Day 298

But while we wait for winter to start, there are many things keeping us busy. The garden is slowly getting cleared out. Once the beds are clear, chicken compost will be added to age over winter and prepare the soil for another glorious year of gardening in 2024. The mowing is slowing down. While we have created and maintained trails throughout the growing season, the best way to maintain them once the grass stops growing is by using them so hopefully, regular trail walks will be a part of our schedule. I am hoping to still add to the area which will become a more organized nature play area. I need to spread more wood chips and figure out how to move the logs into the area I have tarped so that it will be easier to maintain once the growing commences. We are still hoping to do some prairie planting next year so collecting native seed any way we can will be helpful to make our prairie dreams a reality. The barn is starting to fill back up with things we had brought out for warm weather usage. In will go the gas grill, the water toys, the hoses, the patio furniture, and anything else we want to protect from the freeze. We will also be taking the shovels and snowblower out and adding them to the garage. Luckily, our loft has plenty of space. Still, improving the loft's organization and some rotten wood are critical to keeping this area in good shape. Speaking of the barn, the chicken coops are in the process of getting winterized. Basically, we add some straw for insulation and change over the feeders and waterers to containers that won't freeze once the unheated barn’s temperatures dip. 

Once winter hits, we aim to continue to clear the old ash stands and prepare them for future restoration. However, the main goal we have for winter is planning. The time has come to start planning the process of opening up Craneview on Plainview to the community. I have a ton of ideas. Now, organizing all these ideas into a plan that is manageable and feasible is important.

Let the planning begin!