/Users/andrea/_magisterarbeit/korpus/clean/trainkorpus/13/file11.html NN ----------------------------------------- : Fiction NN Non JJ Features NNS Interviews NNS Letters NP Columns NNS Etc NN . SENT Birthday NP Cards NP to TO Celebrities NNS Y NN . SENT P NN . SENT R SYM . SENT Books NNS For IN Further RBR Reading VVG Submit VV POWERED VVN BYEXTRA NP BUTTERY JJ MAPLE NN SYRUP NN In IN Which WDT Amy NP Goes VVZ and CC Does VVZ Things NNS in IN the DT Green NP Mountain NP State NP Tuesday NP , , April NP 20 CD , , 2004 CD VT NP Girl NN . SENT Weathersfield NN In IN Which WDT Amy NP Learns VVZ the DT Science NN of IN SugarmakingIt NP s PP early RB on IN a DT sunny JJ and CC cold JJ spring NN morning NN . SENT I PP should MD amend VV that IN . SENT before IN spring NN actually RB arrives VVZ to TO Vermont NP , , there EX is VBZ a DT less RBR known JJ fifth JJ season NN when WRB all PDT the DT snow NN has VHZ pretty RB much RB melted VVN but CC is VBZ still RB slowly RB seeping VVG into IN the DT ground NN , , turning VVG every DT non JJ paved JJ surface NN to TO mud NN . SENT I PP m NN on IN I PP 91 CD South NP , , making VVG my PP$ way NN toward IN the DT general JJ direction NN of IN Springfield NP . SENT Weathersfield NP is VBZ just RB outside IN the DT city NN but CC I PP still RB can MD t NN imagine VV sugarhouses NNS anywhere RB near IN the DT area NN . SENT The DT only JJ trees NNS to TO tap VV around IN there EX are VBP telephone NN poles NNS . SENT I PP m NN on IN my PP$ way NN to TO learn VV about IN making VVG maple NN syrup NN at IN a DT couple NN of IN the DT many JJ open JJ sugarhouses NNS this DT weekend NN . SENT All DT across IN the DT state NN , , sugarmakers NNS will MD be VB giving VVG practical JJ demonstrations NNS of IN how WRB to TO make VV this DT sweet JJ syrup NN . SENT This DT is VBZ all DT pretty RB serious JJ business NN since IN Vermont NP is VBZ the DT second JJ largest JJS maple NN producer NN in IN the DT world NN . SENT I PP feel VVP bad JJ for IN people NNS who WP use VVP maple NN flavored VVD corn NN syrup NN as IN their PP$ pancake NN topping VVG of IN choice NN . SENT It PP s PP like IN comparing VVG a DT ripe JJ wedge NN of IN Camembert NN to TO a DT pudding NN cup NN filled VVN with IN nuclear JJ orange JJ faux NN nacho NN goo NN . SENT There EX s PP something NN truly RB grand JJ about IN sweet JJ maple NN syrup NN when WRB you PP think VVP about IN its PP$ being JJ nothing NN more RBR than IN boiled VVD maple NN tree NN juice NN . SENT My PP$ grandfather NN did VVD some DT sugaring VVG as IN a DT hobby NN . SENT He PP had VHD a DT small JJ boiler NN in IN a DT glorified VVN shack NN down IN the DT road NN from IN his PP$ farmhouse NN where WRB he PP would MD spend VV all DT of IN March NP , , with IN various JJ members NNS of IN the DT family NN helping VVG out RP here RB and CC there RB . SENT I PP remember VVP how WRB much JJ fun NN it PP was VBD , , sitting VVG around RP on IN chairs NNS upholstered VVN in IN broken JJ leather NN , , stacking VVG and CC fetching VVG wood NN , , being VBG handed VVN the DT occasional JJ Styrofoam NP cup NN of IN hot JJ maple NN syrup NN to TO drink VV The DT directions NNS I PP printed VVD off RP the DT Internet NN are VBP sketchy JJ at IN best JJS and CC I PP succeed VVP in IN getting VVG myself PP lost VVD on IN back JJ roads NNS almost RB as RB soon RB as IN I PP leave VVP Springfield NP . SENT After IN passing VVG snowy JJ pastures NNS and CC fields NNS , , I PP arrive VVP at IN Wood NP s PP Cider NN Mill NP and CC Sugarhouse NP . SENT I PP pull VVP onto IN a DT patch NN of IN brown JJ grass NN next JJ to TO a DT barn NN and CC head VV over RP to TO the DT main JJ house NN . SENT I PP stare VV at IN the DT sullen JJ cat NN watching VVG me PP while IN I PP wait VVP for IN my PP$ knock NN on IN the DT door NN to TO be VB answered VVN . SENT No DT one NN . SENT I PP walk VVP around RB back VV and CC see VV a DT wooden JJ building NN , , just RB larger JJR than IN a DT two CD car NN garage NN . SENT I PP couldn NN t NN have VHP been VBN sure JJ that IN this DT non JJ descript NN building NN was VBD the DT sugarhouse NN were VBD it PP not