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Bottled 20 gals of syrup today and finished my saphouse driveway. I moved 32,000 lbs of gravel by hand. Back is a bit sore, but it is nice to have a decent driveway. New ro tower is coming soon, more taps to add, and more markets to supply. Good thing I enjoy maple sugaring!
Hey, Nate!
I just got back tonight from the tour, and it doesn't look like anyone else mentioned it yet, so congratulations on Young Sugarmaker of the Year! You certainly deserve it! Wish I could have said hi, but didn't get a chance.
All the best!
Tim
Chris,
I watched a guy weld some 304 with stick about a month ago. Looked easy for him;) . No long beads, just welding some brackets together. Let us know how you make out.
Saw on Chronicle last night some fella making syrup from reds in a swamp.
Had boards down so he wouldn't sink up to his neck.
Full speed ahead.
Think he was in Bridgewater mass.
Can't believe they really get the weather down there with the ocean so close, but seemed he was having a go at it.
D
Acer I got a buddy who lives in the vineyard year round and the way he tells it they definately get the weather to produce syrup.
i need a skidder, or atleast a winch to go on the tractor and i need a new saw 372 XP and i would tweek out with excitement, i need a new truck, theres alota stuff i need so exactly how do you guys get all this stuff? im having trouble making enough money to buy it all....... hmmmmm
Dan,
I am 59 years old and have worked HARD all my life. I can still make a long list of things I want. Some of them would make my life easier and more pleasant, some would just be fun. What you need are family friends and health. Most everything else you can get along with out. For that list of things you want...prioritize them. Do you really need the truck or can you borrow a vehicle when you absolutely have to? I know having your own is very convenient but is it absolutely necessary? Does your old chainsaw work? Maybe a tune up will keep it going a while longer. The 3pt winch I have for my tractor sure is handy but most of the time, unless I'm really cutting a lot of wood, I just use a couple of chains and skid with the horses or the tractor. Choose to buy the things that will give you the most return for what you invest in them. When I bought my farm, It took me 35 years to dig myself out of debt and that was by getting by with what I had, making do and only buying what was really going to make me money. I lived without health insurance and never bought a new car. I paid cash for whatever vehicle I owned and then drove it until it was dead. I got my clothes from the salvation Army and was never afraid of hand-me downs. Many people will live in debt forever because then they have "things". Don't make that mistake. Earn your money, make your choices among your wants and then pay cash. Sorry for the bit of a rant and lecture.
Doug
Doug,
Great advice to live by. The average credit card debt in the United States is $8329 per household whether you have a credit card or not. Following your advice would certainly simplify alot of peoples lives.
Jim
I agree Doug. We have never had any credit cards, and buy our cars cash. We never had a car that cost more than a thousand up until recently.
I drive a small pickup that's paid for and use it every day.
Dan,
I agree with Doug. I am very close his age. the things I have, I have worked for all my life. what I have isnt much. When I was growing up I had very little. My father couldnt drive be cause of a health condition and could only work odd jobs, but worked every day! We didnt have a car and walked every where we went. Having things are not as important as having your health,your family and friends. You must be patient and try not to be big time before you are ready for the big time. I admire your desire to do well and willingness to work,but everthing in its time. when it is time you will have what you need to be what you want to be. learn to live with what you have till you can afford something differnt.