Here at my farm, we work from a detailed checklist of daily and seasonal chores, but unexpected projects sometimes arise that require immediate attention.
When something new comes up, it’s important to assess its urgency, adjust the day’s schedule, and determine the most efficient way to get it done. Yesterday, Pete from my outdoor grounds crew took a short time out to repair the doors on a small wooden storage shed inside my chicken coop yard. The repairs will help keep bins of chicken feed securely stored and protected from curious, unwelcome wildlife. Even the smallest maintenance projects play an important role in keeping my farm organized, safe, and running smoothly.
Here are some photos.
In my chicken yard, I have five large coops that house my chickens, Guinea hens, and turkeys. I keep them as clean as possible to keep my fowl healthy and the unwanted vermin away.
This small shed needed proper doors to keep the bins inside well protected.
Temporary panels kept the space somewhat closed, but the wood could still be pushed giving access to intruders.
Pete measured the space for sliding doors that would work more efficiently.
In my back field, I store a lot of scrap materials for use on various projects. I always impress upon the crew to reuse, repurpose and recycle whenever possible.
One piece of scrap plywood was retrieved for the door project.
Pieces on the structure that were no longer needed were taken down.
Pete worked carefully and efficiently having all his needed tools close at hand.
As the adage goes, measure twice, cut once. Here, Pete measures the space again.
Because my chickens are raised around humans, they are very accustomed to all the activity and curious to investigate everything they see.
They use their beaks, which are rich in sensory receptors, to explore and peck at unfamiliar objects, bugs, and to navigate around obstacles.
Using a set square ruler, Pete makes the appropriate marks for cutting.
Pete tries to cut materials all at once before installing.
This hen watches from her coop doorway.
Here is a group of Guinea fowl – naturally active, independent foragers with strong curiosity, but they startle easily and keep their distance.
Pete secures a piece of 2×4 wood which will provide a base for the sliding doors.
He also attaches scrap wood to make usable handles for these doors.
Side pieces cut to fit will prevent the doors from sliding too far.
In the end, it is an easy and quick solution for an important storage need.
Lastly, the doors on this unit are painted my signature “Bedford Gray.”
Another hen comes to check out what’s happening.
This small maintenance job took less than one hour to complete, but it will protect the feed, keep the area neat and tidy, and possibly prevent any bigger issues from happening later.
Here at my farm, seasonal transitions follow a carefully planned schedule of tasks that I refine each year to keep the property in excellent condition.
Autumn has been relatively mild here in the Northeast, giving us valuable time to prepare for the colder months ahead. Over the last couple of weeks my outdoor grounds crew has been hard at work clearing fallen leaves, winterizing hydrants, installing storm doors, wrapping ornamental urns in burlap, and tackling countless other indoor and outdoor chores. Maintaining a working farm of this size is a tremendous responsibility, requiring constant attention, careful planning, and a dedicated team to ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the year.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
Adan, who takes excellent care of my lawns has now transitioned his time from mowing grass to blowing leaves. Leaf blowers are noisy, but they are the most effective for gathering the bulk of leaves into large piles.
Jimmy helps by collecting the blown leaves with our industrial leaf vacuum. The machine relies on a high‑powered engine and strong suction to pull leaves and debris through a hose and into the back of the dump truck. The leaves are then taken to the compost area, where they will decompose and get used again as mulch.
Adan uses our trusted STIHL backpack blower. I’ve been using STIHL’s blowers for years here at my farm. These blowers are powerful and fuel-efficient. The gasoline-powered engines provide enough rugged power to tackle heavy debris while delivering much lower emissions.
This area behind my stable is all cleared of leaves… for now.
Nearby, my long Boxwood Allée is given a fresh layer of compost made right here at the farm.
Pasang fills wheelbarrows and then hand shovels a two to three inch thick layer under each shrub.
In another section, weeds are being pulled from the beds.
Phurba rakes debris as he works. It’s a team effort to get the jobs done.
All the boxwood is also fed a generous amount of plant food for the season.
Behind my Summer House, Pete continues to cover ornamental urns and other objects with burlap to protect them from the winter elements. This is my sundial that is located in the formal sunken garden.
It is wrapped with burlap and sewn closed in the same manner as all the other outdoor urns and garden ornaments.
Jimmy works in this enclosed plant nursery where I keep potted young trees before they are planted in more permanent locations. It will be cleaned up and prepared for the storage of more saplings.
Chhiring checks all the water supplies and closes the hydrants for the winter. Closing and winterizing the hydrants is essential to prevent freeze damage and maintain water flow.
At my Winter House, Carlos installs the storm doors – this one is for my kitchen.
