Right now, it’s -23 and blowing snow sideways. It isn’t like it was unexpected as they were forecasting arctic cold for nearly a week now. That was good as it gave us plenty of time to put extra hay in the training ring and get the cows moved in there so they could snuggle up in the barn when it got cold.
Likewise, Will hauled in extra “good” wood, which is big dry chunks of black ash, which burns like coal, instead of our “regular” wood, which can be poplar, birch, or fir. He’s got my cold now and both of us are really glad we don’t have to be outside much in this weather.
I’ve been fighting a big flock of starlings in the goat barn. The last straw was when they ate nearly a whole 50-pound sack of chicken feed by pecking into the unopened bag! Besides that, they poop over everything. My chicken coop is cleaner than the barn aisle! So, as we had to run to Virginia (the town) anyway, I had Will pick up a metal garbage can to dump feed into, inside the chicken coop. No more starlings in our feed!
I hope everyone has prepared for this bad storm, going from Texas, all the way up the East coast. They’re calling for snow, freezing rain, and up to 3 inches of ice, which will break down power lines, trees and more. Are you ready for it? This may mean long power outages, dangerous driving conditions, etc. Be sure you have a way to keep warm without electricity, have plenty of water stored up, even if it’s in your bathtub and a few jugs. I’m sure you have enough food to last but please stay safe. Don’t travel unless you absolutely must. And if you go, be sure you have emergency supplies in your car in case of breakdowns or sliding in the ditch.
We’re all cuddled down with a couple big logs in the fire as the temperature drops even more. Hang in there guys, spring is only a few weeks away. — Jackie
