This morning, the Daf Yomi completed tractate Chagigah, so the group in Portland that learns Day Yomi (which includes me when we’re in town) made a siyum for not only Chagigah, but the entire Seder Moed. Chagigah is the last of the twelve tractates that make up Seder Moed.

It was exciting to share this simcha with the community:

After the siyum, we carefully backed out of the Chabad of Oregon’s parking lot (one of the more challenging maneuvers we’ve done on this trip) and drove West to head back to Jason and Carrie’s place near Banks, stopping along the way to purchase groceries and homeschooling supplies. It’s nice to be back in the country again! We plan to be here through Wednesday, at which point we will head back to Portland for Sukkos.

We are very excited to be starting our 2014-15 homeschooling year tomorrow! We’ve added chemistry and geography to our mix of subjects. Stay tuned!

This afternoon, I rode down to Banks to the beginning of the Banks-Vernonia Trail and rode to Vernonia and back.

The Banks trailhead:

In Vernonia, I passed the private bridge to the Sword Homestead, the only residence in town that’s on the other side of the river:

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Trish and the kids worked with Carrie and her kids to spread manure as the first step to creating a garden:

Trish and B created these interesting posters:

Tomorrow, we will pack up and head back to Portland for Yom Kippur.

This morning M made breakfast for himself for the first time.  He has not yet said he wants to be a chef when he grows up:

Carrie and Jason have a new farm kitten, as of yet unnamed:

Trish and the kids spread out more straw today:

After two days of being cloistered in the RV, I finished our 2013 taxes (we had filed an extension, so I had until 10/15 to get them done).  I’m looking forward to doing something else tomorrow!

Tonight, the adults played Ticket to Ride.  Another fun game!

This morning we woke up to a beautiful day at Jason and Carrie’s house in Banks:

M worked with their kids to spread hay:

At night, the adults played Settlers of Catan and an interesting card game called Dominion.