Inside, Patricia organizes linens in preparation for all my fall entertaining. Doing this now will save lots of time later.
Pasang works in my terrace parterres, gathering and disposing leaves and other plant debris. He collects it in one of my giant Multi-Purpose Reusable Garden Totes. These bags can carry hundreds of pounds.
The crew also uses a battery powered handheld blower from STIHL to blow any leaves from the area.
The vents of the vegetable greenhouse are covered. This greenhouse is equipped with several heavy-duty aluminum vent systems that automatically open and close when needed to allow hot air to escape while simultaneously allowing fresh air into the space. Before winter, both the inside and the outside of these units are covered to help insulate the structure.
Pete puts a layer of industrial floor covering fabric left over from another project and cardboard between the vent mechanics and the cover to further prevent drafts.
Pete also covers all my air conditioner pits. I keep all my air conditioners in large pits, where they are well hidden behind each house. These air conditioner pits are covered with industrial strength plastic and plywood to protect them from the winter elements.
Here’s Fernando storing my giant birdcage for the season.
And no matter what the season, the horses are always well exercised. Helen rides them every day around the farm. Here’s Bond heading out into the autumn sunshine. Good luck with all your fall chores – the cold weather is on its way!
Supporting small businesses and the creative entrepreneurs behind them is so important to helping local communities thrive.
Jonathan Massas, a member of my security team, and his wife, Jenna, recently launched a mobile pet grooming business inspired by their shared love of animals and desire to serve fellow pet guardians. Their “Bath Bus” is a fully equipped, self-contained electric grooming van that brings convenient, personalized bathing and grooming services right to customers’ neighborhoods. I’ve always believed in keeping my pets clean and well-groomed through regular bathing and brushing. This is especially important for my Chow Chows, Empress Qin and Emperor Han, whose thick double coats require consistent care to prevent matting and tangles. Yesterday, Jonathan and Jenna visited my farm to give my dogs a little mobile spa treatment.
Enjoy these photos.
Jonathan and his wife, Jenna, are excited to turn their passion into profit with their new mobile grooming “Bath Bus.”
The mechanics of the grooming station are all electric. They also have their own water supply and waste water tank and vacuum system, so it is completely self-contained. And, because they use chemical-free products, the grey-water is used to water ornamental plants later.
The central cabin is equipped with the grooming tub, hydraulic table, and other necessary supplies.
Here, Jonathan prepares for his first customer.
Han is first. Because Jonathan already knows all my dogs, Han is comfortable being with him. When taking a pet to a new groomer, always give them time to acclimate so the first grooming visit is calm and safe.
Jonathan starts by brushing Han’s coat thoroughly to get out any dirt or matts.
Once Han feels the lukewarm water, Han is even more relaxed. He stays very still for the entire grooming session.
Jonathan uses all-natural, hypoallergenic, unscented pet shampoos and conditioners that are gentle enough for regular bathing. When bathing a dog, it’s essential to use products made especially for dogs because of the differences in pH balance.
Jonathan gently scrubs from head to toe, avoiding sensitive areas such as the ears and eyes.
After the shampoo, conditioner, and thorough rinse, Jonathan hand dries Han as much as possible in the tub. Dog-specific tubs are designed with built‑in restraints and proper matting to prevent dogs from slipping or jumping out. The raised walls also limit water splashes and make cleanup easier.
Chow Chows have dense double coats — a coarse, water‑resistant outer layer over a soft, wool‑like undercoat that traps moisture close to the skin, so it is crucial Han be dried completely.
A proper pet dryer has several specialized nozzles that help control airflow direction, intensity, and how it interacts with the coat. Here, Jonathan combs Han as he dries.
He also brushes Han thoroughly, so his coat looks neat and tidy.
And never forget the paws. Drying a dog’s paws completely after a bath is critical for preventing infections, protecting paw health, and maintaining the dog’s comfort.
Han seems very comfortable on the table and enjoys the one-on-one attention.
Han looks so handsome after his spa treatment.
My puppy, Half Moon, also gets a turn for a quick bath.
Bathing puppies is also important in training them to behave while being handled. Here, Half Moon is being towel dried after her bath.
And then blown dry. French Bulldogs have short but dense hair that can trap water close to the skin and leave it damp. Jonathan makes sure to dry target areas such as Half Moon’s neck, under the chest, armpits, and tail pocket. Half Moon enjoys her spa treatment.
Half Moon also gets a good brushing with a soft-bristled brush.
Lastly, a thorough paw dry. Three more to go today, but bath day is going well at the farm.
If you live in or near Rockland County, New York, and are looking for a pet bathing option that offers convenience, reduced animal stress, personalized care, and a clean, safe environment — try out the “Bath Bus.”
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
