Here at my farm, seasonal transitions follow a carefully planned schedule of tasks that I refine each year to keep the property in excellent condition.
Autumn has been relatively mild here in the Northeast, giving us valuable time to prepare for the colder months ahead. Over the last couple of weeks my outdoor grounds crew has been hard at work clearing fallen leaves, winterizing hydrants, installing storm doors, wrapping ornamental urns in burlap, and tackling countless other indoor and outdoor chores. Maintaining a working farm of this size is a tremendous responsibility, requiring constant attention, careful planning, and a dedicated team to ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the year.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
Adan, who takes excellent care of my lawns has now transitioned his time from mowing grass to blowing leaves. Leaf blowers are noisy, but they are the most effective for gathering the bulk of leaves into large piles.
Jimmy helps by collecting the blown leaves with our industrial leaf vacuum. The machine relies on a high‑powered engine and strong suction to pull leaves and debris through a hose and into the back of the dump truck. The leaves are then taken to the compost area, where they will decompose and get used again as mulch.
Adan uses our trusted STIHL backpack blower. I’ve been using STIHL’s blowers for years here at my farm. These blowers are powerful and fuel-efficient. The gasoline-powered engines provide enough rugged power to tackle heavy debris while delivering much lower emissions.
This area behind my stable is all cleared of leaves… for now.
Nearby, my long Boxwood Allée is given a fresh layer of compost made right here at the farm.
Pasang fills wheelbarrows and then hand shovels a two to three inch thick layer under each shrub.
In another section, weeds are being pulled from the beds.
Phurba rakes debris as he works. It’s a team effort to get the jobs done.
All the boxwood is also fed a generous amount of plant food for the season.
Behind my Summer House, Pete continues to cover ornamental urns and other objects with burlap to protect them from the winter elements. This is my sundial that is located in the formal sunken garden.
It is wrapped with burlap and sewn closed in the same manner as all the other outdoor urns and garden ornaments.
Jimmy works in this enclosed plant nursery where I keep potted young trees before they are planted in more permanent locations. It will be cleaned up and prepared for the storage of more saplings.
Chhiring checks all the water supplies and closes the hydrants for the winter. Closing and winterizing the hydrants is essential to prevent freeze damage and maintain water flow.
At my Winter House, Carlos installs the storm doors – this one is for my kitchen.
Inside, Patricia organizes linens in preparation for all my fall entertaining. Doing this now will save lots of time later.
Pasang works in my terrace parterres, gathering and disposing leaves and other plant debris. He collects it in one of my giant Multi-Purpose Reusable Garden Totes. These bags can carry hundreds of pounds.
The crew also uses a battery powered handheld blower from STIHL to blow any leaves from the area.
The vents of the vegetable greenhouse are covered. This greenhouse is equipped with several heavy-duty aluminum vent systems that automatically open and close when needed to allow hot air to escape while simultaneously allowing fresh air into the space. Before winter, both the inside and the outside of these units are covered to help insulate the structure.
Pete puts a layer of industrial floor covering fabric left over from another project and cardboard between the vent mechanics and the cover to further prevent drafts.
Pete also covers all my air conditioner pits. I keep all my air conditioners in large pits, where they are well hidden behind each house. These air conditioner pits are covered with industrial strength plastic and plywood to protect them from the winter elements.
Here’s Fernando storing my giant birdcage for the season.
And no matter what the season, the horses are always well exercised. Helen rides them every day around the farm. Here’s Bond heading out into the autumn sunshine. Good luck with all your fall chores – the cold weather is on its way!
Supporting small businesses and the creative entrepreneurs behind them is so important to helping local communities thrive.
Jonathan Massas, a member of my security team, and his wife, Jenna, recently launched a mobile pet grooming business inspired by their shared love of animals and desire to serve fellow pet guardians. Their “Bath Bus” is a fully equipped, self-contained electric grooming van that brings convenient, personalized bathing and grooming services right to customers’ neighborhoods. I’ve always believed in keeping my pets clean and well-groomed through regular bathing and brushing. This is especially important for my Chow Chows, Empress Qin and Emperor Han, whose thick double coats require consistent care to prevent matting and tangles. Yesterday, Jonathan and Jenna visited my farm to give my dogs a little mobile spa treatment.
Enjoy these photos.
Jonathan and his wife, Jenna, are excited to turn their passion into profit with their new mobile grooming “Bath Bus.”
The mechanics of the grooming station are all electric. They also have their own water supply and waste water tank and vacuum system, so it is completely self-contained. And, because they use chemical-free products, the grey-water is used to water ornamental plants later.
The central cabin is equipped with the grooming tub, hydraulic table, and other necessary supplies.
Here, Jonathan prepares for his first customer.
Han is first. Because Jonathan already knows all my dogs, Han is comfortable being with him. When taking a pet to a new groomer, always give them time to acclimate so the first grooming visit is calm and safe.
Jonathan starts by brushing Han’s coat thoroughly to get out any dirt or matts.
Once Han feels the lukewarm water, Han is even more relaxed. He stays very still for the entire grooming session.
Jonathan uses all-natural, hypoallergenic, unscented pet shampoos and conditioners that are gentle enough for regular bathing. When bathing a dog, it’s essential to use products made especially for dogs because of the differences in pH balance.
Jonathan gently scrubs from head to toe, avoiding sensitive areas such as the ears and eyes.
After the shampoo, conditioner, and thorough rinse, Jonathan hand dries Han as much as possible in the tub. Dog-specific tubs are designed with built‑in restraints and proper matting to prevent dogs from slipping or jumping out. The raised walls also limit water splashes and make cleanup easier.
Chow Chows have dense double coats — a coarse, water‑resistant outer layer over a soft, wool‑like undercoat that traps moisture close to the skin, so it is crucial Han be dried completely.
A proper pet dryer has several specialized nozzles that help control airflow direction, intensity, and how it interacts with the coat. Here, Jonathan combs Han as he dries.
He also brushes Han thoroughly, so his coat looks neat and tidy.
And never forget the paws. Drying a dog’s paws completely after a bath is critical for preventing infections, protecting paw health, and maintaining the dog’s comfort.
Han seems very comfortable on the table and enjoys the one-on-one attention.
Han looks so handsome after his spa treatment.
My puppy, Half Moon, also gets a turn for a quick bath.
Bathing puppies is also important in training them to behave while being handled. Here, Half Moon is being towel dried after her bath.
And then blown dry. French Bulldogs have short but dense hair that can trap water close to the skin and leave it damp. Jonathan makes sure to dry target areas such as Half Moon’s neck, under the chest, armpits, and tail pocket. Half Moon enjoys her spa treatment.
Half Moon also gets a good brushing with a soft-bristled brush.
Lastly, a thorough paw dry. Three more to go today, but bath day is going well at the farm.
If you live in or near Rockland County, New York, and are looking for a pet bathing option that offers convenience, reduced animal stress, personalized care, and a clean, safe environment — try out the “Bath Bus.”
If you’re thinking about welcoming a cat into your home, I encourage you to visit your local animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Last year, I welcomed four beautiful Persian cats to my farm, three of whom were adopted through Rock ’N Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in nearby Bedford Hills, New York. They all live in my Winter House: Magnolia, my silver shaded Persian; Dahlia, my dilute calico Persian; Lilium, my brown Persian longhair; and Chrysanthemum, my chocolate Persian. Rock ’N Rescue facilitates approximately 2,000 adoptions each year, with September through December being its busiest season. In fact, my niece Sophie Herbert Slater recently adopted two kittens for her family. But the organization’s work extends even further. Guided by its mission to “rescue cats to rescue people,” Rock ’N Rescue offers personalized, carefully matched adoptions, cat wellness initiatives, educational programs, help hotlines, and outreach efforts that include cat therapy for people of all ages. This weekend, the organization also held a large adoption event to help place dozens of kittens in loving homes.
Enjoy these photos, and if you’d like to learn more about Rock ’N Rescue, make a donation, or adopt a pet, visit https://rnrpets.org.
Many of the kittens at the weekend adoption event came from another state and were driven up to New York earlier that morning. These kittens are less than four months old, and at such a young age Rock N’ Rescue requires they be adopted out with at least one other kitten or cat, to prevent behavioral issues later.
The adoption event was held at the organization’s main location in Bedford Hills, New York.
Here is the founder of Rock N’ Rescue, Juli Cialone, and co-founder of the therapy program, Marla Valentine. Marla, who is a licensed social worker, spearheaded the cat therapy project and it’s doing wonderfully.
Volunteer Ella helps keep the kittens comfortable and calm during the event.
Children and their families who visited were able to spend time with prospective adoptees in enclosed and quiet rooms.
Kittens are full of energy and will need to climb, chew, and play. When adopting, be sure the home is prepared with a few cat supplies, such as cat trees, beds, and toys for mental stimulation.
Adult cats are also available. Juli personally matches all the kittens and cats with their new families. She makes it a priority to learn each cat’s personality and temperament before placement.
Audrey Abell is Rock N’ Rescue’s adoption coordinator and cat room manager. She began as a volunteer and foster in 2025, and over time has cared for more than 100 cats through fostering. Here she is with one of the kittens at the event.
Crystal Pagan is the animal care coordinator and resident veterinary technician. She oversees the health, treatment, and daily management of the animals in rescue.
Many kittens were placed in loving homes this weekend. Here is a happy adopter with her new friend.
Kathleen Birmingham is foster director in charge of working with hundreds of foster families, coordinating animal care while also ensuring proper placement for new arrivals. Here she is showing off two more adoptees.
Here is Juli with Kathleen, Rock N’ Rescue COO James Scova, and volunteer, Og Anunoby. It was a successful day for the entire staff and so many of the kittens who went home that day.
These kittens are well socialized and are being used as therapy cats until they are adopted.
Here’s another happy adopter. Sophie’s friend’s adopted two male kittens.
These cats are currently in loving foster homes waiting for adoption. If you’re thinking about getting a cat to share your home, go to https://rnrpets.org and get pre-approved.
Sophie shares my love for cats. As a licensed professional counselor and registered art therapist, she understands the healing effects of pet therapy in her work. She was so impressed with Rock N’ Rescue’s mission, she joined its executive board soon after adopting Veera and Poly.
Here is Sophie’s son, Felix, with “Poly,” short for Polyhedron, or a figure with many faces.
All of Poly’s faces are irresistible.
While they are not from the same litter, kittens quickly create bonds. Both Veera and Poly were brought up from the south last month, bottle-fed, and fostered before going home with Sophie. Her family says they are the sweetest and most affectionate kittens.
Rock N’ Rescue is also preparing their therapy outreach truck, which should be operational in the new year. Rock N’ Rescue hopes to take this truck to various area hospitals, college campuses, private companies etc. to offer therapy and stress relief, corporate team building.
As for my cats, this is Magnolia, my first cat from Rock N’ Rescue.
This is Lilium, who traveled all the way from Doha, the capital city of Qatar in the Middle East.
She’s independent, confident, very friendly, and loves the attention from everyone here at the farm.
Chrysanthemum also traveled all the way from Doha and came to me through Rock ‘N Rescue. All four of my cats – Dahlia too – are so happy at my farm. They have lots of room to roam in my home and lots of attention. Please follow @rocknrescue_ on Instagram to keep up with their events and activities.
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