Holy white-out it is nasty out there!
This was the view Sunday from my dining room window.
The cats were happy to sit on my lap while I read.
Last night and this morning, the chores were rough! The blowing snow stung the face and eyes. Sometimes I have to pop my gloves off for small, tedious tasks – but popped them back on as quickly as possible. I tried to walk through a few drifts, but soon realized the futility and found detours that were less cumbersome. I took the following pictures with my phone, before the bitter cold shut it down.
A note about livestock:
We love our livestock – but they are not human.
99% of farmers will risk life and limb to care for their livestock.
Farmers and livestock must be hardy.
That is why exceptional mothering traits are desired and those without it, often get culled.
Although, I spoil our livestock with treats, it is weather like this that reinforces the need to raise them as the livestock that they are designed to be.
They develop the tough hides and winter coats. Most livestock, barring the very young, very old, or ill, are capable of withstanding harsh conditions provided they get the feed, water and shelter needed. Some livestock do not even get shelter, but a roof over their head is helpful, although, honestly not necessary for all types.
So far, our animals are doing well.
The goats’ barn had the whirling snow blowing in under the barn’s eaves. I found that last night and stuffed the eaves with straw. It helped greatly, I noticed this morning!
Happy goat tails. The goats are always so curious about whatever I am doing.
I took these pics from inside the goat barn, facing south. The drift is taller than their hay feeder! For now, until the wind dies down, they are getting their hay inside the barn. Tomorrow, I will shovel their paths and clean out the feeder.
Abigail and Pumpkin Pie make use of their windbreaks, but go outside for their water. I was thrilled this morning to see their tank heater was keeping their water tank free of ice! That is a huge relief. I have more pics of Pumpkin Pie busting through drifts! They were taken on my Nikon though and I’ll upload them on another blog.
Happy is getting extra hay and his heated water bucket is working, too.
That’s all for now. Pig farmer took care of the pigs and I didn’t tromp out there to take pictures this morning. Take care everyone!
Just Make the Coffee 
It’s the horrid wind that makes it terrible, then you add in the cold, and it’s bad out there. Sending you Magic thoughts for a nice WARM UP!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Thank you Linda!!
As you know, I live in Florida and I just don’t SEE snow. Your snow drifts sure caught my eye. I had to get on Google and find out what caused them. Now I know all about snow drifts!
That’s awesome!
I think Pumpkin Pie and her Momma were giving you some ole stink eye about the weather. Having lived in the Deep South forever and ever, I was fascinated with your snow drifts. Hadda look those up on Google and now I know all about snow drifts.
I am ready to visit the Deep South! 😉 But, my animals would miss me … and who would want to step in for me!?
Yep, good luck on finding your replacement.
Everyone looks well-tended too! Kinda like ours, Hope this over soon!
Good luck in your area! It won’t last forever…. right? 😉
I don’t blame you for not staying out any longer than you needed to. Love all those happy tails!
They know how to make a heavy job lighter!
If they can make suits for astronauts that keep them well insulated and warm in space, why isn’t anyone making something similar for those who need to be outside working in this weather? Maybe I should come up with something like that. I could make millions!!!!
Glad everyone on the farm is doing well.
Great idea! Take care.