2006
2006 started out with a momentous occasion: the birth of Tate Julian Jensen and Lily Cadence Jensen on January 10. Although the twins were healthy, mommy Cori encountered many difficulties postpartum and the Jensens had a very challenging time.
Jon and Megan supported Susan in the office. Expeditions staffer Adam Drummer lived at the Smith house until June. Longacre Farm became Monarch Watch Station #639 and we set about learning about the pollinators that help attract this beautiful butterfly. Jon created a biodiesel lab in his garage and we started brewing.
In the summer, returning Big Kids who joined Susan, Jon* and Megan, were Laura Gill, Andrew Holbein*, Rocky Crockett, Becca Link, Lissy Romanow*, Andy Scafidi, Matt Smith* and Mark Dunlap. New staff were Val Beilenson*, Jesse Braff*, Felice Cleveland, Sarah Lake*, Trisha Schmick (along with her horse Harley), Louise Warner and Andrea Wolf.
We continued work in the Art House building, installing a ceiling, a railing, exterior siding, and interior pine panelling. We rebuilt the runway fence and constructed the Ewok Village by the tree house. We made soap out of natural oils and flowers.
After the summer, the new owners of Longacre Expeditions, Jason, Nicole and Mckenzie Eckman and Bobby Manning moved into the Smith's house for a year to learn the business from Rog and Merry. Alex Smith came back and jumped into the finishing of the Art House projects before winter. Susan took a Master Gardener class through Cooperative Extension.