Day 174

March 19, 2011

Got up this morning and putzed around thinking about how to deal with the sap. We have a lot of sap. It was a beautifully sunny day, though, which was lovely.

"The plaid"

Eventually, it was decided that we put it in the biggest pot we have (an old canning pot) and put it over the fire pit. We got a lovely fire going which helped the chill. Yes, it might technically be almost spring, but northern Michigan has yet to know it.

So, pretty much the day looked a lot like this picture. We sat around, drank Coors Light and b.s.ed while the fire burned off the water in the sap incrementally. A very slow process. In this pot, we estimated that the liquid level dropped one inch every one hour. Good thing we all get along and can have a good time together.

Finally we decided to leave the fire and sap to themselves and went in to warm up. Time for indoor fun.

Once again, a great time had by all. We played games again in the evening and watched some old home videos, including a few with my mom as a child.
It's good to have everyone together, even though it's a way too short visit. But something is better than nothing, and it always makes me appreciate what I have.