Winter Reflections - an ongoing case of resourcefulness

January 27, 2026

Welcome to Winter in the South -

Weatherman predicts 18 inches and blizzard...blow freezing temps...sounds very ominous and scary to most...and even us a little...the panic truly works....we had 2 or 3 really hard days of round the clock care - about 4 -5 inches of snow - hauling endless buckets of hot water...we have so many systems in place...so much preparedness done - we didn't' lose power - thank goodness - we have water set aside in a big tank in our laundry room -extra laundry done, rooms closed up, added curtains, added bedding to barn, patricians' put in place ...odd things to others- survival mode - Farmer - self - reliant - one creative tip and a bit unconventional! Livestock love hot/water - 24/7 - we have an outdoor hose that hooks up to the hot water tank - thro walls - You would have to visit to understand -

I have such a love and appreciate for these animals - over and over - we work so closely with them - they are kind, sensitive and most endearing - at the same time - simple, complex, underfoot - strong - resilient and yet sensitive - we only lost one chicken over the worst of the weather - and that is bad enough -

I grew up in an old old house...where the snow would line the inside of the windows...haunting memories...especially when we get snow here - we are still "poor" today in some people's eyes -

What an amazing break from the day to day ..been a very mild winter so far - to have snow and really cold - to appreciate the beauty in what I have and how far we have come - times when impatience sets in like a thief....impatience like death and loss....when all you feel is behind - remembering how long it took to build...I am referring to our barns and other infrastructure - Jim and I have done it all - can name every animal, tell you how every board has gone up...the snow didn't collapse anything -

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A brief thaw for a few days… and we’re loving the sunshine!

Jim is headed into town with packages—even though we’re still not plowed up the ridge or on some of the local roads yet. Tire cables have been a lifesaver (definitely a learning curve putting them on

), but totally worth it. Snow and winter are still a fun little novelty out here.