Maple Syrup Time

Well, it’s that time again. Been boiling sap the past few days. So far we’ve made just over two gallons of maple syrup from 20 taps. No big operation here just making enough for our family till next year and to give away a few pints as gifts. Maybe someday we’ll do it more seriously, there’s plenty of maple tree’s for it that’s for sure. But, for now it’s just a fun thing to do. Kind of relaxing sitting around the fire. Couldn’t ask for nicer weather though. It’s been absolutely beautiful.

Friends of ours Phil and Diane Burns own Burning Bush Maple syrup. They do over 6000 taps. I remember when we first met them, thinking we had something in common in that we both did maple syrup, I asked Phil, “so how many taps do you make each year.” At the time he was doing close to 8000. He has since made improvements to his system making things more efficient and is down to 6000 or so taps. My mouth about dropped when I first heard how much they do and was a little embarrassed by the smallness of our efforts. Now that’s some serious maple syruping. In my wildest dreams I’d never figure on doing that much syrup. We make it by the pint, the Burns’ make it by the 55 gallon drum.

With the help of our neighbors we sheared our 4 sheep this weekend as well. Since our two families are both kind of getting into sheep we went at it as a group

effort. They had some electric shears so we helped them with their two ewes and then they came over and helped us. A fun learning experience for all. It always takes some getting used to seeing the sheep without their big wooly coats. Their heads always look too big for their bodies.


Obviously this is a before picture. Haven’t gotten a chance to see the ones of the fresh shear jobs. Perhaps I will post them at a later date.


Until Next Time