Spring 2023 is Limping In

Well, that was a rough month around the De Cristofaro homestead. Colin was very ill, hospitalized for a week, Lisa was back and forth between Toronto, we had new peeps in town and Spring weather was sort of limping in.

Colin on the mend and not everyone knew he was in the hospital. In short, Sunday March 12, woke with a sore throat, Monday, symptoms of a cold. Thursday March 16, extreme high fever, rushed to hospital. Had pneumonia, throat infection, and Sepsis. It really only started with a sore throat and thought he had a cold. After a week of heavy duty antibiotics 24/7, was able to go home. Was told mend would probably take 2-3 months before he would even start feeling somewhat like his old self.

Lisa is back at home. Sarah is working and Payton is about to turn 10! Lisa’s oldest daughter Ashley has moved home which has been an adjustment for everyone. We have the space and hey, another set of acreage hands!

The past month provided us some new experiences and updating. Sump Pump drainage, Ice Dams, Increase in Bird Populations, crazy skies with every weather system imaginable within an 8 hour period. We also have been able to see things we perhaps did not see before. When we first moved onto the property we were more concerned about winterizing and not much else in the fall. Now we are getting the real experience of the property.

With the weather changing from +5/+10 and then dropping overnight to -5/-10, our roof and gutters like many in the area, had massive ice dams develop. The solution was somewhat simple and somewhat weird at the same time, but definitely effective. We went onto YouTube and many suggested we get some nylons and knee high leggings, fill them with a specific type of ice melt. Essentially we made 24 ice melt sausages and lied them vertically onto the roof to create canals for the water to escape. BRILLIANT solution! We have a large roof but the problem only existed in 4 spots and much of it had to do with the wind channels through the winter months and the build up.

Here is the video we got the idea from for anyone interested in seeing how it is actually done.

During our spring thaw, the soil covered area over the new Septic system has sunk about a foot from the settling. A little more sinkage than expected but that is in the process of being rectified.

We have decent levels of ground water which is awesome for our well, but with the thaw our sump pumps are working pretty good in the basement. We actually have 3 that are pushing water out away from below the house regularly 24/7. Thanks to our plumber for making sure they were working properly. J

Coyotes are in full swing throughout the nights, Luke lets us know about their local presence. Apparently he is not a fan of them at 2am. We have not had any personal encounters with them, but they are definitely active on the ranch land. Speaking of ranch land, it is amazing how many local ranches have so many young calves. Baby calves everywhere! Lisa loves it, they are actually very cute when they are so small. The ranches are all loaded up with cattle right now and with the snow melt, they are out grazing already. The ranches are still dropping hay for their cattle, but they are out grazing freely. A great sign of Spring!

Birds… we have so many different kinds of birds. There is even a woodpecker you can hear during the day pecking at some tree on the property. This morning a huge hawk could be seen flying overhead hopefully looking for a quality mole meal! We have seen dozens of different types of birds and with the acreage the way it is, this is the perfect ideal place for them. Plenty of trees with protection and surrounded by ranch land. The spring thaw has them out feeding on the thawing ground bugs which of course we encourage!

One of the things we have not seen before is the massive amount of Canada Geese who are nesting in the ranchers/farmers fields. It is remarkable and has been going on for the past 3 weeks. Every field has pairs of geese nesting in them.

Our backyard Magpie architects have completed construction of their hotel. With the high winds we had yesterday, it remained intact. Quality building! IF they become aggressive, the nest will have to go. Right now, it seems okay, but everyone has been informed to keep their distance. Assumption is they have laid eggs or will be soon. The construction has stopped but the two of them are constantly in and out each day.

Soon….Full Spring!