Sugaring
by Ashley Weeks Cart
Two weekends ago, after a long, busy work weekend, we headed over to a friend’s house for a Sunday of maple sugaring. We did this two years ago, and it was such a treat to return to the sugar house this spring. I really don’t think much of spring in New England. It’s muddy, grey, raw, and gross. YUCK! Maple sugaring is one of the few activities that redeems this season. There’s just something about cozying up in the sugar house, wood stove roaring, sipping hot sap from paper cups while visiting with friends that warms the spirit. Such a special tradition. We feel very lucky to have taken part.
It was particularly fun to watch the girls so actively participate in the process. We collected sap from the buckets and it took much restraint to keep Courtland from climbing into them like a Newfoundland pup to a water bowl. She couldn’t get enough of tasting the sweet, clear liquid. And Addison raced from tree to tree looking for buckets filled with sap.
We also taught Sunny how to tap a tree. She cranked and cranked and drilled and drilled and got her own bucket filling with the good stuff.
It was the perfect Sunday. We were transported to a simpler, sweeter time. Something I hope we’ll preserve for our daughters for springs to come.