RB for IN the DT roiling VVG clouds NNS of IN steam NN billowing VVG out RP from IN a DT top JJ spire NN on IN the DT roof NN . SENT I PP walk VVP up RP and CC slide VV open RP a DT section NN of IN the DT wall NN . SENT Stepping VVG into IN the DT sugarhouse NN was VBD like IN entering VVG a DT steam NN room NN . SENT Since IN my PP$ glasses NNS fogged JJ up RP right RB away RB , , I PP could MD only RB just RB make VV out RP a DT grey JJ shape NN coming VVG toward IN me PP through IN the DT mist NN . SENT I PP move VVP forward RB with IN my PP$ right JJ hand NN along IN the DT wall NN for IN guidance NN . SENT A DT friendly JJ looking VVG man NN , , wearing VVG green JJ wool NN hunting NN pants NNS , , a DT purple JJ sweater NN and CC a DT blue JJ hand NN knit VVN hat NN , , soon RB emerges VVZ and CC introduces VVZ himself PP as IN Willis NP Wood NP . SENT He PP greets VVZ me PP warmly RB but CC still RB seems VVZ to TO be VB getting VVG things NNS into IN place NN for IN the DT day NN . SENT Willis NP moves VVZ off RP as IN another DT figure NN emerges VVZ from IN behind IN the DT screen NN and CC startles VVZ me PP half JJ to TO death NN . SENT This DT young JJ man NN , , also RB in IN hunting NN apparel NN , , is VBZ Peter NP . SENT He's NNS nice JJ in IN an DT innocent JJ kind NN of IN way NN and CC after IN chatting VVG with IN him PP a DT bit NN , , he PP appears VVZ to TO be VB Willis NP s PP right JJ hand NN sugar NN making VVG sidekick NN . SENT He PP asks VVZ me PP what WP I PP m NN writing VVG and CC I PP tell VVP him PP I PP m NN working VVG on IN an DT article NN for IN an DT online JJ publication NN . SENT After IN he PP asks VVZ which WDT one NN and CC I PP tell VVP him PP , , he PP says VVZ , , Oh UH . SENT A DT cooking NN magazine NN . SENT I PP say VVP yes RB and CC move VV over RP to IN Willis NP who WP is VBZ calling VVG me PP . SENT Willis NP begins VVZ explaining VVG the DT method NN of IN maple NN syrup NN making VVG to TO me PP as IN if IN he PP thought NN I NN d SYM just RB been VBN hired VVN and CC needed VVN to TO start VV work NN right RB away RB . SENT Maple NP trees NNS are VBP tapped VVN with IN spouts NNS , , or CC spiles NNS , , that WDT commonly RB have VHP a DT 7 CD 16 CD th NN of IN an DT inch NN opening NN . SENT A DT bucket NN is VBZ hung VVN onto IN the DT spout NN , , to TO collect VV all PDT the DT dripping VVG sap NN , , which WDT looks VVZ like IN water NN but CC tastes VVZ slightly RB sweeter JJR . SENT A DT cover NN is VBZ commonly RB placed VVN over IN the DT open JJ top NN of IN the DT pail NN to TO keep VV any DT rainwater NN from IN diluting VVG the DT sap VV . SENT The DT bucket NN method NN of IN collecting NN is VBZ still RB used VVN today NN but CC tubing NN seems VVZ to TO be VB the DT fastest JJS way NN to TO collect VV the DT highest JJS quantity NN of IN sap VV . SENT Narrow JJ tubes NNS are VBP attached VVN to TO the DT spouts NNS and CC the DT sap NN moves VVZ gravitationally RB along IN mainline JJ tubes NNS , , connected VVN to TO many DT more JJR trees NNS , , all PDT the DT way NN to TO the DT sugarhouse NN . SENT Willis NP tells VVZ me PP that IN there EX is VBZ a DT relatively RB new JJ type NN of IN vacuum NN tubing VVG you PP can MD get VV that DT actually RB draws VVZ the DT sap VV to TO the DT sugarhouse NN . SENT I PP ask VVP him PP how WRB many JJ trees NNS he PP has VHZ tapped VVN and CC he PP says VVZ 3 CD , , 000 CD on IN tubing NN and CC 600 CD on IN buckets NNS . SENT For IN the DT sap VV to TO run VV best JJS , , the DT nights NNS must MD be VB very RB cold JJ below IN freezing NN and CC the DT days NNS must MD be VB warm JJ above IN 45 CD degrees NNS . SENT A DT typical JJ sugaring VVG season NN only RB lasts VVZ three CD to TO six CD weeks NNS . SENT Willis NP started VVD boiling VVG this DT year NN on IN March NP 3 CD rd NN and CC he PP tells VVZ me PP that IN the DT season NN is VBZ already RB half NN over RP . SENT We PP move VVP toward IN the DT rectangular JJ boiler NN , , which WDT is VBZ essentially RB a DT large JJ evaporator NN , , as RB well RB as IN the DT focal JJ point NN of IN the DT house NN . SENT Under IN the DT