Storm #2
In seven days we’ve had 2 snowstorms. The first brought us 8 inches and the second brought 4 more inches. In between we had a little melting and settling, so the total right now is about 7 – 8 inches. It’s been a rather fun and exciting time!
We have to watch the barn gutters in heavy snowfalls like this. The snow tends to slide down the metal roof and gets hung up on the gutters before falling off in large chunks. Several years ago, the gutters on the back of the barn came completely off due to the heavy snow.
Then The Wind Blew . . .
You can see some drifting starting in this area. At the end of the second storm, we had 30- 40mph winds. Our hilltop didn’t suffer the worst because of the trees breaking the wind but in the wide, open farmland nearby, the drifting was bad. Many county roads were impassable because of drifts.
Frequently our neighbor’s horse, Cinnamon, is in this pasture, but Cinnamon was all snug and warm in a nearby barn. Sometimes when the neighbor goes on a trip, my middle daughter takes care of Cinnamon while he’s gone.
Kemo Sabe (Faithful Friend)
My faithful and eager companion! Oliver’s thick fur keeps him prepared for this kind of weather! He’s loves snowy days! At the beginning of every walk, he rolls in the snow for several minutes taking a bath. Once he’s done and shakes the snow off, he’s ready to go exploring. He’ll have his 10th birthday in 10 days!
This tree caught my attention. It looks so sad and burdened. I asked friends on social media to caption this photo. Thanks to Kathy G. we’ll call this “The Praying Snow-mantis! ” It REALLY DOES look like a praying mantis standing up on its back legs.
Keep Your Paddle Wet and Your Tinder Dry
My husband built this woodshed many years ago to keep our firewood dry. He dries it for a year before we burn it. Aged firewood burns without as much smoke and burns hot. It prevents creosote buildup in your chimney too. The right side is ready to use, new stuff goes to the left. I’ve seen a stray cat take shelter here from time to time and a mouse or two. I don’t blame them. It faces south and blocks all the cold north wind.
Want to know what kind of wood is best for fires? Memorize this little poem:
The Firewood Poem
Beechwood fires are bright and clear
If the logs are kept a year,
Chestnut’s only good they say,
If for logs ’tis laid away.
Make a fire of Elder tree,
Death within your house will be;
But ash new or ash old,
Is fit for a queen with crown of gold
Birch and fir logs burn too fast
Blaze up bright and do not last,
it is by the Irish said
Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread.
Elm wood burns like churchyard mould,
E’en the very flames are cold
But ash green or ash brown
Is fit for a queen with golden crown
Poplar gives a bitter smoke,
Fills your eyes and makes you choke,
Apple wood will scent your room
Pear wood smells like flowers in bloom
Oaken logs, if dry and old
keep away the winter’s cold
But ash wet or ash dry
a king shall warm his slippers by.
Written by Lady Celia Congreve in 1930
Anyone You Know?
My teens had a lot fun after the 1st storm building snowmen. Does this remind you of anyone?
Snow man or Snow Alien?
Can you guess what this snowman (or snow alien) is doing? Yep, he’s doing the dab. And I have a teen who loves to dab. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a gesture of celebration, often done by athletes. Below is Cam Newton, QB of the Carolina Panthers, dabbing.
In my day a dab was the amount of butter you put on your mashed potatoes! Funny how our vocabulary changes from generation to generation.
And when all is done . . .
When Oliver and I return home after a long walk, he licks the balls of snow out of his paws. His long hair might keep him warm, but his furry feet do collect lots of ice balls. We are warm and snug inside today and the sun is finally shining. I would love to hear if this winter has brought you snow or if you are some place where it never snows!! My great nephew and great niece from Dubai, UAE, were in the States for a month and got to see and touch snow for the first time!
Catch ya next time,
Carolyn
Please add your email address below to be notified when a new post comes out! This is a private list and will not be shared.