Hello friends, Fall 2024
It’s time again for news from The Onley Place. I can’t believe it’s been a year since our last newsletter, but time is flying by, just like the old folks used to say.
Seems there is always work to be done at the Onley Place. “Maintenance” is now my job, which includes mowing grass every 4-5 days this time of the year. And since we don’t have a horse and mule anymore, there is even more to mow. It takes me five hours to mow, with a 54” Z-turn. And every two weeks, I mow my neighbor’s yard. And I mow the Stallings cemetery, nearby, during the month of September. We had 4 loads of stone put on the driveway (at $800 per load), and neighbor Ricky Stallings graded it for us. We also trimmed the land of low limbs.
Seems there is always work to be done on the barn, too. We made a few more changes to the barn that you’ll notice this year. We have had to work on some of the roof of the barn, and a few other small things. Guess it will never end.
We only have bantam chickens to feed here on the farm now. “Old Bill Johnson” is still here but very old, so…..” Young Bill Johnson” is now the top rooster. Three of the hens went to set this spring, and we now have 23 young bantams. I’ll keep them through the winter, but folks call me every spring looking to buy them.
Our sweet dog “Highball” is no longer with us. He was killed by a group of our neighbor’s dogs last winter, right here in the edge of the yard. They had hurt him pretty bad a couple of years ago, but the vet stitched him up, and he recovered.
We’ve had several dogs in the past, but absolutely none as sweet and friendly as “Highball”. I’m sure we’ll get another one day, but not in a hurry.
My late neighbor Asa Stallings (who lies in the cemetery I mow) had an old log stable on the farm when he bought it in the 1920s. Since his death 20 years ago, trees and vines had taken it over. His heirs graciously let me get it and move it to The Onley Place. I’m pretty sure it was built in the early 1800’s, if not before. I put it on a log sleigh and neighbor Kenny Haines pulled it here. I had to replace about a dozen logs, but it’s still in pretty good shape, as it had tin that was put on the roof years many years ago, which helped greatly to save it.
And……….I’m about to move a 1762 house here this winter. It belonged to my Uncle Johnnie & Aunt Louise Stallings, who had made it into a barn. Thanks to my cousin Tommy and his family for letting me save the “Joel Hollowell” house.
After four years of saving, Gene and I took a trip a few weeks ago to Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Our friends Erik and Steve joined us for part of the trip, and we had a great time. LOTS of great food and wine! Great to go, but always great to get back home. We begin saving again.
We made blueberry wine this year, and Gene canned lots of pickles and jams. You can buy them from our “country store” right here in the barn (except the wine) during our shows.
Speaking of shows, our first one is Oct. 19th with “Band It”. They were here last October and did a great job! Our steel guitar buddy Bob “Muskrat” Reams will be here with them, along with Rat’s daughter Lacey Winslow, and our regular folks.
Our Christmas show is Dec. 6th and 7th this year. Adam Nixon and “Hallelujah Crew” will be here for that, along with Connie Riddick, Jo White and the regulars.
Gene will have the barn decorated to the max! And we’ll have the old houses open, with a little period Christmas decorations. On Dec. 8th, we’ll have an “open house” from 2-4, likely with some light refreshments. Adam will be here to provide a little Christmas music.
Our Valentine’s show will be on February 14th & 15th. We’re looking forward to having “Out-N-The Cold” back with us for the show.
Our Spring Show has not been put together yet, but keep an eye out.
Look forward to seeing you again,
Steve & Gene