boiler NN , , a DT fire NN heats VVZ that RB sap VV and CC causes VVZ great JJ clouds NNS of IN steam NN to TO rise VV up RP through IN openings NNS in IN the DT roof NN . SENT Maple NP syrup NN is VBZ made VVN by IN boiling VVG water NN out RP of IN the DT sap NN , , leaving VVG a DT liquid NN that IN s PP 66 CD sugar NN . SENT When WRB the DT sap NN comes VVZ in IN , , it PP s VVZ usually RB only RB about IN 2 CD sugar NN . SENT To TO literally RB see VV the DT sugar NN to TO water NN ratio NN , , sugarmakers NNS can MD use VV a DT refractometer NN . SENT Willis NP hands VVZ me PP a DT device NN remarkably RB heavy JJ for IN it PP s PP small JJ size NN . SENT I PP hold VVP it PP up RP to TO my PP$ eye NN like IN a DT tiny JJ , , misshapen JJ telescope NN and CC inside IN I PP see VVP a DT clear JJ circle NN surrounded VVN by IN black JJ with IN a DT scale NN bar NN running VVG down RP the DT center NN of IN the DT circle NN . SENT Willis NP pours VVZ a DT small JJ bit NN of IN fresh JJ sap VV into IN the DT tool NN and CC hands VVZ it PP back RB to TO me PP . SENT Since IN the DT refractometer NN measures VVZ the DT liquid NN s PP optical JJ density NN to TO determine VV the DT sugar NN content NN , , when WRB I PP look VVP through IN the DT eyepiece NN again RB I PP see VVP a DT horizontal JJ line NN showing VVG the DT sugar NN water NN boundary NN , , level NN with IN its PP$ percentage NN of IN sugar NN . SENT At IN one CD end NN of IN the DT boiler NN , , wood NN is VBZ continually RB burned VVN to TO keep VV a DT roaring VVG fire NN going VVG at IN all DT times NNS . SENT It PP s PP right RB above IN this DT direct JJ heat NN where WRB the DT final JJ stages NNS of IN reduction NN take VVP place NN . SENT The DT sap VV continually RB moves NNS from IN the DT large JJ pan VV to TO these DT four CD smaller JJR chambers NNS . SENT The DT sap VV moves NNS along IN a DT zigzag JJ path NN , , through IN openings NNS at IN the DT bottom NN of IN the DT chamber NN separating VVG walls NNS , , at IN opposite JJ ends NNS . SENT It PP is VBZ in IN the DT last JJ chamber NN where WRB the DT syrup NN is VBZ tested VVN for IN temperature NN and CC density NN . SENT The DT temperature NN must MD be VB 7 CD F NN or CC , , 3 CD . SENT 9 CD C NP higher JJR than IN the DT boiling VVG point NN of IN water NN . SENT The DT thermometer NN used VVD looks NNS like IN a DT large JJ turkey NN thermometer NN protruding VVG from IN the DT side NN of IN the DT boiler NN . SENT It PP s PP also RB common JJ to TO test VV with IN a DT hydrometer NN , , which WDT looks VVZ like IN a DT laboratory NN thermometer NN . SENT A DT tall JJ narrow JJ cup NN is VBZ dunked VVN into IN the DT boiler NN to TO collect VV some DT syrup NN and CC the DT hydrometer NN is VBZ dropped VVN in IN . SENT When WRB it PP remains VVZ buoyant JJ at IN 66 CD Brix NP the DT unit NN for IN sugar NN concentration NN , , the DT syrup NN is VBZ ready JJ . SENT At IN this DT density NN , , the DT syrup NN contains VVZ about IN 86 CD solids NNS . SENT From IN this DT derives VVZ the DT Rule NN of IN 86 CD used VVN to TO calculate VV the DT sap VV to TO syrup NN ratio NN . SENT Let VV s PP call VV Y NP the DT gallons NNS of IN sap NN , , P NN the DT percentage NN of IN solids NNS and CC R NN will MD be VB sap VV with IN a DT Brix NP of IN 2 CD . SENT Y NP P NN R NP 86 CD 2 CD 43 CD gallons NNS sap VV Thus RB , , it PP takes VVZ 43 CD gallons NNS of IN sap VV with IN 2 CD Brix NP to TO make VV 1 CD gallon NN of IN maple NN syrup NN . SENT In IN the DT final JJ stages NNS of IN boiling VVG , , there EX will MD sometimes RB be VB some DT grit NN or CC accumulation NN in IN the DT last JJ chambers NNS . SENT Every DT now RB and CC then RB , , the DT sugarmaker NN has VHZ to TO reverse VV the DT flow NN of IN sap VV , , so RB that IN it PP occasionally RB comes VVZ off RP the DT boiler NN through IN a DT spout NN on IN the DT opposite JJ side NN . SENT This DT prevents VVZ build VV up RP of IN sugar NN sand NN , , or CC nitre NN . SENT There EX s PP also RB a DT lot NN of IN foam NN rising VVG from IN boiling VVG syrup NN and CC Willis NP sprinkles VVZ some DT de NP foamer NN