This photo shows Valerie getting ready to clean out the water trough. Notice the cut up elm, which happened yesterday afternoon, in the background. Our beautiful elm began dying about five years ago and it was time to face the fact that it wasn't getting any better. For the longest time it provided shade to the paddock area together with another majestic red oak. The red oak suddenly died about four years ago without a sign that something was wrong.

When we began clearing five acres of land for field four years ago, we decided to try to keep as many cherry, oak and white pine trees as possible, mainly as a seed/food source for all the wild animals. The acorns are certainly loved by the local deer, turkey, grey squirrel and chipmunk populations.

We have also planted over a hundred berry bushes and crab apple trees to be enjoyed by the birds, especially a family of grouse.