I’m not sure where January went, but it went quick. Now we’re halfway through February and it’s going a little slower, but it’s been snowy and cold and a lot of work. I think my muse got buried beneath the 16″ of snow that fell during the first storm and decided to stay in hiding until the ground reappeared for longer than a week. Which means she’s still missing, but dagnabit I wanted to post regular so let’s get an update out here and get back to the storyline, shall we?
Like I mentioned, we’ve had quite a bit of snow here, which is not normal. The old-timers say this is how winters were when they were growing up, back in the day. Still, they’re surprised to see it come around again and shake their heads, cluck their tongues and confess to being thankful for being old and not having to be out in it.
I am no stranger to outdoor work in every season, I have all the clothes and boots and gloves and hats I need to stay warm and dry, and I enjoy being with my animals and being out in the woods and pastures, this is the life I had imagined. I’m in good strength and health and have established routines that work well, don’t wear me out, get the necessary caretaking done in a timely fashion and keep me safe. It’s a little lonely without another person to interact with but the dogs and horses are great companions, I am not alone by any means, I talk a mile a minute to all of them, they know the sound of my voice very well.
So we’re hunkered down for what may become the normal winter storm season, and I see comments online about starting seeds and getting ready for Spring, and the truth is that’s all just around the corner, I really need to stay forward-looking and not get too comfortable in my hunkered position. Hunkering is good for a time but it can turn into torpor all too easily. I don’t want to get run over by the freight train of activity that’ll commence in a few short weeks – it’ll probably run over me anyway but I’d like to at least see it coming and get a running start before I have to jump out of the way and let it barrel past.
A post about hay is in the works, don’t let me forget. Might be more than one, it’s an important subject around here. My four big Suffolk work horses eat a bale a day – each – and the herd of Devon cattle go through 3 – 4 large rolls a week. Hay is front and center on the menu half the year for the cows and the horses eat it year-round. Why and what and how and is it any good and can you afford that are all great questions, I don’t have all the answers, at this point I’m just seeing what works and what doesn’t, there’s plenty of time to change course as we go. But for now I’m hooked on it and don’t feel bad because it’s adding fertility and tilth to the pastures, which need it.
Lots more posts in that subject, let me tell you.
Speaking of hay, it’s time to go serve some more, get ’em all munching and crunching. I’ll try to get back on a regular weekly schedule here, the pace is picking up fast and I’d like the blog to keep up.
Later, friends.
Isolation is a problem around here but, like you, I’ve the animals and God to talk to. It’s not unusual for me to be snowed in for a week to 10 days at a time; today was the second time off the farm in 2 weeks. I’m able to grow enough hay for my horses, sold the sheep, alpacas, hogs and cattle a while back. Still, it’s a messy, slippery, dangerous job setting out 1100 round bales on a hill side. It sure helps in keeping my prayer life active!
Spring is most welcome here, before then, there’s the bd. of supervisors meeting tonight. I’d like to go as it pertains to VERY intrusive zoning for farmers, but if the weather is nasty, will choose the safe of home over the danger of icy roads.
Be safe out there!
Good to hear from you, Sandra! I wondered if you still had all the critters, glad you kept the horses, hope they are doing well. It wouldn’t take much to sideline either one of us, and a lot of four-legged souls depend on the care we give them so prayers are very much a part of my life. Stay safe over there.
Well, hate to tell you how low tech I am but just now figuring out comment and response system at WP. Everyone still well here, hopefully there as well. Be safe out there!
Glad for the long hand version of an update besides FB. I thought of you tonight, a neighbor has some round bales to get rid of so he brought one down for me to try. A PITA for sure, but the price was right, and it is “horse hay” although for one I am surprised and the low quality for his horses, which have all passed on to the big pasture in the sky. So tearing apart a round bale has been my chore of late.
I have learned a thing or two about feeding out round bales by hand, they can be maddening for sure. Best thing I ever did was set them on a pallet, they unroll much easier that way – otherwise that lower edge just binds up and you can’t get anything off. Square bales are much easier in so many ways, but the price is so much better for the rolls. Quality is a whole ‘nuther thing!