Fern Turns Four

It isn't every day that birthdays are celebrated at 8 a.m. at Acorn Hill. Autumn Fern's was an exception - for an exceptional girl.

Pink, white, gifts, cupcakes and candy filled Fern's eyes. "Is this for me?" Fern asked. "I like surprises!" She jumped up and down with the biggest smile she's capable of having.

As part of the celebration, everyone took a turn telling Fern what they like about her. "She plays with me; I like what you make; Your joy..." were just a few things mentioned. All of the gifts were well received - as were the cupcakes.

Nathaniel Barn Loft said that Fern's party was too early and went back to bed.

Barn Loft Predicts Sales

As Main House President Dad, Sarah Daffodil and Nathaniel Barn Loft headed out for a fall celebration, Barn Loft predicted Daffodil's sales - one big doll, ten small dolls and five sheep.

While Barn Loft played his dulcimer and Dad enjoyed the festival, Daffodil met people and made corn husk dolls. One little girl had the option of buying food or buying one of Daffodil's small dolls. She chose a doll. A few girls had the option of having their faces painted or buying a doll. They chose dolls. Daffodil did sell one big doll and her little dolls were adding up. Daffodil almost called Barn Loft, "creepy." She ended up selling one large doll and eleven small dolls. She didn't sell any sheep.

One of Four

Balloons moving subtly, streamers hung with care, packages anticipating liberation, cake waiting to be eaten and Acorn Hill Citizens ready to party all staged behind the Main House front door. Who were they waiting for? Main House President Dad was the person of honor.

Dad opened his gifts first. He received a fishing pole and a sword made by Mayor Asher Ply Wood. After the party there would be fishing in the Muddy River. Sourwood honey was in the next bag. He'll put it on the biscuits Sarah Daffodil will make. He'll also enjoy the honey in coffee from his new coffee mugs. Next Dad opened a framed picture of Daffodil and Barn Loft with some of our favorite people. It was promptly hung.

Next came cake, the first of at least four cakes in October. Dad's was a sweet potato cake with cream cheese and pecan frosting. Everyone liked it.

"The cake was delicious, and it reminded me of fall, and I already have begun enjoying my presents," said Main House President Dad, who was surprised and delighted by the birthday celebration.

Earlier in the day, while Dad, Daffodil and Nathaniel Barn Loft were away, watching a play, the rest of the citizens prepared for the celebration. They started with the balloons. Four of the 15 balloons popped. Queen Esther Hunts does not like balloons - especially when they pop.

Weeping Doctors

With the rapid swipe of a pen doctors leave their signatures - much like the careful swipe of an 18-month-old toddler. They are known for their signatures, but they have nothing on Main House President Dad.

For years Main House First Lady Mom has been bewildered by Dad's writing. "I rarely know what he has written. It's hard for me to believe that he can read it." Read it he does. As a freelance outdoor writer, Dad must be able to read his notes from telephone interviews.

"I had a hard time keeping my writing neat while in school. I tried hard and never understood why it had to be so neat," says Dad.

The Red House

Clarkesville continues to undergo changes. The Wendy's is looking more like a restaurant, Starbucks will take a stand in the local grocery store. "Clarkesville has nothing compared to the changes made in Acorn Hill," said Main House President Dad.

While Nathaniel Barn Loft and Dad were on an 11-day trip, First Lady Mom and Sarah Daffodil made changes to The Main House. Just a couple of years after Mom thought to herself that the next time the house would be painted it would be by Barn Loft, she painted it red. "I liked the idea of having a red house. I didn't think I'd go SO red. I was inspired by our friends' red house."

Mom also deep-cleaned Barn Loft's room, finding hidden space. Finding hidden space in The Main House is a new endeavor for her. "I have found space in the office and in the dining room too," she said with a smile on her face.

Daffodil painted a rug on the floor of Barn Loft's dulcimer area. It is in greens, black, white and brown. She painted two of his prettiest dulcimers on it. Barn Loft was pleased.

Fish Stories

Something that makes Acorn Hill "Acorn Hill" is fish. They are vital to the economy. They bring joy to its citizens and beauty to the eye.

Nathaniel Barn Loft had the fish fight of his life at Wheeler Lake in Alabama. Sliding 3 feet across the boat deck and working every arm and leg muscle, he reeled in a 60-pound blue catfish. Click here for more details.

Sarah Daffodil's fish took a little more time and precision. Gluing down money plant, tomato skin and various other plant materials, she created a brown trout. Click here for more details.

Making Music from Trash

One early morning Main House First Lady Mom became very curious about the neighbor's trash. Main House President Dad accompanied her to the site to find that it was in fact a wash tub.

The two liked it enough to bring it home. Dad figured it would make a nice planter. However, after Nathaniel Barn Loft spotted it, it became a dream. Barn Loft had the deep desire to make it into a wash tub bass - and he did.

Mayor Asher Ply Wood plays the bass well, which makes for good accompaniment with Barn Loft's Banjammer.