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by Nisargo Troy Just this past week spring has finally arrived at Heartwood. After a very long and very snowy winter, forsythias are spreading their joyful color where not long ago piles of snow made one wonder what lay buried beneath. Dandelions are popping up en masse (to the chagrin of many a gardener, even though they ARE good for the bees…), apple and apricot trees are covered with blossoms and everywhere the ground is exploding with new growth. What a delightful time of year! And with the temperatures quickly rising, Heardwoodians are getting busy! People are coming out of the woodwork from everywhere! There are impromptu gatherings on the paths, teatimes on front porches, the sounds of power tools and hammers can be heard, people are working on all kinds of projects, cleaning up yards, clearing flowerbeds to make room for the budding plants to be able to stretch out.  Here is KJ getting ready to cut a dead tree for a neighbor. Dead trees are not only an eyesore, but also a huge fire hazard. Fire protection is a year around activity on our land. We want to be in the best position possible should a fire ever get close to us. We try to be diligent, especially around the cluster of homes, and take down and trim everything that is dead or could ignite easily. Many other projects are being taken on. The first crop was planted in the high tunnel, managed this year by a good-sized group of members, promising an abundance of vegetables at our free farmers markets in the fall. A fence was built. A new culvert was put into a road above the cluster to help manage future storm runoff, keeping water away from our homes. Boxes were carried to help new neighbors move in. But of course there is more than work! There has got to be time for play too!  Here is Bexley, enjoying some time at the easel, outside were no rugs nor floors have to be cleaned later, only the child! We opened the season at the “Heartwood Lounge and Racquet Club” with our annual tennis & pickleball brunch. Much fun, food and drinks, were had.   And it would not be spring if we did not have our first meal outside! The monthly Sunday Brunch was again a big success, held this past weekend on the common house terrace under a beautiful blue sky. Roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, asparagus, ham, muffins, coffee and mimosas were served to everyone’s delight.   Lily and her mom Ashley enjoying some of the flowers left over from the brunch. And, as nature is getting ready for major growth and expansion so are we, here at Heartwood. We have welcomed several new “members”!  Two new donkeys recently joined Alana’s herd. Lois and Lewis, saved from a kill pen in Texas, arrived to live with the other three, Willow, Traveler and Mabel. Alana, the donkey whisperer, is masterful at getting these two to gradually trust her! And we love seeing all of these gentle animals in our pastures. Speaking of new, within a little over a week we will have had two families move in! On April 28th, Mary Ellen and Paul with their dog Bowser arrived at #18 and on May 6th Becky with her dog Amber is returning to Heartwood, this time as homeowner of #19! So good to have you back!  Mary Ellen and Paul with their dog Bowser at their new home on move-in day. Welcome Home! As this is just the beginning of summer! We are getting ready for many more opportunities to work and play. There is the annual 4th of July festivities with parade and all and the second annual SummerFest is in preparation where we come together with our future neighbors, those who are eagerly waiting for Heartwood Phase 2 to be built. We look forward to a summer full of shared meals outside, monthly dances, outside movies and backyard gatherings. Should you be interested in checking out our little village, we do have guest rooms available!
A happy summer to all! In community, Nisargo |