Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor DC

The rear of the Gaylord Hotel

Tree on the Harbor

Future NHL Star

We spent a very expensive night at the Gaylord hotel to see the most amazing show called ice. Friday night Peter and Jeff got to spend some time breaking in Peter's new hockey skates. Skating was beautiful because it was outside with Christmas music playing. We saw some amazing lights and some great street shows. Disney is building a resort at the harbor, so we can only imagine the next few years how the shows will improve.

More Good "old" friends

My parents came for a visit and so did Eddie and Trish Colfer. People just can't stay away from the farm. We had yet another wonderful meal, and went for an amazing long walk. We have now started a tradition on Hickory Hollow Farm, when you visit we will take your photo for our wall of fame in our kitchen.

Combine Ride

My father is the first family member to get a ride in the combine. Mr. Harnish and my father harvested soy beans from a neighboring farm on Saturday night. He is responsible for the quick video clip.

Bella

Lauren called me to find her a Golden Retriever puppy. Wil was going to buy her one for Christmas, but if you know Lauren, she simply could not wait. So on Thursday, Lauren and Wil drove up from Colonial Beach, Virgina and purchased Bella, from a Memmonite family in Gap, Pennsylvania. She left her mark on our hearts and our carpets. Meet Bella......

Harvest Time

Peter and I came home on Tuesday to a strange sight. Mr. Harnish had begun to harvest his own crops. The fields in front of us were harvested using a chopper which takes all the corn and stalks and grinds it up for cattle feed. The fields behind us were harvested using a combine. This machine grinds the stalks and only saves the kernels. The waste is kicked back onto the land and a machine will come by and later bale the discard into hay. Corn kernels are put into grain bins for storage, and dried for excess moisture.

Oxford Main Street Halloween Parade

Horses

Oxford Feed and Lumber gave out pumpkins

Tipping Tractor from CARS

John Deere Tractor

Parade paraphernalia

Tonight, another small town America night. We took our blanket and warm jackets and lined the main street in Oxford for an hour and a half parade. We saw both the high school and middle school marching bands, fire engines, ambulances, and even tractors! One small business instead of throwing candy gave away small pumpkins. It was a great event. So many people participated.

Another...Great Friends, Great Food, Great Visit

Aunt Coleen reading to Peter

Taking a ride on Uncle Tony's shoulders

awww.....

Coleen and Tony came to visit. It is such a more reasonable drive than the commute to Southern Maryland. Coleen came armed with goodies for Peter's Birthday and Halloween. We did the creek tour which included a visit to the hogs and of course the meadow. Tony got a visit with the chickens and we had another delicious farm meal. (I made pulled pork and Jeff made an apple pie) YUMMY!