We had our propane company come out and change our 325 gallon tank to a 600 gallon.  After last winter's harsh weather and the deplorable road conditions, we will only need one fill in the fall to last us throughout the winter and into spring.  Actually we only had cold and snow off and on in a six-week span.  It just felt like forever.   By the middle of February, the snow was gone but no trucks could safely maneuver up the road until the board hired someone to grade and put gravel down.  I don't think we'll see conditions like that again because the board was inundated with angry phone calls.......as they should have been.  Also, in June two new members will on the board so things are looking up. 

 You can see the smaller tank under the new one.

 Think it's big enough! 

 From our porch toward the garden. 

We've been cutting and stacking logs from the garden clearing.

Still have quite a few logs to cut.  Some are huge and will take a larger chain saw than what we have.  When these hardwoods are seasoned, we'll burn them in winter.  I've been researching the Avalon Green-Smart Tree of Life stove that will heat our house even when the power goes out and it burns wood.  It's a beautiful unit.

The last couple of days have been in the mid to high 80's with no breeze.  It's been uncomfortable.  Today is breezy and very comfortable.  Max and I worked the garden around 7:30 this morning, picking up more rocks and twigs and we planted four winter squash.   It's peaceful in the garden at that hour and I always hope to see deer or turkeys.  

 Thinned the beets, washed, and refrigerated the greens to saute with garlic some night.

 Summer squash growing great.

Future corn on the cob

Pickling cukes.  They had better get growing or they'll become an endangered species.  Planted four and they are not pulling their weight!

Future glass of red wine.

Have a loaf of bread in the oven right now and the smell is heavenly.  Cliff had a Con-Ed class this morning at Tri-County and I stayed here on the mountain and enjoyed the serenity.  Trying a bread recipe from Mother Earth magazine.