This week in the Woods
Well hello! How has your summer been? We have been crazy crazy busy at the Kimball household. I got the bright idea to get an above ground pool and then Randy had the bright idea to put it in the ground. Let’s just say, that is way more of a process than we were expecting! We might be able to swim one time this summer if the weather warms up.
I, (Chrissy) got my real estate Broker license and opened my own company, so that has had me a little preoccupied and a bit out of the logging game. It is called Kimball & Company Neighborhood Realty. In our little town the Kimball family has been around for a long time, so I thought it would be appropriate to keep the name recognition. Anyways, all the logistics of getting that up and running are pretty well settled and I am getting into a groove. Hopefully that means I can bring some more logging news to you because quite honestly I have no clue what’s going on out there!
We have had some changes in employees. Our previous skidder operator decided to move on to do some independent work, which we completely support. I am all about personal growth and doing what is right for yourself and your family. In exchange, we added a great new operator, Sam. He is a welcome addition to our crew, and of course my kiddos took to him very quickly. They think anyone who operates the skidder is a hero. Dad in the loader is boring and Trafton recently learned that feller buncher is a one way ticket and if you forget to bring your lunch or water you’re out of luck.
The crew is working out in the Bowdoin area for a while. We’ve had a string of jobs in that area which is quite nice because it cuts down on moving costs. This week we started a beautiful 150 acre job. We have been waiting to get onto this job for a while now. The initial plan was to harvest it this past winter, but Bowdoin weather was too warm, so we moved west to Stoneham where is was more solidly frozen. The weather in general plays such a massive role in our lives and our schedule. It can be difficult for landowners to understand why we aren’t just showing right up to harvest their lots especially when they might be on a time restriction for house building or other projects. The condition of the land during specific seasons is crucial and our best laid plans are constantly changing.
Randy is on the hunt for a loader operator to fill his own seat in the woods. This is a massive change for us and a little bit scary to let go of something he has had control over for 20 years. Since we have started attracting our own clients and landowners, it has become a full time job to manage it. Plus we added the mulching, so it is time for him to get out of the seat and do some managing. (Maybe he will take over the books too! haha- NOT)
Well, that’s about it…. I’ll try to get some good videos made this week too. I’m still homeschooling the boys and we are going to learn about making videos. I am no expert on the subject, but my oldest son seems to enjoy learning about it. He has started making his own YouTube videos- trying to train him up to take over all marketing and advertising! He is going to have to do it someday if he wants to run this show :)
Have yourself a lovely little Sunday!
~Chrissy~
PS- Here is Trafton’s first YouTube video if you (or maybe your kids) would like to check it out!