On Thursdays, TexWisGirl hosts Good Fences at The Run*A*Round Ranch and since I've got the great fence under water photo, decided to link along. As an aside, some years back I used to live in Richmond, VA where there was a restaurant called Texas-Wisconsin Border Cafe (now closed) but were well known for good food, especially chili and Legend beer. (My mind slips, quite easily, from something to nothing, wouldn't you agree? Rather like those several, many, a lot of folks who come to mind because they are as substantial as fog and twice as vague. For some, holding onto a thought is as tenuous as chewing an oyster.) But I digress.
Yesterday, temps were well above freezing, perhaps even in the 40's and most of the snow melted. This morning, it's been sleeting since before dawn and shows no sign of stopping...today. The road that's under water is now under sleety ice and water and is life endangering but the only people out today are those who have to go to work, using SUV's, and neighbor's on tractors. Still, it's dangerous and, on days like today, I stay on the farm; no need to add another potential wreck to the treacherous mix.
The dogs have been having a gay ole time, dragging the two hind legs of a deceased deer around the yard. Perhaps some would look askance at such but it's a farm, they are dogs and 1 + 1 = 2. Maybe that's a giant leap for some but an easy stroll for me and for a lot of other farm dwellers. I saw Daddy John yesterday and he said one of last year's fawns was in his barn and looked half starved so was given feed. The deep snows have been dreadful in length (more than two weeks of deep snow on the ground) and a lot of wildlife simply aren't going to survive.
These lambs will make it, due to size and good health. They're still on their mothers but have taken to going around in a pack of their own and will be weaned in a few weeks.
My exhaustion level is still high while the energy level is still low, and the pulled back muscles nag like a shrew while the dogs and I fight over their beds in front of the wood stove.
Dear Lord: I am quite ready to complain about the summer heat. Amen.
Blessings ~ still able after all these years ~ lambs and mothers ~ fences ~ sleet, because it's got to stop sometime...right?! ~
Yesterday, temps were well above freezing, perhaps even in the 40's and most of the snow melted. This morning, it's been sleeting since before dawn and shows no sign of stopping...today. The road that's under water is now under sleety ice and water and is life endangering but the only people out today are those who have to go to work, using SUV's, and neighbor's on tractors. Still, it's dangerous and, on days like today, I stay on the farm; no need to add another potential wreck to the treacherous mix.
The dogs have been having a gay ole time, dragging the two hind legs of a deceased deer around the yard. Perhaps some would look askance at such but it's a farm, they are dogs and 1 + 1 = 2. Maybe that's a giant leap for some but an easy stroll for me and for a lot of other farm dwellers. I saw Daddy John yesterday and he said one of last year's fawns was in his barn and looked half starved so was given feed. The deep snows have been dreadful in length (more than two weeks of deep snow on the ground) and a lot of wildlife simply aren't going to survive.
These lambs will make it, due to size and good health. They're still on their mothers but have taken to going around in a pack of their own and will be weaned in a few weeks.
My exhaustion level is still high while the energy level is still low, and the pulled back muscles nag like a shrew while the dogs and I fight over their beds in front of the wood stove.
Dear Lord: I am quite ready to complain about the summer heat. Amen.
Blessings ~ still able after all these years ~ lambs and mothers ~ fences ~ sleet, because it's got to stop sometime...right?! ~
All the new work this Winter has brought...and will continue to bring, in the Spring! My plow guy recently told me that he tore down one of my paddock fences, from pushing snow alongside it. Couldn't be helped, I'm sure. I hadn't noticed because of the wall of snow between the fence (or what used to be the fence) and my driveway. Fortunately, it's a little "pocket paddock" I only use in the summer, and the section is probably only 60 or 80' long, so not too bad. I'll put it on the List, but not too close to the top.
ReplyDeleteIt's Thankful Thursday and I'm thankful that you are staying inside where it's warm and resting. I'm also thankful, that even though I've grumbled about our snow, I needed to stay in and rest and it is nowhere near the amount you have.
ReplyDeleteWe have sun today and the promise of spring at least a month or two away-I love sunshine.
Sending you warm winter hug and prayers for that your back will feel better soon and your energy will return.
Noreen
I am so sorry that you are still feeling so exhausted. I know the weather makes it even worse. I, too, am ready to complain about the summer heat. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteOh my that is something about the fence and road being under the water. I could see why one wouldn't want to venture out. Poor animals. I feel for everyone with all that bad winter weather.
ReplyDeleteI never really think about the flooding that can happen with snow melting. Obviously I've never lived in the snow. I hope everyone stays safe. Those lambs are cuties.
ReplyDeleteBless you Sandra -- you are a strong farm woman! Glad to be back... well, a couple of days a week anyways. So nice to touch base with you. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit. I've read several of your posts, including the beautiful tribute you wrote to your husband.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's all about kindness isn't it?
How wonderful it must be (and I know the work and worry must be a burden at times) to live with your horses, sheep and, of course, your dogs.
Isn't Tish's comment lovely?
ReplyDeleteBecause SHE is lovely.
The photos of the little lambs have me smiling big time. It's amazing how mother nature takes care of everything somehow. The Texas heat is not tolerable any longer, I so wish it would never come back. However, we don't have your winters either. Stay warm, take care of yourself too!!!
You are one courageous and strong woman to do all that you do for all those who depend on you.. this winter has indeed been brutal - may we have a glorious spring and summer.
ReplyDeleteFlooding over close to here, but not in my yard. Thick ice every where, some snow on that, 10 tonight. The calendar says March, but it is not here(?). Still looking for spring!
ReplyDeleteThe cold and snowy weather has effected everyone it seems. I wish you good rest and I must say I have always enjoyed visiting your blog. It has been a while. The changes with google and blogger are annoying and I sometime lose people due to their system failures, I am thinking. Anyway it is nice to see you here and I have enjoyed your post and looking at the wonderful photos you have shared. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that the sheep and little lambs seem to handle this weather better than we do but stay warm, I promise, spring IS on its way.
ReplyDeleteMetaphors from farm life are strong in lessons from Providence.
ReplyDeleteStewardship.
Great divide in subdivision living vs. farm life. One is amusement, the other stewardship.
Thank you for sharing even the small things. It is in them, seemingly, the big things can be understood.
XO T
Oh dear, I am definitely that foggy thinker. I can't wait to hear you complain about the summer heat!
ReplyDeleteI have been considering how I will aim to revel in the heat when it comes, too. Praying for strength for you, SB!
ReplyDeleteI hear you! I have never cared for winter anyhow. But this one is dragging on with these storms.
ReplyDeleteI join you in your wish for the opportunity to complain about the heat ... we will eat these words when said heat actually arrives. Laughed out loud at dogs and dead deer legs. Dog enrichment, it is.
ReplyDeleteYour little lambs are a delight, and I love your description of your nagging pain, you made me chuckle at that... hope you feel stronger soon!
ReplyDeleteDear Thistle, you life is so adventurous! So many extreme weather-situations all the year - and your love and feeling for the animals is very beautiful. I am used to see you brave, exhausted and always with a great touch of smile. God loves your work and dialogues with him, I am sure!
ReplyDeleteDo you have lambs?
That photo of lambs in the snow is a gem.
ReplyDelete