Sugaring:Last Minute Preps

 The sun is getting higher in the sky. I can see it in the way the shadows fall across the field, and feel the difference when I step outside.  Even though the termperatures are still quite cold, there is a difference in the feel of the sunshine.
With temperatures predicted to reach above freezing this week, it is time to drill the taps for the maple trees.
Only we have a slight problem.

The used drum I bought to hold the sap as we collect it does not have a lid that comes off.  So we are going to have to cut the top off with the recriprocating saw. I think the plastic is thick enough that the barrel will not warp.
And I have to go get a few more gallon spring water jugs  which we are using as buckets.  So it looks like tapping will wait till tomorrow. We did a 20 mile run today, and I think we are both wanting a little downtime instead of tromping through the snow and cold.

Got the drill and the taps ready, and did a test drill on a piece of scrap wood to make sure we can easily attach the collecting jugs.... so this will be the project for tomorrow.

We have had many folks exclaim that we sure picked a bad winter to return to New Hampshire. Looking at all this beautiful snow, we see the abundance it will bring come spring... so, we dont mind.

And my mom asked, "Why no more scripture verses"?.  no good answer for that, other than, sometimes I cant think of an appropriate one. But heres one for you, Mom.

Psalm 96:11-13
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad.
Let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant,  and everything in them.
Let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Let all creation rejoice before the Lord.

Do you ever wonder how conscious the plant kingdom is? Studies have shown plants respond to music and even speech. So is it at all far fetched to think that the trees of the forest know their Creator?
I would love to witness this some day.... and hope they dont mind sharing a little sap with us meanwhile...😊