Pole barn

We're starting a pole barn to house the 1941 Packard that is coming down from Uncle Cliff in North Carolina. Everyone at the Alachua County Office of Codes Enforcement remembered me, still with two boys in tow only now it's Joe and Sam instead of Nate and Ned.

Mr Jones passed away several years ago, so we hired one of his colleagues, Naaman Webb, to do the pour. He's done a great job, we passed our first inspection, and plan to begin framing soon. The delivery of a dump truck filled with 18 yards of Archer yellow sand fill inspired days of outdoor play.

Butterfly Flowers

The plant by the outdoor shower provides food all summer long for humming birds and zebra butterflies. We enjoy showering in the midst of frenzied feeders fluttering by. The hummingbirds sound like tiny torpedoes zooming past, and their territorial high-pitched chirping warns others, "I found it first...back off!" Then they find the roses, aloes, and feeders and relax a bit. There is enough for everyone!

Spring 2015

Agapanthus and day lilies color our spring surrounds as we celebrate six years in residence on our land. Last week we tasted the first peach and now await eagerly the plum harvest. The Kiker family has been blessed beyond measure to enjoy this home, rich with love and laughter and Florida sunshine.

In the spirit of AA Milne, "Wherever they go, and whatever happens to them along the way, in that enchanted place at Long Leaf, four boys will always be playing."

Another Victim of the Lightening Strike

A beloved long leaf pine in the front yard which was next to two others struck by lightning during construction, although seemingly unscathed for several years, we now believe was weakened in the encounter with nature's powerful electricity. We discovered termites in its base several months ago, and sadly our research results all pointed to the need for the tree to be removed before it weakened further and fell on the house. Although we regretfully bid farewell to our beautiful tree, we always enjoy it when a field trip comes to our house in the form of big machines and chain saws!