From Snow to Blossoms

This winter had been a doozy. Warm temperatures and no moisture for months! The ski areas were having a hard time. We had all but given up on snow, when finally a nice storm came through on February 20th. Those of us who love the white stuff strapped on our skis and enjoyed the winter wonderland. Nothing like being able to glide through the soft, white beauty right from your doorstep!

Everyone felt the relief when moisture  finally arrived in the high desert!

The kids working their way up the sledding hill.

But, the sun is strong even in February, and the fun lasted for just a few days before most of the snow had melted. And six weeks later all of Heartwood is in full bloom. Apricot, plum, apple, cherry, pear and peach seem to not have been damaged by the few light frosty nights we have had. Gooseberries and currents seem to do well also. We might just have a very fruitful year!

The beautiful crab apple tree between #13 and #14

Gorgeous apple blossoms 

A backyard view of #6 and #7

Budding is also happening with our young people. Our youngest member, who was born here, just turned one year old. The next one, also born at Heartwood, is already 2. And so they climb up the ladder, about one each year, to our oldest, soon to be 8. Kids at Heartwood can roam the pathways safely, walk to a neighbor’s house or to the SS Ponderosa (the play structure on the village green), ride bikes and most of the time find playmates eager to join in play. 

It is a joy to watch these kids learn and blossom in community life!

More growth is happening in the development of Heartwood’s Phase 2.  Almost all of the 14 additional homes have come up from the ground in the past 6 months. One can see the new cluster of homes coming together and can envision the life that is going to be happening there soon! The new owners of houses who live in the area have been able to watch their homes being built through the various stages of construction, while also participating in events and celebrations at Heartwood. Owners who live farther away get regular updates via the Phase 2 weekly updates and photos. 

Exciting times!

We are looking forward to welcoming our new community members as soon as the construction of Phase 2 homes has been completed. We hope that by this summer the first families can move in. Many teams are busy working on different projects to get the community ready for the newcomers.  

For example, extra space will be needed to accommodate more people at meals. In the process a beloved old piano that had served the community well over the years but needed too many repairs now, was disassembled and all the parts recycled piece by piece!

Every string had to be removed by hand and a local artist made some bracelets with them. 

Several areas of the common house are getting new coats of paint and some new furniture. Our Membership Team as well as the Process and Communication Team are working on ideas and plans which will help integrate the newcomers into the existing community. There is lots to do and the excitement is growing. Not much longer now!

 And it would not be springtime, if we missed out on camping trips in the close Utah desert. While the weather at Heartwood, at 7000 feet, is still rather chilly at night, the vast deserts of Utah call to those who can’t wait for summer to spend extended time outdoors. One can hike at Sand Canyon, a short 1 1/2 hour drive away. Or one can venture just a little further west onto the Colorado Plateau. Cedar Mesa, near the Bears Ears National Monument, offers miles and miles of solitude in dispersed camping, accessible by a good four wheel drive. A favorite destination by many locals. 

Our camp site along Butler Wash. Nobody else was close for miles around.

Hiking on slick rock near the campsite, the Comb Ridge in the distance. Our campsite is just near the center of this picture. 

Any holiday is an opportunity to get together and celebrate at Heartwood. Easter is no exception. A traditional easter eggs hunt starts the morning off, followed by a potluck brunch in the festively decorated common house. 

Adults watching the kids search for the hidden plastic eggs filled with all kind of goodies. 

Some of the participants of the easter festivities.

This is a great time to come visit and check out our little village. You can stay in one of our guest rooms and friendly hosts are ready to welcome you, give you a tour and answer any questions you might have. You can also attend our next virtual tour.

See you soon!

In community,

Nisargo