02/06/2026
Happy Frosty Friday (at least in our neck of the woods)!
Over the last couple weeks, winter tasks have been in full force—including snow shoveling the two plus feet of snow that fell on The Mountain. Apprentices hopped on tractors to mix and load sand, and some even manned plow trucks to stay on top of the Pike Glades parking lot. They also split wood for local neighbors, whose supply is diminishing due to the extended cold snap. As they say, firewood will warm you up three times: when you fell it, when you split and stack it, and when you burn it!
We can't afford to have a boiler go out, so mentor Jim and an apprentice got right to work when they noticed one acting up in The Homestead. They serviced the boiler, replaces nozzles and filter, tightened some fittings, and we're back in action! Renovation at The Homestead is almost complete, and we're preparing to paint the newly hung interior siding.
One day involved a trip to the "big city" of Hanover, helping move furniture for Moosilauke Counseling Services as they prepare to move offices to Lebanon. Apprentices enjoyed the change of scenery and lunch away from The Mountain.
Finally, mentor Jim worked with several apprentices to install a propane heater in the ceiling of the Parker Barn. They successfully hung the unit and connected pipes, with only a few steps to go before we can hook up the propane.
Although temps will plummet again this weekend, there is optimism in the air. We can hear different birds singing in the morning and feel a change in the sunshine. Spring is coming!