over IN the DT top NN . SENT I PP tell VVP Willis NP that IN when WRB my PP$ grandfather NN used VVN to TO boil VV maple NN syrup NN , , he PP d NN scrape VV the DT end NN of IN a DT stick NN through IN some DT butter NN and CC swirl NN that IN into IN froth NN . SENT Same JJ thing NN , , Willis NP says VVZ . SENT When WRB the DT syrup NN is VBZ done VVN , , it PP s PP filtered VVN and CC bottled VVN . SENT On IN the DT subject NN of IN grades NNS for IN maple NN syrup NN , , there EX are VBP four CD . SENT Fancy JJ . SENT Light NP Amber NP Color NP , , Delicate JJ Maple NP Bouquet NP . SENT Delightfully RB mild JJ maple NN flavor NN , , excellent JJ on IN ice NN cream NN or CC on IN food NN which WDT permits VVZ its PP$ subtle JJ flavor NN to TO be VB appreciated VVN a DT gourmet NN choice NN , , and CC the DT preferred JJ grade NN for IN candies NNS and CC other JJ maple NN specialties NNS . SENT Grade NP A NP Medium NN Amber NP . SENT Medium JJ Amber NP Color NP , , Distinct JJ Maple NP Bouquet NP . SENT Characteristic JJ maple NN flavor NN . SENT most RBS popular JJ for IN all DT around IN use NN . SENT Grade NP A NP Dark NP Amber NP . SENT Dark NP Amber NP Color NP , , Pronounced VVD Maple NP Bouquet NP . SENT Heartier JJR maple NN flavor NN . SENT also RB popular JJ for IN table NN and CC all RB around IN use NN . SENT Grade NP B NP . SENT Darkest JJS Table NN Grade NP , , Robust JJ Maple NP Bouquet NP . SENT Some DT folks NNS prefer VVP this DT syrup NN for IN the DT table NN , , and CC its PP$ stronger JJR maple NN flavor NN makes VVZ it PP an DT excellent JJ choice NN for IN cooking NN . SENT From IN The DT Official NP Vermont NP Maple NP Cookbook NN , , 2 CD nd NN Edition NN . SENT 1 LS . SENT 00 RB This DT is VBZ , , technically RB , , the DT order NN of IN best JJS to IN worst JJS but CC personal JJ preference NN dictates VVZ what WP grade NN people NNS choose VVP . SENT Me PP , , I PP like VVP Fancy NP but CC a DT lot NN of IN city NN people NNS like IN the DT darker JJR syrups NNS . SENT Willis NP tells VVZ me PP that IN if IN someone NN puts VVZ in IN an DT order NN but CC doesn NN t NN specify VV a DT grade NN , , he PP ll VVZ send VV them PP Fancy NP . SENT One CD time NN , , the DT syrup NN was VBD returned VVN to TO him PP with IN a DT note NN saying VVG , , You PP didn NN t NN boil VV this DT enough NN . SENT It PP s PP too RB watery JJ . SENT In IN fact NN , , all PDT the DT different JJ grades NNS have VHP equal JJ percentages NNS of IN sugar NN to TO water NN . SENT To TO get VV a DT lighter JJR color NN , , it PP depends VVZ on IN how WRB quickly RB you PP get VVP the DT raw JJ sap VV up RP to TO the DT final JJ product NN . SENT Also RB , , the DT lightest JJS syrup NN is VBZ made VVN during IN the DT beginning NN of IN the DT season NN and CC the DT syrup NN will MD get VV progressively RB darker JJR as IN the DT season NN progresses VVZ . SENT The DT bacteria NNS content NN is VBZ what WP makes VVZ the DT syrup NN dark NN . SENT Can MD one NN year NN be VB good JJ for IN Fancy NP and CC another DT poor JJ . SENT Yes UH , , but CC it PP all RB depends VVZ on IN the DT Sugar NP Gods NPS , , Willis NP says VVZ . SENT This DT year NN has VHZ been VBN a DT remarkably RB good JJ year NN for IN Fancy NP , , while IN last JJ year NN there EX was VBD a DT lot NN of IN Amber NP . SENT He PP goes VVZ on IN to TO point VV out RP that IN another DT reason NN that IN the DT light JJ colored VVN fancy NN is VBZ considered VVN better JJR is VBZ because IN in IN the DT late JJ 1800 CD s PP , , maple NN syrup NN was VBD competing VVG with IN the DT cane NN syrup NN as IN a DT sweetener NN . SENT People NNS wanted VVD the DT syrup NN to TO be VB really RB light JJ for IN cooking VVG purposes NNS . SENT Next JJ , , I NN m NN taken VVN up RP into IN the DT woods NNS behind IN the DT sugarhouse NN where WRB Willis NP shows VVZ me PP some DT innovative JJ , , ultra JJ exciting JJ , , 5 CD 16 CD th NN inch NN stainless JJ steel NN spouts NNS that WDT are VBP taking VVG the DT sugaring VVG world NN by IN storm NN . SENT These DT spouts NNS are VBP important JJ because IN the DT opening NN is VBZ so RB much