Frigid February

When our German friend Olivia stopped in Minneapolis last night on her trip home to Berlin, the temperature was minus 24.

So, I won't whine, but I will note that we have definitely started the February deep freeze.  It's supposed to last for several days. 

Yesterday felt especially cold because we had a steady wind blowing out of the north. 

This morning?  Not so bad cuz, for now, the wind has quit. 

This morning, light snow is falling and that means extra care with the Yaktrax. 

Again, we have just enough snow to hide the ice patches, and that can be dicey.

Twice yesterday, I donned snow pants, an extra warm vest, a big jacket and a warm head band to go outside.

The second time involved a walk down our road to see if Jack and Colleen had any new calves. 

It was worth the trip as that north wind caused me to face the ground along an open, unprotected stretch of road. 

It was intense and cold. 

Upon arrival at the barn where the babies stay, I could feel a dramatic change in the air.  

Inside, I found four calves snuggled in fluffy, clean straw. 

One got up and walked away while the others were content to remain in the comfort of their beds. 

I could also hear a soft meow coming from the resident kitty but couldn't see her until I walked out and left the enclosure.  

All the time, she had been perched next to a post, sunning herself while talking to me. 

So, we enjoyed a brief visit while I snapped her picture and then went on my way. 

The walk back with the wind at my back was much more pleasant and brilliantly beautiful.

Back at the Lovestead, with all this ice, we occasionally come upon "Liam Licks." 

Another job for Border Collies!

If I could get a couple of dozen Liam's to come and spend the day, we could soon be ice free.

He keeps pretty focused on his random spots of ice,  licking, chewing chews and even scratching until he reaches bare ground.  

I guess it's a good way to spend his time when the large assortment of balls lay hidden beneath the snow until who knows when. 

Yesterday's cold temps and my desire to spend most of the day inside led to an expansion of the early, early gardening. 

So far, I've planted two kinds of tomatoes, pansies, marigolds, petunias and lettuce. 

There'll be more, depending on how much room is left in the garden window. 

As those seeds sprout into baby plants and get their initial growth, the ice may melt and the snow will eventually vanish, leading the way to another welcome spring. 

We've had it pretty easy this year.  Hope that trend continues. 

Happy Tuesday.