I took this picture of one of our garden beds of snow-covered garlic. We wrapped some chicken wire around it to keep the ducks from trampling it while they’ve been wandering all over the garden. The other garden beds they’ve been cleaning up. This has been the snowiest, and coldest winter we’ve had since I moved here in 2005. B discovered the perfect sledding spot near the duck house, and has been loving all the other fun things that snow brings.

Growing up in the snowy Midwest, I took snow forgranted as a kid, but around here it’s quite the big deal. Back then it seemed like the roads were clear as soon as the snow hit because it was essential for keeping life moving along there, but in this area there are fewer snow plows and people are less equipped to deal with snow in general, and many times things come to a halt as soon as snow falls. While sometimes the adults stress over driving conditions and the other challenges that snow can bring, I feel like children everywhere are looking out windows in the mornings with pure delight and celebrating! Watching B in the snow now brings back a lot of good memories for me.

We have a lot of buckets filled with water for the animals, since we’ve had stretches with the hoses disconnected so they wouldn’t freeze. Most years we don’t need to do that very often, but this year it has become a part of our winter routine. Despite the cold, Jeff has been busy planting seeds. The other night I awoke at 2 AM to find him going out to the greenhouse, he had forgotten to turn on the heater and couldn’t sleep until he took care of his babies. I told a friend that story is just one example, of many, of how much Jeff loves his plants. I have goat updates to share with you soon. Until then, I hope you’re staying warm where you are!