2013 Blizzards

Drift after storm #2

This is the fresh snow on top of where we had packed down the 13 inches from the first storm less than one week ago.

 

I know that this is my second post today, but I have had some extra time sitting in my chair trying to recover from being outside in this snow.  The following post will explain more.  I hope you enjoy reading it.

 

Last Thursday, we got about 13 inches of snow.  We spent the next two days digging us and our neighbors out.  Sunday and most of Monday were not bad at all.  Monday night into today have not been so good.  We received at least 12 more inches with 1-3 more forecasted for tonight.  This snow has made a lot more work for us and what we do is at least three times harder to do.  It is harder to walk especially when carrying anything.  Today, we let the calves out this morning to nurse and then put them back in the barn for the day.  This afternoon, we repeated this process.  This is extra work for us as er have to clean out the stalls where we keep the calves and get them in an extra time a day all the while being up to our knees (at times) in snow.  Calves have to be watched closely for pneumonia due to the cold/wet conditions.  The fluctuation in temperatures that we have had also contribute to the increased risk of illness.  I will admit that we also have some fun with snow balls, etc after chores, but we are all worn out when we return to the house.

 

I have stated that I would try not to complain about the amount of snow because of our desperate need for moisture.  This was easier before today!  The short amount of time between storms did not give us enough time to completely clean up and recover from the first round.  With both rounds giving us at least a foot of snow, the cows are not even liking it.  They stay by the hay unless they are walking to get water or to the wind breaks that they have.  We can tell how far they have/have not traveled by the lack of tracks in the snow. 

 

While those of you whom can are sitting inside enjoying the beauty of the snow or out playing in it when you feel like it, please think of those of us that do not get a snow day because we are raising the food that you eat.  Yes, we choose this lifestyle and no, I would not trade it, but it is harder to handle everything in this type of weather.  Thank you to all of you that are out there raising the food that I eat, but don't raise.  I appreciate all that you do!

 

 

Until next time, remember.......Beef, It's What's for Dinner!