Six inches of snow fell earlier this week. More is called for today and into the weekend. Gusts of wind across the northwest corner of our farm has created drifts of snow along with patches of ground exposed. Our plowed path to the barn is now covered over with drifted snow.

A Scandinavian proverb says: There is no bad weather only bad clothing. I say that to myself as I trudge through snow drifts to feed the livestock and out in the fields to open gates. Thankful for the big hood of my coat I keep pulling over the knitted one already on as the gusts of wind make every effort to blow them away. The snow is not deep enough to go down the tall farm boots, but the drifts are. Yes, good clothing is great.

Seventeen degrees outside on this dark, early morning though the wind makes it feel colder. Anxious hungry eyes record every trudging step taken closer and closer their way. Telling me with a hungry whinny or moo to hurry up!

Hay is spread far and wide in front of the barn out of the wind. Horses rule over cows, but they can only keep rule over one pile of hay at a time. One more heap of hay over number of animals keeps the peace. Hay is piled liberally, while, Duke, our senior horse munches grain.

A midday feeding is made too on days like these when Ole Man winter blows across our farm. Hay is best for keeping the animals warm.

Speaking of hay, it is time to go out…