Embedded Files
Summer 2025
Grandma's 90th Birthday
In January, we gathered at a favorite coffee shop in Battle Ground for Grandma's 90th Boots and Hats birthday party. So many friends showed up that we spilled out onto the sidewalks and into the brewery next door. A highlight of the party was the Spurs and Saws photo book that Char, Cheryle, River, and Linda put together.
The Making of Mom's 90th Photo Book
By Char Easter
How many sisters does it take to navigate the Shutterfly checkout funnel? Let me see. I could not find my pajamas last night because . . . I was still wearing them from the night before. It was a Mom’s 90th-birthday photo-book layout marathon from 7 a.m. to 11:35p.m.
The Shutterfly book-building tool allows one editor at a time. But it was a collaborative process because all my sisters were with me, on Zoom, reviewing the layouts, uploading photos, and fact-checking. I remember noting the 11:30 p.m. time at the end of the funnel, a moment that represented an iceberg amount of prep. ...read more
Other milestones this year:
Blaed's 40th 4/16 Char's 70th 4/29
Jackie's 40th 9/11 Hailey's 10th 10/11
Christian & Jen's 20th Anniversary 7/23
Tyler & Ashley got married! 8/21
What's been happening on the farm...
Camp Easter 2025
The family gathered for another Camp Easter: a week of running wild through the woods, swimming at the lake, eating berries and clovers, and grounding ourselves on the farm.
While the "big" cousins visited and worked, the "little" cousins made mud pies and played with sticks in the pasture and the aunties kept everyone fed. Mark your calendars for the second week in July 2026 for the return of this treasured summer tradition.
Fresh Paint
Char, Cedar, Erin, and Cheryle spent a day this summer freshening up the paint on Grandma's ceiling. The new coat really brightened up the house. Skylar and Cheryle scraped, sanded, and re-painted the Fire Trailer and Heath brightened up the yellow poles on the driveway.
Tree Planting
We spent the first part of the year preparing for planting in stands 4 (heart attack hill and power lines areas) and 7 (left side of driveway between Edwards and Burns properties). This work included clearing and burning brush as well as mountain beaver control. In March, Ken, Linda, Cheryle, & Neal planted 500 Douglas Fir seedlings, meeting the state's 3-year reforestation requirement after harvest. Ryan also transplanted 22 volunteer seedlings where the original trees were either overgrown or damaged by deer and mountain beaver.
Cross Barn Repairs
Over the Winter we made several improvements on the Cross Barn including cleaning the roof, clearing overhanging hazards and branches, and repairing a cracked beam on the dozer cover in the back.
Getting Ready for a WWOOFer
Accommodations for WWOOFer(s) to stay on the farm are in progress. It will be located on the new pad behind Grandma’s house. WWOOFers are people who trade their labor for a chance to learn about farming and a place to stay. Learn more about WWOOFers.
Barn High Bay and Shop Clean Up
Cheryle has been cleaning out & organizing the barn high bay and grandpa's shop. The 1981 Fiat Spider is officially for sale and the apple press is looking presentable. All it needs is a gear before we'll be pressing apple cider – a fun Fall activity for the whole family!
The Next Next Generation...
Our family has grown a lot in the last year. Take a minute to meet some of the new additions.
Bennett Lee
The first great great grandchild just turned 1 year old in July. His smile and dimples charm everyone he meets. Izaac and Natalie are expecting their second in September.
Jacob Luis
This little guy was born in early April to Ryan and Jackie. Clyde is adjusting to being a big brother at their home in California.
Adeline Louise
Morgan and Jasen welcomed the youngest of the great grandchildren at the end of June. Her older sister, Josephine has adopted her as her own little doll.
On the way...
If you haven't heard yet, Makayla and Willie are having a little boy in February 2026.
Proposed Change in Streamside Buffer Requirements
The Washington State Forest Practices Board is considering proposal CR102, which could increase the streamside no-harvest buffer requirements for non-fish-bearing streams from the current 50-foot buffer up to 75 feet depending on a variety of factors. The proposal is a result of the Dept. of Ecology's efforts to manage stream warming, protect fish habitat and watershed ecosystems, and support riparian zones. These changes could affect TPM by limiting harvesting along Thistle Creek. The proposal is controversial and will be voted on in November. Read the Analysis from the Dept. of Ecology, the WFFA Summary, and other WFFA testimony to learn more.
Artist Spotlight
Heath's drawing of a a Honda CBR1000RR.
TPM Newsletter Team
We started this newsletter with three main goals:
Build and maintain family connection by communicating events, announcements, and general information about the farm.
Share knowledge by providing educational resources both specific to TPM and tree farming in general.
Create a historical reference of farm and family activity.
We aim to publish the newsletter each quarter and will occasionally make additional announcements as needed. As we enter its fourth year, we are expanding the newsletter team to better serve our goals. Thank you to Blaed and Tasha for joining in the effort. What would you like to see in the next newsletter?
Do you have information or ideas for the next newsletter? Send us your thoughts!
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