Well, the nights are getting colder, reminding us that we have to keep plugging away at wrapping this house up for winter. But the days are still warm...so we're thankful for that.

Here are some pictures of our muddin' crews from last weekend:

On Saturday, Wayne Appleyard came and helped...

Linda was eager to help wash the mud off of Fred's face...

And even Jerry had mud on his hands...

On Sunday, some of the St. John family was back...with a little different configuration...

Pictured below, from youngest to oldest, is Maeve, Jenna, Megan, Kate, their Dad, Jason and Grandma Karen.

As for what's new on the farm...There's the good news and what Don calls 'challlenges and opportunities'. Pictured below is the other part of the roof that has been completed (note the two solar tubes that have been installed). But there was a 'challenge' installing the roof vent so we're now awaiting parts for that...

The electrician Dave has been wiring like crazy and the plumber Bill has been there too, installing shower pans, gas lines, and the new water heater...pictured below is an electrical box fastened to a Dracula stake (courtesy of Jerry) and pounded into the strawbale wall.

You remember Frank and his son Eric, who installed the garage doors. Well, they came back and installed the garage door opener, the attic step ladder (giving us access to the storage above the garage), and the whole house fan! And good news, our doors have arrived and are ready for pick-up!

We are still mudding the outside walls. The 'challenge' there was too much mud, too fast...so we've had to slow that operation down, applying it slower, and allowing the mud to set-up a bit before adding more...

We will be working both days this weekend...if you're in the neighborhood...stop by and get your hands dirty. No promises, but I'm thinking about mixing up a batch of corn chowder for supper...