RB narrower JJR than IN the DT standard JJ one NN , , meaning VVG that IN they PP are VBP less RBR invasive JJ to TO the DT tree NN . SENT Surprisingly RB , , you PP get VVP just RB as RB much RB sap VV from IN these DT smaller JJR spiles NNS . SENT Since IN these DT spouts NNS are VBP made VVN from IN stainless JJ steel NN , , you PP can MD bake VV them PP between IN seasons NNS to TO sterilize VV them PP , , which WDT will MD make VV for IN better JJR quality NN and CC production NN of IN syrup NN . SENT The DT common JJ plastic NN spouts NNS can MD only RB be VB washed VVN with IN soapy JJ water NN and CC bacteria NNS may MD eventually RB build VV up RP on IN the DT inside NN . SENT If IN you PP drive VVP one PP of IN these DT bacteria NNS riddled VVD spouts NNS into IN a DT tree NN , , the DT tree NN s PP going VVG to TO reject VV it PP and CC close VV up RP on IN the DT inside NN . SENT The DT stainless JJ steel NN spouts NNS make VVP it PP easier JJR for IN the DT tree NN to TO heal VV as RB well RB . SENT Back RB at IN the DT sugarhouse NN , , I NN m NN offered VVD a DT shot NN of IN Fancy NP . SENT Because IN the DT syrup NN was VBD iced JJ from IN a DT batch NN earlier RBR in IN the DT week NN and CC ice NN cold NN , , I PP found VVD the DT ounce NN of IN syrup NN frightfully RB refreshing JJ . SENT I PP tell VVP Willis NP I NP m NN off RB to TO see VV the DT Dana NP Brothers NPS next JJ and CC ask VV how WRB to TO get VV there RB from IN here RB knowing VVG that IN it PP was VBD not RB too RB far RB away RB . SENT Willis NP says VVZ to TO take VV a DT left NN , , then RB a DT right NN onto IN a DT dirt NN road NN , , then RB two CD miles NNS up IN a DT hill NN , , a DT left NN at IN a DT four CD way NN , , straight RB through IN a DT four CD way NN and CC it PP d NN be VB right RB one CD the DT left NN . SENT Only RB understanding VVG about IN 30 CD of IN the DT directions NNS he PP gave VVD me PP , , I PP buy VVP a DT pint NN of IN Fancy NP and CC leave VV . SENT I PP try VVP to TO remember VV the DT directions NNS and CC I PP eventually RB follow VVP along IN a DT rutted VVN , , washboard NN dirt NN road NN . SENT My PP$ teeth NNS clatter VV together RB and CC I PP start VVP to TO feel VV like IN a DT bobble NN head NN before IN the DT dirt NN road NN smoothes VVZ out RP . SENT I PP crest VV a DT hill NN and CC see VV the DT Dana NP Bros NPS . SENT sugarhouse NN . SENT Unfortunately RB , , since IN I PP wasn NN t NN watching VVG the DT road NN , , I PP drove VVD right RB into IN a DT huge JJ patch NN of IN mud NN which WDT was VBD basically RB a DT whole JJ stretch NN of IN the DT road NN had VHD been VBN liquefied VVN . SENT I PP slow VV down RP but CC realize VV the DT threat NN of IN getting VVG stuck JJ is VBZ very RB real JJ and CC speed VV back RB up RB , , spraying VVG mud NN out RP behind IN me PP . SENT I PP zoom VV onto IN a DT patch NN of IN grass NN next JJ to TO the DT red JJ sugarhouse NN and CC calmly RB enter VV . SENT There EX is VBZ a DT lot NN of IN wide JJ open JJ space NN inside IN the DT Dana NP Brothers NPS sugarhouse NN . SENT These DT sugarhouses NNS have VHP come VVN a DT long JJ way NN since IN the DT hastily RB put VVN together RB shanties NNS from IN the DT days NNS of IN yore NN . SENT But CC then RB , , you PP should MD have VH a DT really RB nice JJ sugarhouse NN when WRB you PP re IN making VVG maple NN syrup NN commercially RB . SENT Inside RB are VBP several JJ men NNS of IN varied JJ ages NNS attending VVG to TO sugaring VVG tasks NNS . SENT The DT familial JJ resemblance NN was VBD impressive JJ . SENT all DT of IN them PP looked VVD like IN the DT same JJ man NN at IN various JJ stages NNS of IN the DT aging VVG process NN . SENT Off RB to TO the DT right NN were VBD women NNS and CC kids NNS who WP looked VVD bored VVN enough RB to TO be VB family NN members NNS as RB well RB . SENT The DT man NN is VBZ charge NN is VBZ Alden NP Dana NP . SENT He PP looks VVZ like IN he PP s PP been VBN making VVG maple NN syrup NN long RB enough RB to TO do VV it PP in IN his PP$ sleep NN . SENT I PP imagine VVP he PP s PP in IN tune NN with IN the DT trees NNS and CC has VHZ a