Music Fest Thank-You Letter

We found and scanned in a nice thank-you letter from Prophets Fest from a year or two ago. The words speak for themselves:

Dear […] and […],

We personally wanted to take a few moments to thank you for opening you farm for others to enjoy.

[…] and I have been coming to Prophets Fest since it began, and we can’t tell you how much we’ve enjoyed it. We truly understand the hard work all of you have to go through to put on an event such as this, and we want everyone to know that it’s truly appreciated.

The beauty of the outdoors is so pronounced when you’re here. … has even said, “The weather is always beautiful at Prophets Fest.” 🙂 (that’s a very true statement)

In our fast-paced world, where we’re so busy, it seems like we all miss the things that are important.

What I’ve observed today; little children running around, exploring, smiles on everyone’s faces as they meet new people, friendly people everywhere, butterflies landing around me all the time, the sun sparkling off the water, wonderful music fills the air (of course our favorite music won’t be ’til later tonight when […] and […] and […] play – sorry, I don’t know the other names)

Most of all, I guess we just wanted you to know how very much we appreciate the kindness of sharing your bit of heaven and beauty with us.

Tell the Everyday Prophets they can always count on us to be here at Prophets Fest. We wouldn’t miss it.

With gracious hearts,

[…]
Blessings with you until next year.

Thank-you letter page 1

Thank-you letter page 1

Thank-you letter page 2

Thank-you letter page 2

Boston House and Barns

In 2014 we refurbished the farmhouse on the Boston, IN property with insulation and new siding. We replaced the basement and porch windows, and the current residents are pleased to have better insulation! The drafts fought a tough fight during the Snowpocalypse 2014, but we were able to seal it all up in the end.

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Insulation and Siding 2014

Insulation and Siding 2014

New Porch Windows

New Porch Windows

View From Kitchel Road

View From Kitchel Road

Here are a couple of shots of the improvements made to the barns and silos in 2011. The place is looking great!

Barns and Bins Refurbished 2011

Barns and Bins Refurbished 2011

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Trees: 14 years later

Fourteen years ago this spring, we planted nearly 7000 baby trees in the natural areas of the farm, and they are really starting to grow up!   We found some original pictures (snapshots, since it was before the digital camera era) of the planting process, and the 14 year comparison is interesting.

Spring, 2000, operating the planter in the field behind the pond

Spring, 2000, operating the planter in the field behind the pond

Spring 2000, carrying a single bundle of tiny trees

Spring 2000, carrying a single bundle of tiny trees

Spring 2000 - Loading the trees into buckets to put on the planter

Spring 2000 – Loading the trees into buckets to put on the planter


We found the original receipt, and here’s the list of all the trees we planted that spring:

Tree Type Quantity
Red Oak 1,900
White Oak 1,100
White Ash 400
Green Ash 300
Black Walnut 900
Tulip Tree 800
Chinkapin Oak 700
White Pine 200
Bur Oak 600
Total 6,900

 

Now, 14 years later, they’ve grown quite a bit!

Spring 2014 - A good shot of some of the planted trees near the path in the 'new land' on the east side of the property

Spring 2014 – A good shot of some of the planted trees near the path in the ‘new land’ on the east side of the property

Late 2013 - The very same trees!

Winter/Spring 2014 – Field behind the pond

We originally estimated 30%-40% survival rate, since we didn’t want to use herbicides (recommended for higher survival rate), and this estimate still seems to be about accurate. Some of the trees fared much better than others, as there is quite a bit of diversity in water content in the soil, species of tree, and proximity to deer.

Spring 2014 - Comparison between trees that did well and those that didn't, but still survived

Spring 2014 – Comparison between trees that did well and those that didn’t, but still survived

Spring 2014 - Some of the trees planted in a drier area - Motorbike for scale

Spring 2014 – Some of the trees planted in a drier area – Royal Enfield for scale

Young Violinists Explore Nature

This summer, as each year, local violin students will get a chance to enjoy the natural areas of the property between violin lessons.  Some of these kids have grown up in surrounding cities, such as Cincinnati, and so to be able to explore the woods is a new experience for them. It is a great way to share the property with the community, and we look forward to having violin students around each summer.

Local youth explore the waterfall area on the southeast side of the property

Local youth explore the waterfall area on the southeast side of the property

Richmond Youth Orchestra members blow off steam after practicing their instruments

Richmond Youth Orchestra members blow off steam after practicing their instruments

Picking flowers

Picking flowers

Only violists don't have to wear life jackets

Only violists don’t have to wear life jackets