A fall reception would not be complete without pumpkins.

Talented Brad made all the signs identifying various locations such as the Goose Pond.

Fall flowers such as cockscomb and hydrangea from the farm were easy to gather the day of the reception.

Guests at the reception were greated by the International combine and wagon.

When picking a cabin in the hills of Gatlinburg, pick one with a red door.

Ron and Sue enjoy a happy dinner at The Mill with family before the wedding.

Sue, Ron, Brad and Holly in Gatlinburg after the wedding

THE WEDDING

When mom and dad only have one daughter and an only child at that, the long awaited for wedding hasto be just right. Holly's grandmother was married at the then Kuba farm, so Holly's wish was to celebrate her wedding at the now Heinz farm as well. 2011 was the year of the wedding.  All summer was spent planning the outdoor fall wedding reception which meant lining up porta-potties, tents, catering, cheesecake, and decorating supplies. Recipes had to be found for making jellies for favors and last minute toppings for the cheesecake. Since the wedding was in Gatlinburg, we had to arrange lodging, travel and clothing for that weekend while being ready for the reception the following weekend at the farm.  All this while I was teaching and Ron was in the middle of harvest. We couldn't have pulled all of this off without the help of friends and family.  Brad's (the groom) family traveled to Gatlinburg the week before and arranged eating locations and camped at the farm a few days before the reception to help with everything from painting signs and hanging a tire swing for the kids to hooking up a generator and putting together an alternative heat source. Aunts and Uncles arrived with coolers of ice and helped with making lots of Sangria or arranging flowers, and some traveled from Texas. Friends made sure the wedding dress could be bustled, and siblings helped at the last minute with serving cheesecake.  Many stayed over in campers to help clean up making that chore a breeze. Warm dry weather for both weekends only added to the enjoyment of this happy occasion. All the labor was well worth the results and seeing a very happy couple finally tie the knot. It was so much fun that it was sad to see the campers roll out and the tent come down. Having the reception at the farm was a memorable event that we won't forget.

Busy Summer

When we first baled hay early in the summer, we could hardly find a dry day to go over the ground.  We just baled again today and there is hardly enough grass to bale due to the drought.  The first calf in three years that had to be bottle/bucket fed came home on the truck 3 weeks ago.  He was a twin, and the mother only fed one.  The twin is brown with a white face.  Calving has been difficult this year.  We have lost 1 cow and 4 calves.  The heat is certainly hard on everything!  Inside in the air conditioning, lots of jam has been made for Holly's upcoming wedding reception at the farm.  Blueberries shown here add to the strawberry, rhubarb, and peach ready for October 1st. Back to school this evening for my first meeting of the year.

Memorial Day Weekend

Ron dug out his 70's fishing rod and replaced the string and added a new lure for a future fishing date.

Memorial Day Weekend

Farmer Ron spent Memorial Day wisely while waiting for the ground to dry out enough to plant. His first goal was to hunt the mole that was living under our deck. He was successful by having lots of patience, and our catfish were grateful for the treat!

2009 Late Harvest

Harvest is late this year, and the crops are still carrying too much moisture. Quincy and I took advantage of the nice warm day with the sun shining to share a ride in the combine near our pasture. Chris is driving the tractor with the auger wagon, Ron is driving the combine, and Quincy is on my lap in the combine. No - that is not my hair in the picture but Quincy's. I cannot load pictures right now, but hopefully everything is working when I return!

One last picture with Holly at the end of the week. We had to return a day early so I could be at work on Monday the 3rd. Holly and Brad took us back to the marina. Notice that Holly never gets too far from the farm.

The younger ones went tubing to expend some energy. Notice the beautiful sky and island in the background. What a beautiful lake!

Ron and I enjoyed a boat ride nearly every day. No worries about the hair on a trip like this.

Holly and Ron have some quiet time after a swim. Notice the difference between the farmer arms and the legs that haven't seen the light of day for awhile.

Brad Early and Holly return from a boat ride.

Our home for 7 days in beautiful Kentucky/Tennesee. Most of the time we were on the Tennesee side of the 30,000 plus acre lake. Later the boats were tied end to end and shore to shore in a cove.

Inside the kitchen/living area of the houseboat after unloading most of our stuff, it was like moving. Notice Ron in his boat gear. He and Brad bought the same hats at Walmart on the way down to Kentucky. Ron said he would be Brad's "old man" twin since he already has a real twin.

Dale Hollow Lake

Seven days, 14 friends, two houseboats, two pontoon boats, two jet skies, lots of food and no land to escape to equals a fun time.