7 December, foot of snow, and a Japanese truck...what could go wrong?

The morning after the big snow storm, we waited until the road crew plowed our road, then headed to feed store to buy grain for the cattle. We weren't going very fast, but slid off road, spun around few times and slammed into ditch.  A state trooper arrived upon the scene in less than 15 minutes.

And a wrecker stopped 5 minutes later on his way into town with another "victim". He pulled me out with his winch. I only had two popped tires, so I called Danny and boys to bring air pump. We limped home. Had a little whip-lash in neck and shoulders for several days.

The proverbial winter wonderland!

The weather guessers forecasted we would get between 1 to 3 inches. They were a little off...

The ducks on the pond didn't seem to be bothered.

Based on a quick un-scientific measurement, we think we got 9 to 10 inches of snow.

Yes, even in this weather, K7 is wearing shorts!

K6 and dogs feeding grain to Sandie and Nutella. I am very happy to have all my racks full of firewood. 

Before the storm

Moving hay to the three paddocks with cattle.

Clearing the last stretch of overgrown fence line. With the help of a buddy who likes to use his chainsaw, we cut down all small trees, brush, and vines hanging on the big trees along our east boundary.

Even dropped a few small trees around the pond that are over shadowed by large trees.

All the branches onto the burn piles, and cut up the big stuff for firewood.

Got it split for a family that needs smaller firewood.

Looks like somebody put a big X over our farm to mark the target for the incoming snow storm. 

Since we have several pregnant ewes, decided to move the flock into the corral so they would have shelter in the loafing shed if they happen to lamb.

After taking care of the needs of the farm animals, it was time to think of the "little" guys - the wild song birds. I asked K7 to fill the bird feeder just as the first wave of icey sleet started to come down.

K7 also thought to protect little Wiley.

The heavy snow finally started to fall Thursday evening, by which time we were all snug and warm. Let it snow!

Greenhouse progress

Based on weather and time away from schooling, play practices, and church service, we have been slowing attacking our long list of farm jobs. Finally got to this one - leveling the greenhouse! A friend brought over two jacks, and we procured some concrete cinder blocks, so we...

...got the job done. After which, I called the folks who built it, and they will now come and show us how to wrap the plastic walls and install the wood burning stove and blower, so we can finally start growing a winter garden. Should be eating fresh organic lettuce, carrots and radishes by early February, with tomatoes soon afterward.

Used the last few hours of warm weather last Wednesday, before the first winter storm arrived Thursday, to finish touching up paint on the inside. We still have to get a truckload of gravel to cover and level the floor, but that will have to wait until after the coming snowfall. 

Random shots from November

Received a call for help one day. Trailer full of firewood broke down on side of highway. The crew to the rescue.

Took two trips to unload wood and deliver to friend's home. What are friends for? To help each other at the oddest moments.

Speaking of firewood, the boys and I spent a little more time trying to get more out the big old stump.in neighbor's pasture.

The young turkey tom in foreground will be our Christmas dinner.

Where are those boys? We have more farm chores to do. Oh, here they are (K8 was behind the door). Looks like they are cleaning up their bedroom after their sister and grand kids headed home. 

Pretty sunset. Wasn't sure which one looked the best, so I posted both.

Which one do you prefer?

Pig pen removal

Raising our first pig was a success. It went into the freezer and onto our table, and tastes delicious. But the pig pen was an eye-sore.

Mom wanted it gone, so the crew went to work...closely supervised by the bull and his small herd.

We are already planning next year's new and improved pen, because we will definitely be raising more pork.

Rescuing little brother from the curious cows.

Enjoy the beauty of Autumn, but keep working

Fall colors and mild weather.

Nobody wants to rake leaves. Time to move Percy the goat into this paddock.

This old dead elm tree fell over in a recent storm. It very kindly avoided crushing the fence.

Got it cut up...

...and loaded in the truck.

Last step was to split it and fill the firewood racks before winter arrives.

Many hands make light work. Even had a few grand children helping to shovel gravel around the racks.

Almost done!