January | 2026 | one_local

These questions wafted around the grocery store yesterday as I was filling my list. Folk on phones or talking among themselves wondered out-loud.

“It’s winter. What do you expect?” Our old neighbor would say. Very little frazzled that wonderful old woman. She lived through lots of winters.

It is snow. Apparently a BIG snow. Radio stations and news headlines blasting warnings and predictions of freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall for much of the East and South.

I do not mind weather forecasts. They help keep us informed of possible inclement weather. ‘Be Prepared’ is a good motto to live by (Thank You, Boy Scouts).

However, I do object to trying to be made fearful or worse, panic. Weather forecasts for small or large farmers is important and more often than not dictate our days work. So when the sky looks threatening and storms are in the forecast we do pay attention. We prepare. We will not worry. It is wintertime.

*We squeezed the tractor inside. Giving us one less machine to clear of snow.*

*Plow attached and ready (a little hard to see).*

*Full bags of horse, cattle and chicken feed.*

*Extra bedding on outside of barn warms the barn and provides bedding for cattle. When horses are stalled on bitter nights the cattle will bed down here.*

*Dukes frosty whiskers! A portent of what’s to come?*

Is there such thing? In our circle of life, yes, yes indeed.

Fishing has been a lifetime passion for our sons. It fit the bill years ago when they were young, when little money was floating around for exciting excursions for a family of seven on one income.

However, we had friends whose ponds were brimming with fish, and bubbly, cool mountain streams that called their names and won their hearts forever to fishing. Only equipment needed: one fishing pole per son. That was attainable.

It has been said what goes around comes around. Fishing has come full circle. Our grandsons fish like pros. I love going to “wet a line” with them. I am the main cheerleader and photographer. The fish call them from our pond and a generous neighbor who allows them access on his ponds as well.

As soon as their feet touch the ground here, they are off to the ponds. Only a whistle brings them in.

Their fathers have taught them well.