The American Logger Project

Here we have an ash tree that Jim cut down in the back yard this summer. I suggested that instead of cutting up the tree as boards, it would be nice to have it carved. Jim remembered a chain saw artist he had seen and then the muses began.

One of a few poses that would reflect the fun (ok work) that happens on our tree farm. :) I sent the pictures to Rick Pratt to see if he was interested in carving the logger from an ash tree. He was extremely busy but found time for us. Check out his website www.chainsawartist.com, he is amazing!

Nothing to say here except...BEFORE.

Rick starting the project and gearing up his muse.

It took 2 days and 6 chainsaws and probably 75 pictures. :) It was so interesting to watch the logger appear.

WOW! That is all I can say...(well, at this moment anyway LOL)

Jim put a few coats of boiled linseed oil and he will be ready for display in our backyard next summer. Larger than life...just like Jim. :)

Winter Fun

Peter and I went for a walk aka an adventure and he was so excited to see SNOW and proceeded to make several snow angels. :) He flopped around like a fish out of water...but really happy.
He could stay outside all day in the cold. When he came in he informed me he was ready for hot cocoa and marshmellows. Yummy.


Amanda & Peter making Christmas cookies.

A delicious SUNNY 55 degree November day!

This is a glimpse of the wonderful sunshine that flowed into the kitchen while I was making dinner today. All but one of my violets are blooming and the Christmas cactus is on the 4th round of blooms in the few months, I think she likes the window. I also have a prism ball that I can twirl and make 100's of little rainbows all over the kitchen. Not sure if I can say it is for the little ones or myself. I have been know to give it a twirl when I am the only one to see it. :)

Sarah's Bridal Shower

Sarah's bridal shower was so much fun! All our family & friends sharing a brunch with us at the Tuscarora Inn, Lockport. I HIGHLY recommend the brunch on Sundays and they serve lunch from 10-2 during the week. The food is terrific and the service is just as good, ask for Martha. :)

Theresa, Pam, Jan and Vicki. Thank you Jan & Vicki for being our gift models, you did a GREAT job!

Sarah opening a gift of assorted handmade ornaments from Vicki, Madeleine looking on.

Theresa & Mandy came up with some great games to play and this one was interesting....while Sarah was opening presents someone copied down a few comments and they turned them into "what Sarah would be saying on her wedding night"

i.e. "this is great, I have one of my own", you get the picture. ;)

Snowflake Cookies & fun

Sarah, Jan, Amanda and Theresa doing the decorating of the cut out cookies. I tried to sign them up to help with some Christmas Snowflake cookies and they said "no thanks" LOL

Aren't they lovely???? They tasted even better!

Wood, wood and more wood...

A little mud and LOTS of wood. Jim is getting ready for next year's production. The man never stops...

A cool action shot, Jim and his helper Johnny. This in one of the many things we do on the tree farm.

Wood, wood and more wood.

Here Jim is finishing up some logs before he puts Sally the Sawmill away for the winter.

This is a nice picture of his fresh cut board wood and Sally the Sawmill, Daisy the Dozer, Johnny Deere and his new Kassy the Kabota. Jim finally went orange, who knew. Dad and the brothers were talking about Jim and his new tractor and he told them they were wrong "papa Jim doesn't like orange tractors, he only likes green ones!" LOL

If anyone is looking for a great Kabota tractor go to Niagara Implement in Newfane and Amherst.

Buddies!

Fun in the kitchen with Jan & Peter. Making some yummy cut out cookies for Sarah's bridal shower. I think there were over 100! We tried 2 different recipes and compared them...the one with the almond flavoring won.

Jan got a new dog, she named her Kali. Peter & Jan decided to give her some exercise. She sat quietly under the chair while we baked cookies and never made a sound or movement. She is the most easy going puppy I have ever met!

I wonder what question Peter had for Jan here? :) Jan said seeing Peter makes her happy and Peter always wants to know when Jan is coming over when he visits. I love watching them together.

BEFORE and...

When the patio was an idea to walk out, draw out and added sticks to mark the walls.

Now just imagine a lovely block/paver patio...can you see it? :) We do.

...and AFTER! (a VERY long summer)

Lovely! This wonderful project is only a few minor steps from being complete.

This lovely patio came to life with: One polish structural engineer with a vision, 70,000 lbs. retaining wall, 13,000 lbs. pavers, 2,200 lbs. precast concrete, 1 truck load of stone, 4 truck loads of gravel, 150 ft. of drainage pipe, 9 low votage LED lights, 150 ft. drainage pipe, 1 truck load of topsoil, 1/2 yard of compost, 1 yard of mulch, 1 cherry tree, 40 lbs. of grass seed, 9 bales of hay, oh, of course one beautiful supportive wife, AND THE PATIO ~ PRICELESS. :)

More Fall Fun

Papa Jim & Peter planting spring bulbs today in the patio garden.

ALWAYS time to pose for picture for LaLa...say, cheese!

Amanda returns from her travels to Russia. We are SO glad to have her back home!

Fall Fun

Amanda ready to be a world traveler...off to Russia for 2 weeks. I wish I was going with her! Next year we are going to London to see her friend Lindy.

The Fall is my favorite season. The leaves are especially fun to rake up and hide in...

Do you think he is excited to JUMP into the leaves we just raked into a pile? Yup, he is.

Justin & Theresa visiting overnight before the Bills game and celebrating Theresa's birthday with dinner and ice cream cake.

Theresa, Justin, Peter (notice the board on his wheeler so his feet can touch) and Jan off on an adventure in the woods Just as they took off it started to rain in buckets.

Polish Fest 2009

Ok, Amanda has a tradition the night before Polish Fest to celebrate with Wild Turkey Honey...how many pieroga do you think got made after this kicked in? LOL
She is still the Pieroga Queen...and Theresa and Jan hold the title of Pieroga Princess.


Jim decided to help with the fun and was the pieroga boiler. Ten minutes on a full boil and gently remove and place on a rack to drain.

Two days before the party Jim & Janice put the custom made floor down for under the tent.

And no Polish Fest is complete without a little bit of mud from a great four wheeler ride. Ashley & Jan, they look happy don't they?

Marcia & John catch up while having fun too. John & Matthew come and help the night before with washing setting up all the tables and chairs. Thanks guys!

Our nephew Nick & Amanda getting ready to party!

Is Miss Hannah cute as can be, or what?

Jennifer & Johnny posing for the camera....Love the sunshine, the weather turned out perfect for a daytime celebration.

Julie, Amanda, Mom and Danelle cooking up fresh pieroga...over 300 to be exact! Blueberry, Farmer's Cheese, Potato Cheddar, Potato Cheddar Bacon, Kraut, and Potato Chive.

Patsy & Jenny checking out the food table...

Cousin Kyle & Uncle Hank next in line. Uncle Hank looks as though he is ready for mischief, doesn't he? LOL You bet. Gotta love the Ketch's.

I thought we should offer another shade of blue to this picture! I think Landon REALLY liked the blue frosted cupcakes that Bonnie made. :)