Crawford County PA 2024

[Father & Son]

This is about the same time of every year I start this thread. I started this little adventure with my son Chase in 2005 when he was 12 years old. Since then we have met a lot of great people. I got involved in the Northwest PA Maple Syrup Producers Association, and helped Daryl Sheets initiate the Lake Erie Maple Expo. I missed out on making syrup two different years because of uncontrollable issues but have always looked forward to the beginning of the season.
This year is different. Back in the middle of October I lost my partner. Our son was killed in a motorcycle/deer accident and our world has been upside down ever since. Still having good days and bad but it’s very hard trying to get going this year. I’ve cleaning tanks and done some woods work but I’m having a tough time making a whole hearted commitment to getting going. I was an A+ procrastinator before this but now it’s time to get going. If I don’t I probably won’t be able to ever again. So wish me luck tomorrow is go time to do this in memory of Chase. Wishing everyone a good season this year.

Jim

[Z/MAN]

So sorry for your loss. As has been said many times, no parent should bury a child. It has to be very tough without your son. Making syrup will renew many old memories and I'm sure lots of them will be great memories. Try your best, being busy might help.

[O3C]

Very sorry for your loss. I can give you a day this week if it would help. Just give me a bag of fittings and I'll chase squirrel chews ! Or replace taps ahead of you tapping. Might be good for both of us. Good luck Ron 4124185922 call or text

[Brian]

I am so sorry for your loss, that is hard. I will say a prayer for you and your family, I can't even emagine what you are going through, it makes all my problems seam selfish. Hang in there and take it day by day. I always liked your screen name Father and Son. Good luck today and make a lot of it.

[BAP]

Very sorry for your loss. I wish I wasn’t a couple hundred miles away from you so that I could come give you a hand getting going.

[Super Sapper]

Sorry for your loss.

[Father & Son]

Very sorry for your loss. I can give you a day this week if it would help. Just give me a bag of fittings and I'll chase squirrel chews ! Or replace taps ahead of you tapping. Might be good for both of us. Good luck Ron 4124185922 call or text

Thanks Ron, appreciate the offer. The problem isn’t the amount of work that I need to do and a lot of friends have offered to help also it’s more the emotional motivation I was lacking. I did spend the day in the woods today and it was ok. So tomorrow I’m going to tap and repair and then the season begins.
Thanks again,
Jim

[Pdiamond]

Jim, So sorry for your loss. Chase will be right there by your side every step of the way. BY keeping the tradition alive you are keeping him with you. We don't understand why God does the things He does, but everything has a reason. I lost my father ( partner ) in 2012 and he is with me every day. Just keep moving forward.

[O3C]

No problem. Still have a lot to learn about running the evaporator if you dont mind a visitor some time. Thanks Ron

[Openwater]

Good afternoon guys. I'm taking my wife up to Dubois for a "women's" engagement this weekend and was wondering if any of you know of any sugarmakers/sugarhouses in the Dubois area I might be able to pop-in on this weekend while trying to kill time.