional to come present to the students so that they’d get a credible, experienced, knowledgable source. Brad nailed it, and was great at communicating with the students.

The logs that were skidded to the nearby sawmill were cut on the school’s property and will return as board for use int he school’s barn for their agricultural program. Some of the students helping move logs today will nail those board in place come spring.

I hope to add some pictures soon. It was a great day for outreach to a LOT of future landowners/horse owners/ environmentalists/ at the very least consumers.

Thanks Brad!

[LongViewFarm]

It’s a FOley Bellsay M14. I’d like to figure out what year it was made. Ted bought it in the 80s, but belsaw was in production for many years before that, and kept manufacturing into the 90s, later bought by Stormking.
It runs off of a tractor PTO, as low as 25 hp if milling medium sized pine.

Perhaps an eventual conversion to horse treadmill or turnstile?

See you soon, literally or virtually.
Jay

[LongViewFarm]

Thanks for the note Ed.

I finally get up the gumption to post on here and then the other (last?) shoe dropped. House and land appraised at $80k below town appraisal. We had based purchase price on the town appraised value.

The bank is unwilling to lend enough funds to purchase the house. Nancy, whom I’ve done so much for in recent years, is unnegotiable in price. The sale is not going to happen.

I can’t express my level of frustration.

[LongViewFarm]

I could use some support, as this project is going squiggly at every turn. The latest news is waiting has cost me .75% in interest rate and $35,000. It’s not fun for anybody to realize how the actions of others can have such an impact on one’s plans.

The worst news is Ted Walker, whom some of you met, passed away in August while I was in France. I miss him, and find his impact everywhere in the woods, so I don’t feel that great a disconnect from him. I am carrying on his work. His health went downhill quickly, so there was no long suffering, and I am glad for that.

Now I am dealing with his wife, and their lawyer. Neither one has been much fun and I feel the friendship built up over many years disappearing. I believe that Nancy is nearly incapable of making major decisions on her own. She certainly has opinions, but she wants a man (Ted) to tell her what to do. I imagine you can’t empathize with that, but I think it’s part of the lifestyle she grew up in. Add sincere grief to that, and moving becomes very had to contemplate.

I am being patient, and it is taking its toll. I had hoped to come to DAPFD with a spring in my step, a grin, and plans to expound upon. with every change, plans go by the wayside and doubts pile on. At least there is cleaning out being done, and I may still be able to buy tools and machinery like Ted’d promised. $35k over 30 years is manageable. It’s just a big number to look at from this side.

The biggest loss is the relationship I used to enjoy with Ted and Nancy.

The new date for closing is Oct 29th. I can’t hold my breath that long.

“It’ll be ok in the end. If it’s not ok, it’s not the end.”
Thanks for listening.

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[LongViewFarm]

I do not know why they are upside down. Sorry!

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[LongViewFarm]

2nd plow:

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[LongViewFarm]

I am very sad to be missing out on seeing everybody. Rest assured that I will do my best to host a social event this summer. Maybe a chance to relax before the rush of Field Days.

This makes me very glad that we were able to put together such a wonderful wood bee event last year.

Nancy is giving her caregivers a run for her money. She’s still very energetic.

See you all soon.
Thanks
Jay

[LongViewFarm]

We’ll miss you Tom but don’t worry this will by no means be the last DAPnet event we host.

[LongViewFarm]

Can we get a better head count as we get closer to this event? Two weeks from tomorrow, and there’s plenty of wood to pull and fun to be had.

I’ll put the tent up again for lunch. We can plug in the crock pots if you bring any. I have some funds for mileage, for those who need and can confirm soon.

Last year’s event was rerun on Chronicle last Tues.

http://www.wmur.com/new-hampshire-chronicle/Monday-June-11th-an-old-fashioned-wood-bee/-/13383450/14855572/-/pukg69/-/index.html

[LongViewFarm]

I hope you can make it Tom. There’s less work this year, and more social time. (Hopefully it’s not as hot.)  I’ve got some funds for your mileage if you can plan enough in advance I’ll set some aside for you.

It’s been very busy on the hill this spring. I look forward to a day set aside only for friendship, horsework, and firewood.

Thanks!

[LongViewFarm]

A big step tonight: Ted, Nancy, Lilly, and I met with a lawyer and signed a purchase and sales agreement.

Closing Sept. 15th. I can’t wait.:D

[LongViewFarm]

Grilling… and good beer, games, and company while waiting for the coals to get just right…

[LongViewFarm]

Level 3 went off great yesterday, and one of the students (Eli) spent more time in the afternoon cutting more trees. We spent the morning today cleaning up from level 1 and 2 with my team of horses. I am going to put several videos up as soon as they are loaded.

The Level 4 Game of Logging class will be hosted here in Charlestown on 3/16/13, IF we can fill the class. To do this we need three more individuals to sign up. This promises to be a great class, focused on getting hung up trees on the ground safely. It is a great opportunity for anyone who works in the woods to practice working with hung trees in a relatively safe environment.

Please think about taking the course if you have taken levels 1-3, or even all four. $125.00 for the day, which likely comes with a hot meal at lunch. RSVP for breakfast too. Please spread the word to all your friends too.

Thanks,
Jay

[LongViewFarm]

That’s just across the river from me. I think I’ll go over and have a look.

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