Over three inches of rain have fallen here in south-central Kentucky since this weather system moved in on Friday. On and off, sometimes gentle, sometimes a downpour, and it continues to rain lightly today. An inch already since sunrise. The creek that runs in front of the house is running high and fast and greets me with the sound of rushing water when I step outside. Blessedly, the temps have not been at all wintry – 60’s mostly during the day, and mid-fifties at night – so the misery factor’s been low. But that’s all about to change.
By early morning it’s supposed to be 28 degrees, and will probably be colder than that down here at the bottom of the hill where the house is. With everything and everyone wet up on the pastures, it’ll likely feel colder than that to the livestock. So I’m taking a tip from Sandra over at Thistle Cove Farm and will head up this afternoon to unroll and lay out a couple of worthless hay bales (another story, another post) for dry bedding in their paddocks. The pastures are just soaked. The little ones especially may appreciate a dry spot to lay on tonight. They have their winter coats on already, but that wet ground can suck the warmth out of a polar bear, I’m sure.
Down here at the farmhouse, we’re staying dry and warm, with a small fire blazing since the temperature started dropping, christmas music playing, and a cup of tea at hand. The little stray kitty is snug in her box of rags and sweaters under the porch woodpile tarp, the dogs are curled up in their usual daytime snoozing spots, and I am doing inside work, until time for pasture rounds.
Thistledog's Farm 
The same system came through here and it has left us feeling like winter with much needed moisture in the form of snow. It feels like a mixed blessing, all the work stuff is harder now that it is wet and cold, but then again it feels like winter and Christmas and that feels right and natural.
Linda, I agree, it’s a mixed blessing! I’m a little rusty at donning layers and enduring cold cheeks and chin, but surely feels like winter, and Christmas! I’m so glad y’all are having snow…
Oh gosh…thank you for writing about the weather changing; you reminded me to check the weather around here. I need to clean out the wood stove ashes and lay another fire. It’s been raining here since mid-night sometime and still falls steadily. It looks like rain, through Wednesday, but the daytime temps aren’t going to be horrid but still nasty enough to suck the energy from the pasture beasts. Everyone has hay and shelter but will open up another run in shelter, just in case.
Many thanks for the mention; stay safe.
Sandra, I’m so glad you mentioned the hay roll bedding idea when you did. Just got back from walking the dogs up to lock the ducks in for the night, and the little ones are already snuggled into their fluffy dry mattress of strawy hay. I feel better knowing they’re up off the soggy ground. And it is so very, very soggy!
Glad to see you posting again! Here’s to a non-eventful first winter on the farm for you and yours.
Almost done grazing here and ready to bring the cows up close and start feeding. A change of chores will be welcome.
moh: thanks for stopping by! This journaling is so important, I’m glad to be back at it. A non-eventful first winter is just what I’ve asked Santa for… already had my share of extreme newbie farmer days. I’m aspiring to manage my grazing into December too, as I get better at this rotational grazing game. You’re such an inspiration!