We’re flying out this morning for a few days at the farm to knock out some maintenance projects that I’d rather not leave until Spring.
I know, it’s the middle of winter. And yes, there’s a whopper snowstorm of epic and historic proportions clobbering the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic but I am hoping the worst of it will pass well north of the farm. It’s snowing there right now, but only lightly. Nothing like what will fall further east.
I had a tip-off that there would be a dry spell for our location into next week which is turning out to be innaccurate, but you have to make travel plans and reservations in advance and so, this was the best I could do. I was hoping I could do some off-season pasture maintenance. We’ll see. So far the 10-day forecast on weather.com predicts 30-40% chance of light snowshowers mid-week; not exactly a dry spell. I’ll keep my expectations low and do what I can, weather and ground conditions permitting. There’s always something that can be done.
Bear will be adding extra dead-bolt locks to house and barn doors, and we were excited about the arrival of my newest piece of work equipment, a 6X4 Diesel JD Gator, ordered from the local dealer and scheduled to be delivered on Monday, but it has been delayed. So we’ll have to pick it up on our Spring trip.
This little rig will be my salvation when I get there, toting me and my tools and fencing supplies etc up the hill and around the pastures like nothing else can. I’m down with getting lots of exercise walking everywhere but the hill road is a steep quarter-mile and the pastures are flung out like a giant’s hand; I’ll appreciate a vehicle that can carry a load and go everywhere without batting an eye and with minimal impact.
So, wrapping up here at Bear and Thistle West and heading east to the Farm. Blocks for Wall #2 are stacked and ready for my return and the three-day weekend that follows. Good work, and I’m looking forward to all of it.
I’ll update on Friday when we return; stay safe and warm, all.
Thistledog's Farm 
A 6×4? Hmmmm …. didn’t know they existed. On a recent visit to my place, my neighbor gave me a tour of his place in his Gator, but it was a 4×4. I thought it was a very handy machine – he tows a little trailer with a tank of herbicide to kill multiflora rose on the fence lines. I thought it might be a good idea to get one, but they aren’t cheap. Good for hauling just about anything, I reckon. I hope the weather cooperated – Floyd is just getting slammed this year!
Have a great and productive trip!