Gardening

Woody and Linda are trying to put enough food in the freezers to feed all the crowds.  Every year is different, which keeps it interesting.  We were glad to learn that the US government defines "New Farmer" as anyone in it for less than 10 years!  Eating fresh spinach in January is awesome, and home made tomato sauce can just make your day.  Blackberry jelly anyone, or fresh honey on that biscuit?  

Timber

Harvesting thirty years of (over)growth is complete.  It is quite a process!  Our forester has been a lot of help for us newbies. 
In the fall of 2011 the smaller of the two harvested fields has been burned and prepared for planting, and in 2012 Longleaf pines were planted.  It's a variety adapted to this region, the Montaine pine.  These are a native tree and we hope in many many years when they are mature they will yield the fantastic wide pine logs that were all cut down by the 1900's.

Hunting

The woods are leased to hunters who have agreed to improve the land for the benefit of all the wildlife.  Deer season is from September to December.  Turkey season is in the spring.  Isn't that odd, since Thanksgiving isn't til November?  If you want to go walking in the woods during season we'll lend you orange gear and coordinate with the hunters.

Farming

The fields are rented to a local man who cuts hay, plants wheat, canola, or other crops.

Miscellaneous Menagerie    

1 dog, 2 cats, 40-something chickens, 4 moo-moos and perhaps 50,000 honeybees.  Pigs in process!  [Editors note:  the cows went to Freezer Camp and new ones are growing in the pastures.  Don't tell the grandkids.]