As we embrace the cooler months of fall, reflecting on the summer of 2024 fills us with pride and gratitude. We’ve accomplished many projects around the property, had numerous memorable moments with family and pets, and are now fully prepared for the upcoming winter months in the Catskills. The vibrant colors surrounding our home are a reminder of the beauty and transformation that fall brings.

Our Completed Projects: A Productive Summer

This summer, we focused on improving our property in a few key ways that have made a significant impact. One of our proudest achievements is the stone path we built along the stream that runs through our land. This project was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, creating a serene walking path that we enjoy daily. It wasn’t easy moving all those stones, but the result was worth every bit of effort.

Another major project was upgrading our trailer. We added wooden sides to help transport dirt, rocks, and anything else we might need to move around the property. This made it easier to handle the various loads, including the occasional online finds that needed to be hauled in. Along with the sides, we installed tie-downs to secure everything from loose items to larger equipment, making our trailer much more versatile and efficient.

Our Four-Legged Friends: Neo and the Cats

Neo, our beloved dog, is now just weeks away from turning one year old. Watching him grow from a tiny pup into the energetic, loving dog he is today has been one of the joys of our lives. He’s adapted well to the property and loves running around, exploring the woods, and hanging out with us during our outdoor projects.

In addition to Neo, we have some exciting (and unexpected) feline additions to our family. A small black cat, who is blind in one eye, has made our home his permanent residence. This little guy, who we’ve affectionately named Baby, now stays with us 24/7, getting the food and rest he needs to thrive. It’s been a heartwarming experience watching him settle in and become a healthy, happy part of our family.

Another cat, Majo, had an interesting story. We thought he was a stray, as he wandered onto our property months ago. But after a visit to the vet, we were surprised to discover that Majo had a microchip! It turns out he was someone’s pet but had been lost and was never reclaimed. Can you believe it? The owners didn’t want him back, so Majo is now fully under our care. He’s fit right into our family, and we couldn’t be happier to have him with us.

Family Visits: Time Well Spent

This summer also brought some amazing visits from family. My awesome in-laws have come by on several occasions, and it’s been great to spend time with them, share stories, and enjoy their company. They’ve been incredibly supportive of our work on the property and love seeing how far everything has come since we first moved in.

We also had the pleasure of welcoming my stepdaughter back home for a visit. After spending months working on a luxury cruise ship, she made her way to our cozy mountain home and was a huge help around the property. She took charge of watering the flowers, feeding the animals, and keeping everything under control. Watching her connect with the animals and help around the house was wonderful, and she truly enjoyed the slower pace of life in the Catskills compared to her usual work on the seas.

Preparing for Winter: Wood Stoves and Firewood Stacking

As the temperatures begin to drop, we’ve started preparing for the coming winter months. The wood stove has already been fired up a few times, and we’ve been busy stacking the remaining wood that will keep us warm throughout the colder months. There’s something incredibly satisfying about stacking wood, knowing it will help us through the harsh winter days.

While last year’s winter was all about refurbishing our new home, this year, we’re excited to embrace all the fun and unique activities that the Catskill Mountains are famous for during the colder months. From skiing and snowboarding to cozy nights by the fire, we’re ready to experience winter to its fullest this time around.

Looking Ahead: Winter 2024 in the Catskills

As fall transitions into winter, we can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for what’s to come. This will be our second winter in the Catskills, but it will be the first one where we’re fully settled and ready to enjoy everything the season has to offer. From long walks in the snow to cozying up by the fire, we’re determined to make the most of it.

The lessons we’ve learned over the past year—from home improvements to caring for our growing family of pets—have set the stage for a fantastic winter. We’ll continue to stack wood, prepare the house for colder days, and make sure our beloved pets are ready for the chillier months.

Final Thoughts: A Summer of Accomplishment and Growth

As summer 2024 comes to a close, we’re incredibly grateful for all we’ve achieved and the memories we’ve made. From creating a beautiful stone path along our stream to upgrading our trailer and caring for Neo, Baby, and Majo, it’s been a season filled with productivity, love, and connection.

We’re now ready to embrace the beauty of fall and the coziness of winter in the Catskills. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, we’ll continue to work on our home and enjoy all the small, special moments that make life in this part of the world so unique.

Stay tuned for updates on our winter adventures and any new projects that come our way!