Greetings to Friends and Customers of Pea Ridge Forest:

Another year has flown by and we are rapidly approaching that ‘wonderful time of the year’—the Christmas season.

The weather has been problematic for us as well as everyone else it seems. We are still dry, but have had some timely showers. The wells have been on almost full time this season. The drought takes a heavier toll on the young trees, causing us to lose some this year.  The B&B tree sales, which are the biggest part of our business, have been strong.

The Christmas trees are ready and the gift shop is overflowing with great holiday gifts and home décor items.  We will be open each weekend beginning the Saturday and Sunday before Thanksgiving (11/18 and 11/19) plus Wednesday through Friday during the week. Activities on the weekends include hayrides to the field (they are back!), miniature train rides and a corn bin for the little ones. For the big kids a food truck, kettlekorn, Santa, wine sampling from Sugar Creek, Wursthaus, and of course, complimentary hot chocolate.  During the week the gift shop will be open, hot chocolate will be available, and you will be able to pick out your tree.

A quick family update—the granddaughters are still the shining light of grandma’s life. Jess, the oldest, is in her second year of her PhD in Economics at Rice University, enjoying it and working hard.  Jenna, our middle girl, is graduating in December with her BSN from the University of Missouri.  She has a job lined up for January and has grad school and several other options for the future—how awesome is that!  Jill, our youngest is a senior in high school this year—involved in many school activities including President of the Student Council—plus her passion for volleyball which is top on her list. The volleyball team is once again playing for state championship – GO BEARCATS!   All three spent quite a few hours this summer working on the farm. We are so very proud and happy to have these three wonderful girls in our lives!

Mike and Tammy are busy, Tammy teaching at Mizzou and Mike running the B&B operation while having a phone attached to his ear non-stop. Scott & Beryl are also busy. Beryl with her remote work for MD Anderson and this year marks her l0 year anniversary with the hospital. She enjoys cooking and exploring the culinary scenes in the city.  Scott heads the Christmas tree side of the business as well as computer and paperwork while working in the field on irrigation and pruning. Michele and Jerry are also busy in Columbia, Michele at the university and Jerry at Boone Hospital.

A highlight this fall for us was a visit from a group of Carmelite sisters from St. Louis for a day of relaxation here at the farm.  Our family enjoyed their visit immensely and I think they did as well.

We all look forward to welcoming you to our farm this holiday season—hoping to help you add some more memories to your Christmas traditions.