what 1℉ looks like…

Oh, so pretty….but pretty dang cold! Yes, it was 1℉ when this photo was taken. At least it hasn’t been subzero for a few days. -20℉ was the coldest we had. You don’t want to be out very long but animals still need fed, watered and/or ice broken so they can get to water, and their needs taken care of. Heated hand warmers and well insulated clothing is a must to be out very long.

Just a few weeks ago we were wondering if winter was going to happen. Should’ve kept those thoughts to ourselves. But good snow, with good moisture finally fell, instead of the styrofoam that is falling from the sky now. It’s literally freeze-dried. A leaf blower would make a clear path.

Then the storm systems finally started to make an appearance… first it was 6″, then a few more with threats of up to 19″ of snow.

Didn’t get the 19″ but did get 12″ of snow over the week, followed by the subzero temperatures and more snow. All the while roof tops were relieved of their burdens, gates dug out, fresh dry bedding given to the poultry, waterfowl & the livestock. What few eggs the chickens are laying are frozen solid in a short time. As long as they have a dry coop & dry bedding they do very well. It’s moisture that will be a killer.

Cows & bulls were given straw bedding… some of the cows thought it was tasty and ate some of their nest. Silly cows. 

The big elk herd finally made its appearance from the mountain to go hang out down the road at the local hay barns for their free meal.

We even had some fancy snow sculptures that looked like hobbit hats.

But between the snow storms we did have had some nice sunshine. Cold sunshine, but it was nice to see. And the kitties love the hay bales for some reason. Must be warm, or hoping for a mouse to make an appearance.

Another 6 inches predicted for today. We’ve received 4″ so far. At least it was a low of 14℉ this morning and a high of 18.7℉. Rumors of temps in the 30’s for next week. Spring will be here soon!

Until next time…
~hobo