October 29 - 30, 2016 Garlic and a Pumpkin

We went to Covo to plant a limited edition of garlic, Hardy German and Music; and much to our surprise, one missed pumpkin peeked out of the weeds. I also found one pumpkin each in the top two patches. I wasn't at the farm during the three harvest days, so this was like a gift - to pick the final three pumpkins of the year in what may be the end to my pumpkin growing career. Who knows if we'll be around next year! Jeff estimated there were a record 100 pumpkins (103!) The seeds responsible for this bounty came from one hearty Covo pumpkin that lived all winter until Easter in our Phoenix backyard.

One final photo of the bridge below before the roof is completed.

Scenes of Autumn

The Floor - one of the final steps.

October 23, 2016 Covered Bridge Walls Done

"She is all done, except for the remaining tin for the roof and the 2" x 12" treated floorboards. 
David, Uncle Palmer and I completed all the soffits and facia boards, and added some extra internal big timber bracing."  -- Jeff

October 21 - 23, 2016 David bikes to the Mississippi and other firsts

Jeff has been looking forward to the weekend with Cousin David and Uncle Palmer - and what a weekend it turned out to be, especially for David who's not as experienced as the other two in farm protocol but left his mark by doing a couple things no one has ever done before -  like take out a solar light with a golf ball and bike to the Mississippi. David was also a "consultant" for the covered bridge, using his construction expertise to make suggestions and help brace and complete the walls of the structure.  

First stop was Mt. Carroll Cafe or Rita's Cafe as Uncle Palmer always called it when the "fat waitress" worked there. (she was really the opposite!) They played the day - and night - away with pumpkin picking, golf, indoor bocce ball and Johnnie Walker Red Label. We're assuming the bottle was already three-quarters gone when they started drinking and "telling lies."

Somebody had to get the grounds in shape while Jeff sawed wood and David took a three-hour bike ride to the Mississippi at Savanna - Uncle Palmer mowed for three hours or was it through three tanks of gas?

Jeff and the roof framing

David at the Mighty Mississippi - a 30-mile round trip through the hilly backroads of Carroll County

What do you eat after harvesting pumpkins? Costco pumpkin pie, of course. 

David earned his shirt 

October 13 - 14, 2016 Covered Bridge Update

South side siding nears completion 

October 9 - 10, 2016 Connor and Peyton Spend Columbus Day at Covo

Connor and Peyton, Dan's nephews, spent their Columbus Day holiday at Covo Hills, camping out by the firepit with Mom Connie. Who needs camp when you can ride ATV's, fish, golf and pick pumpkins at your uncle's farm.

Jeff was there for part of the time with Dan - working on the covered bridge together.

The beauty of summer is gone with the corn down and less vibrant colors.