We are counting down the days until Water Spirit Fest. Things are beginning to move very quickly. We are hoping to see a lot of the friends we met last year and to make new friends this year. We've tried to put more of an emphasis on the water project this year than before. The one everyone has noticed (and some of complained about) is the added cost. We (the organizers) sat down last year after fest and discussed our disappointment with the amount of money raised that we donated to the wishing well. We decided then that the only way we (think of the all of us 'we') could make this happen was to incorporate a donation to the wishing well into the ticket price of the event - which we did this year. Each ticket has between $20 and $25 of it going directly to the well. This money is not allocated to pay for expenses AT ALL. We will be keeping meticulous track of this money and we will let everyone know on Saturday night how much we've raised. I wanted to address this point in particular because I know the ticket looks like a lot. But think of it this way: each all weekend ticket donates $25 to the well; 4 tickets is $100 to the well; 40 tickets is $1,000 to the well; 200 tickets is $5,000 to the well. That's been the goal for a long time now - and we can do it this year. We hope to see you here for a lot of fun and music. Thanks for checking in.
 
We are very excited to welcome the WATER SPIRIT FESTIVAL to the Oxbo this coming August!
We are looking forward to seeing folks we met last year and making new friends. Get involved - volunteer or bring your stuff to vend. We're planning a bigger, better festival this year while keeping the cool vibe that was last year. As we get closer to Fest I'll have more updates for you. Don't forget to check the facebook page for more up to the minute info. Thanks for keeping in touch.
 
We've been trying to determine when the Cold weather will end. TWO WEEKS ago it snowed up on the hill. How can that be? We don't want to debate climate change and/or other factors - we're just befuddled by the weather this (last few days of) Spring.
Even the puppies seem confused. We're all having a hard time getting on track. Even so, we hope to see campers as the weather warms - as we know it must - even in Western New York. But when you come up for a weekend in the woods - bring something warm for those coolish nights.
 
The nights have gotten longer the days shorter and colder. As the temperatures go below 40 degrees in the night and we wake up to frozen shampoo we think longingly of the house in town and a warm bathroom. Therefore, we are migrating towards town and non-frozen shampoo. The dogs are having to get used to the small yard and the sights, sounds, and smells of town. It's hard on a country dog to become a town dog. Kitty is not at all happy. She likes camp a lot better than town. Her groundhog friend that lives in the garage seems to have missed her though. We are busy planning events for next year and hope to see everyone soon. If you want to come by during our down time - just let us know. It's always good to see 'summer folk'. Hopefully you are settling down to have a warm Winter as well. Thanks for taking the time to catch up.
 
There is SO much to do when getting ready to leave for fest - any fest. But it's a little tougher when you're going to a place you've never been before. So - Welcome to the Oxbo! Most of y'all coming to Waterfest this year have never been to the Oxbo. (We're excited about having you!) There are a few things you can do for us if you would. Please try to leave the glass bottles at home. We'd like to keep glass out of the camping and festival areas. Also, bring warm clothing. You'd think that in August you wouldn't have to be concerned with that - but be prepared! It was 55 degrees this morning when we woke - so put that extra sweater (or the only sweater) in the car - maybe even a blanket. Bring shoes in case you want to go tromping in the woods. When I think of more stuff to share - I'll get it out here for ya'. Thanks for taking the time to catch up.
 
Time is getting away from us here at the Oxbo. We are working with true diligence while getting ready for Waterfest. There are so many last minute things  that will have to be done and we're doing all the other things now. While the rest of the country deals with drought we are being blessed with rain today. A rainy day allows us to sit and do all the things we don't get to when the sun shines - like catching up on this blog. We are moving along on our projects in order to be ready in time for all the Waterband fans to gather.
 
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As I said last time - the foxglove is in bloom! It's wonderful to be just walking along and come upon a patch unexpectedly. I love this time of year. The berries are just coming on and so it's a food feast to take a walk. I keep thinking we'll pick enough to make a pie - but we never come back with any! The wildlife is plentiful right now as well.

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Tara, our rat terrier, put a racoon up a tree a few days ago. The racoon was so busy eating that it didn't notice we were in the maze until Tara was right there. The racoon was unhurt except for dignity. It did it's best to ignore us while we tromped through the berry bushes taking pictures.

 
As we come into the holiday weekend, we are in full swing here on the hill. We are finishing the clearing for the electric lines and having big fires daily. Today I will be mowing the maze to make it more people friendly. The maze is a fun place to wander on nights when the moon is clear - you don't even need a flashlight. Otherwise, walking, picnicing, meditating, or just wander and eat berries. It's always a little more calm, clear, and serene in the maze - don't worry there are 4 different ways out and if you need to, you can always go across country. The foxglove is in bloom now as well. I love to look at the diffferent colors - we have the deep purple, pink, and white. I have to go now - the maze won't mow itself. As always, thanks for taking the time to keep in touch.
 
Anyone who wants to come out and help get ready for Waterfest are welcome anytime.

We're scheduling 'official' work/party weekends for the following dates: 
  
July 14 & 15, July 28 & 29, August 11 & 12, and August 18 & 19.

Folks are welcome to come out on Friday. We'll have a big fire,  visit, and get to know one another. Work groups will get going on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night will be a potluck - so bring something to share. Bob and Carol will provide The Oxbo's famous Mac & Cheese and something else to be decided later.

Folks are welcome to come to all or any of the scheduled work weekends. Remember this is a great way to snag your festival camping spot early!
 
I've been reminded of some rather important information.
Vendors: While the vending fee is a meager $20. you will still need to pay your entrance fee for each person in your party and pay for any parking as per our regular fee schedule.
Volunteers: We'd like you to pay in advance and work to get your fee back. We can be flexible on that if it's really going to be a hardship. Talk to me and I'm sure we can work something out.
Also, we are asking volunteers to work a total of 6 hours to cover their $60 entrance fee.