This fall, I was asked what our beavers’ actions told us about the coming winter. I replied that there should be cold temperatures and lots of snow. At first I thought they’d lied; we had little snow and quite a warm winter — to start with! Now we have nearly 3 feet of snow on the ground and the temps have regularly been down to -30 to -35 F with “highs” in the 0 to negative numbers during the daytime. I guess those beavers know what they’re doing! Last night, it was again -29 and the high today is only 2 degrees above. I’m looking forward to the heat wave that’s coming this week — 30 above!

Meanwhile, our sick California goats, Lady and Nellie, are doing very well in their little goat house of hay bales. They’re eating great and not shivering. We’re SO glad! We did lose one of our “old guy” horses two days ago. Arjet was in his twenties and looked it. But he was happy and part of our family. Luckily, he died in his sleep, peacefully. Will took him far out into the woods and buried him with snow until spring. We feel sad at this loss but saw it coming.

Window-frames

Finished-window

We’ve been working in the house because it’s so cold. Will trimmed all of our windows in the log part of the house, which turned out to be quite a job due to knots in the wood. He had to chisel out the logs for the trim to fit the window frames. But last night, he finished the last one and boy do they look great! Now I have to clean up the mess we made moving things around to get at the windows with the saw and chisel. I think it’s a great trade-off, though. The windows look SO nice! — Jackie

12 COMMENTS

  1. Stef,

    Really, there isn’t much Will can’t do. A former Marine, he learned electronics and can repair generators etc or about anything with wires. He has also been a master carpenter, taught home building, logged both with equipment and Belgian horses and has been a lifetime hometeader. He’s like me; if he doesn’t know how to do something, he reads up on it and gives it a try. You don’t learn by quitting.

  2. Ellendra,

    It’s too early to tell what the beavers will tell us about summer. I’ve got to see them and right now they’re under three feet of ice and snow! I’ll keep you posted when the time comes.

  3. Sorry for the loss of Arjet. The window looks great! Looking forward to warmer temps here in Michigan too (right after the next snow storm coming tonight.)

  4. I am sorry to hear about your horse. I really like your windows! They look great. So keep us informed what the beavers say about this summer! So far they beat everyone in predicting the weather!! You could have your own weather show!!! Thanks for sharing all you do!

  5. Is there anything your hubby can’t do???

    (we already know you’re a mistress of a thousand skills)

    It would be interesting to learn a little of his background, if you and he would not consider that to be intrusive.

  6. I’m curious what the beavers are saying about this summer. We agreed on our predictions for winter. For summer, I’m predicting moderate to slightly below average rainfall, but nowhere near the drought we had last year.

  8. Our woolly bear caterpillars were all black this year—meaning little snow. So far, only a skiff or two of the stuff.

    Love the windows! Congrats! Blessings.

  9. The window looks beautiful with its new frame. That is so interesting about the beavers. Around here, people try to predict the weather according to the coloring of the wooly bear caterpillar. I don’t think it’s a reliable method though. The beavers seem to be much more reliable.

  12. Jackie,
    Yes, your windows look great! You are a blessed woman!

    I just wanted to tell you that I am so sorry you lost Arjet. It is never easy to lose a “family” member let alone your beloved old horse. He must have had a pretty good life to be into his 20’s. I’m so glad he went peacefully in his sleep. I am sorry for your loss. You are a sweet, gentle woman and I am relatively certain this wasn’t easy for you. God Bless you, Jackie.

    Thank you for all you do to help us all in sharing your experiences.

    Sincerely,
    Terry

    RIP, Arjet

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