We hate to see barns removed from the landscape. The photos below document the demolition of what was an excellent barn on County Route 35. While it is really none of our business, we do wonder what set of decisions prompted this action. Barns, certainly of this caliber, seem to be an inexorable part of the landscape. We imagine them with a geological weight, as they are akin to a rock outcropping. They serve as anchors to our cultural imagination.
Previously Published 21 September 20.
Did you realize that at least 85% of our electricity comes from hydroelectric generation? We learned this when we were talking with Otsego Electric, our energy provider. Most of the generation is at Niagra Falls. So our new geothermal system makes even more sense for the planet, given that hardly any fossil fuels will be expended for our increased electricity usage.
Previously Published 19 August 20.
We just installed a ground loop geothermal system at the Farm. There was an amazing confluence of events and incentives: our boiler needed to be replaced, grants became available, there was a direct financial contribution, and there was an economic incentive. So all of this was too good to pass up. And we discovered, to our delight, that there is a feeling of liberation when you remove a fossil fuel component from your lives.
Previously Published 22 June 20.
As we have followed the national and world demonstrations against racial injustice, we have continually thought back to our emotional experience, last summer, at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, in Montgomery. Exactly because the concept of the memorial is unbelievably simple, the power is absolutely overwhelming. It is a damning testament to our systemic racial injustice, that has been part of our country since the beginning.
Previously Published 20 April 20.
We are amazed by how many people that we see out walking and riding their bicycles recently. Yesterday morning, while riding, there were four other cyclists and 6 people walking along Route 35. In 36 years, there have never been this amount of families just out enjoying the spectacular day. And we see this most days. While we, like everyone else, want to get back to normal, we truly hope that everyone excerising outside will continue to remain the new normal.
Previously Published 3 April 20.
Usually, there is the sound of airplanes overhead. Typically, there are contrails all over the sky. When you don’t hear them or see them, like now, you know that something with wide societal impact has occurred.
Previously Published 14 August 19.
This year’s garlic harvest. Teresa reports this is down somewhat from last year. Still, they look like a school of sea creatures, or the stems of truffula tufts, or an array of modular building components, or..
Previously Published 27 September 17
This has to be one of the world’s most sensitive buildings. It has organic, curving lines. It has a traditional gable roof. It is without any discernable style. And it fits in to the landscape. It is located on Route 174 near Otisco Lake.
Previously Published 26 June 17
This derelect power plant has a fantastic industrial beauty. The metal clad forms on this side of the building make this piece nearly timeless. It is on Route 7 between Afton and Bainbridge. Buildings like this are what put the Empire in New York State.
Previously Published 17 April 17
I just don’t understand how it can possibly be that loud. When you stand looking down at our pond at sunset, the noise is so great that if you turn your head a certain way, it hurts your ears. This is from the peepers, or baby frogs. Maybe it is the natural bowl shape of the ground surrounding the pond that focuses the sound. It is one of the most amazing things you will ever hear.