DT maple NN flavored VVD sixth JJ sense NN . SENT He PP brings VVZ me PP around RP to TO the DT evaporator NN and CC begins VVZ to TO explain VV the DT way NN he PP does VVZ things NNS . SENT The DT most RBS obvious JJ difference NN in IN his PP$ boiler NN is VBZ that IN the DT main JJ pans NNS are VBP covered VVN with IN a DT metal NN roof NN . SENT This DT brings VVZ the DT cold NN sap VV to TO a DT higher JJR temperature NN more RBR effectively RB . SENT Since IN the DT cover NN is VBZ peaked VVN at IN the DT top NN and CC extends VVZ just RB over IN the DT rim NN of IN the DT pan NN , , any DT condensation NN that WDT collects VVZ runs NNS over IN the DT edge NN , , onto IN the DT concrete JJ floor NN , , and CC does VVZ not RB fall VV back RB into IN the DT sap NN . SENT Willis NP told VVD me PP that IN Alden NP is VBZ notorious JJ for IN making VVG a DT lot NN Fancy NP and CC this DT must MD be VB one CD of IN the DT reasons NNS . SENT Alden NP says VVZ that IN he PP also RB has VHZ 3 CD , , 000 CD trees NNS tapped VVN with IN tubing NN and CC some DT more JJR with IN buckets NNS . SENT I PP ask VVP why WRB anyone NN would MD use VV buckets NNS when WRB it PP seems VVZ more JJR time NN consuming NN and CC less RBR effective JJ . SENT He PP says VVZ that IN he PP places VVZ the DT buckets NNS on IN maple NN trees NNS that WDT sit VVP on IN level NN ground NN , , such JJ as IN next JJ to TO a DT road NN . SENT Since IN the DT sap NN movement NN on IN tubing NN is VBZ based VVN on IN gravitation NN unless IN you PP use VVP a DT vacuum NN , , you PP can MD only RB tap VV on IN maple NN trees NNS that WDT sit VVP at IN a DT higher JJR elevation NN than IN the DT sugarhouse NN . SENT The DT Dana NP Brothers NPS make VVP a DT lot NN of IN syrup NN . SENT This DT boiler NN is VBZ very RB large JJ , , with IN six CD finishing JJ chambers NNS at IN the DT end NN . SENT When WRB the DT syrup NN is VBZ ready JJ to TO come VV off RP , , it PP s PP poured VVD straight RB through IN a DT faucet NN on IN the DT boiler NN , , down RB a DT tube NN and CC into IN the DT basement NN where WRB it PP is VBZ filtered VVN and CC stored VVN . SENT I PP follow VVP Alden NP down RB to TO the DT basement NN not RB really RB getting VVG over IN the DT fact NN that IN this DT sugarhouse NN even RB has VHZ a DT basement NN and CC the DT first JJ thing NN I PP notice VVP are VBP all RB the DT barrels NNS against IN the DT back JJ wall NN . SENT Dozens NNS of IN thirty CD gallon NN barrels NNS , , full JJ . SENT Alden NP says VVZ that IN storing VVG the DT syrup NN in IN large JJ quantities NNS like IN that WDT is VBZ better JJR for IN the DT syrup NN . SENT When WRB someone NN places VVZ an DT order NN , , the DT specific JJ amount NN is VBZ taken VVN directly RB from IN the DT large JJ barrels NNS . SENT I PP ask VVP him PP how WRB many JJ gallons NNS he PP has VHZ already RB made VVN this DT year NN . SENT Four CD hundred CD . SENT I PP ask VVP him PP what WP the DT highest JJS amount NN he PP ever RB made VVD in IN one CD season NN was VBD . SENT 1 CD , , 204 CD gallons NNS . SENT I PP can MD t NN even RB imagine VV how WRB many JJ households NNS , , all RB over IN the DT world NN , , were VBD enjoying VVG his PP$ syrup NN that IN year NN . SENT Alden NP asks VVZ me PP if IN I NP d SYM like IN to TO try VV some DT syrup NN . SENT Yeah UH , , hit VV me PP with IN a DT shot NN , , Bartender NN . SENT I PP m NN young JJ and CC carefree JJ and CC feeling VVG wild JJ today NN . SENT He PP hands VVZ me PP a DT dentist NN s PP cup NN filled VVN with IN Fancy NP . SENT Well RB , , this DT is VBZ like IN two CD shots NNS but CC Down IN the DT hatch NN . SENT Back RB upstairs RB , , one CD of IN the DT Dana NP boys NNS is VBZ showing VVG me PP some DT of IN his PP$ tubing NN . SENT The DT new JJ kind NN they PP re IN using VVG is VBZ a DT four CD season NN type NN . SENT That DT doesn NN t NN mean VVP they PP can MD sugar VV all DT year NN , , it PP just RB means VVZ they PP can MD leave VV it PP out IN all DT year NN without IN serous JJ degradation NN to TO the DT plastic NN . SENT After IN the DT season NN is VBZ over RP and CC you PP walk