Maple Sugar Days

Each year Mainers celebrate the coming spring with tours of the sugar houses. Travis and I took Cash to Livermore about 30 minutes north of us to the Washburn-Norlands Living History Farm. We've had some weird weather here lately. I think it might be beautiful and maybe even 40 degrees outside if the wind wasn't blowing so hard. We lost shingles from our roof last night! The drive to the farm was nice. It wasn't too far away but far enough to feel like a day-trip somewhere. The farm sits at the end of a very bumpy road that has been freezing and thawing for who knows how long. When we finally crested the last hill we saw the steeple of the meeting house and the ranch behind it. We parked the car near the meeting house and bundled up for the freezing wind. A short walk led us to the main house and barn. Once inside the house we were greeted by volunteers dressed in period (early 19th cent) costume doing chores and preparing our breakfast. We were offered to sit in either a dining room or the big kitchen, both dine "family style". We chose the big kitchen and sat with another couple near the stove. We had pancakes, sausage, and maple syrup all made right there on the farm. Of course, there are no modern appliances on premises. They cooked our cakes on a wood fired stove and I think that made them extra good! After breakfast we walked to the gift shop but didn't find anything we really HAD to have. Next was the barn, the highlight of Travis and Cash's day! The first animal we saw was a giant ox butt! Huge! This thing's behind was taller than me! The picture doesn't do it justice, this thing was massive!











Here is the front version: Cash really didn't know what to think about this thing. He's never seen anything bigger than Rosie before.










Moving down the line we found a baby cow and her
Mama who liked to give kisses :o)














































Next came this GIGANTIC porker! She must have been close to 700 pounds and full of love! When we turned the corner near her pen she perked up and walked over to us to say hello. We gave her a scratch on the ear and Travis had a little conversation with her. He would snort and she would snort right back at him. Hey were telling secrets :o) And yes, Travis IS growing a mustache, hehehehe














Cash was REALLY weirded out by the pig, as you can see! hehehehe






























































The mustache: we're very proud














Last stop, SHEEP! Covered in poo of course. Cash really liked the sheep. In this picture he is doing his impersonation of the sheep:















This is the library on the farm. The family had 7 children. Out of those seven, five became politicians, all 7 including the 2 girls had baccalaureate's degrees from Bowdoin College which was unheard of at the time and one went on to found Gold Medal Flour. The library houses records from Daniel Webster of the dictionary fame (a close friend of the Washburn's), U.S. Grant, Lincoln, numerous novels published by the children of the family and very old books of all subjects. We didn't get to go in but I'm hoping to return in the summer time to see it! My favorite! The house in the background is the farm house.













We also visited the schoolhouse which is where the previous picture was taken. The single room sat 20 students in desks but also included benches around all walls for up to 40 scholars. We had a lesson in penmanship from Miss Rose. The woman playing Miss Rose fully immersed herself in the time and character. Our class took place on March 22, 1856. We were reprimanded for not sitting up straight, Travis was scolded for not removing his hat, even little Cash spoke out of turn and got a dirty look! It was tons of fun. She ruled our class with a giant stick and wasn't afraid to use it! We learned to write with quill and ink, much harder than I could ever imagine and I was terrible at it! After that we headed home. It was a great day and I can't wait to return to the farm in the summer. I'm sure it is absolutely stunning in all its green glory.

Finally, here is Cash playing under the table. He is quite the explorer these days: