We had a shorter than normal maple sugaring season this year, because it got up to almost 80 degrees this week! So after gathering sugar water and boiling last weekend we pulled the spiles.
When Mom and I started the fire under the evaporator pan last Friday it was so warm I worked in a tank top. Then by the end of the weekend it was snowing as we took off the syrup!
The boys love the camaraderie of working with family and friends all weekend, and the special snacks we enjoy by the fire. This year we had "Grampa pretzels" (Hammonds big pretzels), sunflower seeds, apples and oranges, pumpkin bars and of course chips. We enjoyed cooking blueberry pancakes and hotdogs over a campfire. (One of the things we are looking forward to in our move to Virginia is being able to cook outside more often. Our township regulations prohibit any outside fires here, even those contained in a chiminea! There is a hefty fine of I think $300 if someone sees smoke and the fire department is called.)
Even though the season was short, we're thankful for the time outside with family and friends, and for the 4 quarts of liquid gold that each family will enjoy this year!
You look like a teenager in your tank top and braids, Kylie.
It's crazy that it got so warm in February.
Love the tales of maple sugaring and outdoor cooking.
Posted by: Bev Mohler | February 25, 2018 at 05:00 PM