VVP through IN the DT woods NNS , , cleaning VVG the DT tubes NNS , , you PP can MD close VV up RP the DT end NN and CC hang VV the DT looped VVN tubing NN onto IN a DT tree NN branch NN . SENT It PP saves VVZ bringing VVG literally RB miles NNS of IN tubing VVG back RB to TO the DT house NN . SENT I PP see VVP some DT maple NN syrup NN boiling VVG in IN a DT small JJ pan NN on IN a DT portable JJ stove NN . SENT I NP m NN offered VVD sugar NN on IN snow NN and CC accept VV . SENT It PP s PP been VBN years NNS since IN I PP had VHD it PP . SENT When WRB I PP was VBD a DT kid NN , , I PP would MD get VV a DT meatloaf NN pan VV packed VVN with IN snow NN , , a DT bowl NN of IN hot JJ maple NN syrup NN which WDT had VHD been VBN reduced VVN more RBR than IN the DT 66 CD Brix NP and CC a DT spoon NN . SENT I PP would MD dip VV my PP$ spoon NN into IN the DT syrup NN and CC drizzle VV funny JJ shapes NNS onto IN the DT snow NN . SENT Since IN the DT syrup NN was VBD hot JJ and CC the DT snow NN was VBD cold JJ , , the DT syrup NN would MD sink VV in IN a DT little JJ before IN it PP hardened VVN . SENT The DT best JJS part NN was VBD sticking VVG the DT tip NN of IN my PP$ spoon NN into IN the DT soft JJ syrup NN and CC peeling VVG back RB the DT shape NN to TO reveal VV an DT imprint NN in IN the DT snow NN . SENT There EX were VBD so RB many JJ Little NP House NP in IN the DT Big NP Woods NP moments NNS from IN my PP$ childhood NN , , though IN I PP never RB have VHP kicked VVN around IN an DT inflated JJ pig NN s PP bladder NN nor CC snacked VVN on IN fried JJ pig NN s PP tails VVZ . SENT A DT different JJ one NN of IN the DT Dana NP boys NNS hands VVZ me PP a DT bowl NN of IN snow NN with IN hot JJ maple NN syrup NN already RB poured VVD over IN the DT top NN . SENT Well RB , , that WDT takes VVZ the DT fun NN out RP of IN it PP but CC the DT taste NN was VBD splendid JJ . SENT So RB wonderful JJ it PP should MD be VB a DT delicacy NN . SENT It PP s PP cold JJ but CC melts VVZ in IN your PP$ mouth NN . SENT It PP also RB leaves VVZ a DT urine NN yellow JJ mark NN on IN the DT snow NN , , but CC that IN s PP to TO be VB expected VVN . SENT I PP thank VVP Alden NP and CC the DT Danas NP for IN showing VVG me PP around RP . SENT They PP produce VVP a DT lot NN of IN maple NN syrup NN there RB but CC they PP ve RB got VVD well RB oiled VVN family NN machine NN running VVG . SENT Not RB wanting VVG to TO go VV back RB the DT way NN I PP came VVD , , I PP get VVP new JJ directions NNS to TO the DT interstate NN . SENT Back RB at IN home NN , , I PP felt VVD the DT urge NN to TO make VV a DT maple NN recipe NN right RB away RB . SENT I PP had VHD bought VVN an DT insanely RB cheap JJ cookbook NN with IN all DT sorts NNS of IN maple NN recipes NNS and CC the DT recipes NNS for IN Maple NP Cream NN and CC Maple NP Candy NP looked VVD incredibly RB easy JJ . SENT just RB reduce VV the DT syrup NN more RBR and CC stir VV . SENT After IN thinking VVG about IN it PP , , there RB didn NN t NN seem VVP to TO be VB an DT easier JJR recipe NN in IN the DT whole JJ world NN . SENT I PP poured VVD a DT pint NN of IN maple NN syrup NN into IN a DT pot NN to TO boil VV . SENT The DT two CD recipes NNS were VBD essentially RB the DT same JJ , , the DT only JJ difference NN being VBG the DT temperature NN of IN the DT syrup NN when WRB you PP started VVD stirring VVG it PP . SENT For IN the DT cream NN , , the DT syrup NN must MD be VB completely RB cool JJ , , whereas IN for IN the DT candy NN , , it PP must MD be VB hot JJ . SENT The DT cookbook NN says VVZ that IN the DT cream NN is VBZ good JJ to TO spread VV on IN toast NN but CC since IN I PP hate VVP toast NN , , I PP decided VVD to TO go VV with IN the DT candy NN . SENT I PP just RB hope VVP it PP s PP smooth JJ and CC not RB like IN those DT see VVP through IN hard JJ candies NNS . SENT Bits NNS of IN those DT always RB get VV stuck VVN in IN your PP$ teeth NNS . SENT When WRB the DT syrup NN starts VVZ to TO boil VV , , I PP check VVP the DT temperature NN . SENT I PP m NN using VVG a DT chicken NN thermometer NN and CC since IN it PP only RB goes VVZ up RP to TO 190 CD F NN , , I NN m NN going VVG to TO have VH to TO guesstimate NN when WRB it PP reaches VVZ the DT required VVN 234 CD the DT same JJ temperature NN the DT syrup NN has VHZ to TO be VB for IN sugar NN on IN snow NN . SENT This DT makes VVZ me PP a DT little JJ nervous JJ and CC I PP think VVP that IN maybe RB I NN shouldn NN t NN be VB doing VVG this DT after IN all DT , , but CC it PP s VVZ too RB late RB now RB . SENT I PP remember VVP at IN my PP$ grandfather NN s PP , , when WRB we PP d NN have VHP sugar NN on IN snow NN , , whoever WP was VBD boiling VVG it PP would MD drop VV a DT drop NN of IN the DT hot JJ syrup NN into IN a DT glass NN at IN look NN at IN it PP . SENT I PP fill VVP up RP a DT glass NN with IN water NN and CC bring VV it PP to TO the DT stove NN . SENT I PP don VV t NN know VV what WP I PP m NN supposed VVN to TO be VB looking VVG for IN , , but CC it PP must MD be VB something NN cool NN or CC telling VVG . SENT I PP dip VV a DT chopstick NN into IN the DT syrup NN and CC transfer VV a DT drop NN to TO the DT glass NN . SENT The DT syrup NN fell VVD to TO the DT bottom NN like IN a DT disintegrating VVG doughnut NN . SENT Later RBR , , when WRB I PP check VVP again RB , , the DT drop NN sank VVD to TO the DT bottom NN in IN a DT more RBR solid JJ form NN . SENT On IN the DT third JJ try NN , , the DT drop NN formed VVN into IN a DT ball NN and CC quickly RB dropped VVD to TO the DT bottom NN but CC developed VVD a DT tail NN of IN syrup NN along IN the DT way NN , , like IN a DT sperm NN cell NN . SENT Thinking VVG it PP was VBD cool JJ , , I PP did VVD it PP a DT few JJ more JJR times NNS before IN thinking VVG that IN this DT might MD be VB the DT sign NN . SENT I PP quickly RB pour VVP the DT syrup NN into IN a DT bowl NN and CC note VV it PP s PP deep JJ , , chocolate JJ color NN . SENT I PP obviously RB cooked VVN the DT syrup NN way NN to TO long JJ and CC wonder VVP what WP s PP going VVG to TO happen VV now RB . SENT I PP grab VVP a DT spoon NN and CC start VV stirring VVG . SENT It PP s PP so RB thick JJ I PP can MD barely RB do VV it PP . SENT I PP notice VVP a DT slight JJ lightening VVG of IN color NN and CC start VV to TO have VH hope NN that IN it PP might MD turn VV out RP all DT right NN after IN all DT . SENT I PP stop VVP stirring VVG for IN a DT few JJ seconds NNS and CC when WRB I PP start VVP up RB again RB , , the DT syrup NN had VHD nearly RB completely RB set VVN . SENT I PP force VVP the DT spoon NN to TO make VV a DT few JJ more JJR circles NNS around IN the DT bowl NN when WRB I PP suddenly RB hear VVP a DT puh NP . SENT sound NN from IN the DT bowl NN . SENT Then RB a DT ppssssss NN came VVD at IN the DT wake NN of IN each DT spoon NN stroke NN and CC the DT thick JJ , , brown JJ liquid NN transformed VVN into IN tan JJ sugar NN right NN before IN my PP$ very JJ eyes NNS . SENT It PP was VBD the DT most JJS mystifying VVG thing NN I NN d SYM ever RB seen VVN . SENT It PP was VBD like IN magic NN . SENT Soon RB the DT spoon NN stopped VVD moving VVG for IN good JJ , , like IN a DT stick NN dragged VVN through IN rapidly RB drying VVG concrete NN . SENT Inside IN the DT bowl NN was VBD maple NN granular JJ sugar NN fused VVN into IN a DT solid JJ layer NN from IN the DT heat NN . SENT I PP pick VVP up RP the DT handle VV of IN the DT spoon NN and CC hold VV the DT bowl NN upside RB down RB , , my PP$ mouth NN forming VVG a DT silent JJ oh UH . SENT Eventually RB , , I PP broke VVD the DT spoon NN out RP and CC tasted VVD a DT nugget NN of IN the DT sugar NN , , nearly RB chipping VVG a DT tooth NN . SENT Crunchy JJ . SENT Looks VVZ like IN I PP can MD grind VV it PP down RP and CC use VV it PP in IN coffee NN and CC tea NN . SENT Miles NNS driven VVN . SENT 77 CD Wrong JJ turns NNS taken VVN . SENT 6 CD Pints NNS of IN Maple NP Syrup NN bought VVD . SENT 2 LS Posted VVN by IN A DT . SENT S PP . SENT , , 6 CD . SENT 01 CD PM NP . SENT Critique NN or CC Commentary NN . SENT 1 LS . SENT Permanently RB hyperlinked JJ via IN http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT yankeepotroast NN . SENT org NP vt NP 2004 CD 04 CD weathersfield NN . SENT html NN . SENT