Home sweet home
Tree Down on the Trail
April 5, 2026
farm, hiking, nature, trees hiking, shenadoah river, trail, tree, tree down Leave a comment
It’s great to have a trail on the monastery. The only problem is monks don’t have chainsaws. So, time to get ours out!
Pinball Wizard Lives in Lichtervelde
March 3, 2026
farm, travel, who knows dogs, lichtervelde, madou, pinball 2 Comments
Chez Madou was a respite and a calm retreat after our Amsterdam extravaganza. Ahhh. No rum thing this time…which probably would have killed us anyway.
Sitting by the wood stove as Spring unfolds behind us. Talking and laughing and just being together.
There is pinball.
Views from the guestroom.
Did we mention pinball?
We can’t wait to return and walk again with the dogs.
Old Bridge Gets a Facelift
February 7, 2026
farm agostin, bridge, claudio, farm, swinging bridge 1 Comment
This bridge get a workout at least twice a year for the winter solstice and the summer solstice. About every ten years it needs a facelift. Fortunately, it was designed to last and to be repaired.
This bridge was built by Tony and Claudio. Ten years ago it was resurfaced the first time.
One of the posts was replaced as well.
This year, Augostin did the work—a great winter project.
.
All ready for the solstice revelers.
The Door to Nowhere
February 7, 2026
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All dressed up and nowhere to go.
Winter Solstice 2025
December 25, 2025
In the beginning there was eggnog.
Then there was fire.
Expand for best results..
Firefighting. Sir, this is not a restroom.
Music with Gina
.
Linus plays the fiddle
.
Music with Allan
.
.
In the end there is scrounging.
2025 was a big iteration with over 100 guests who arrived in three waves. Lots of music in two shifts. An excellent way to turn the sun…together.
First Snow of Winter
December 23, 2025
animals, dogs, farm, fire, nature dogs, snow Leave a comment
The dogs have the right idea
Family Gathers for Dead Turkey Day
December 23, 2025
cooking, farm, food dad, dead turkey day, iulianna, iulie, leiden, romey, sweet tooth, thanksgiving, turkey Leave a comment
After all that prep, it’s time for a feat. Leiden’s first thanksgiving.
It all starts bright and early.
Family gathers
The long table is set.
The turkey comes out of the oven.
Feast time.
Sweet tooth between generations.
Winding down
Final fire
