Oh the weather outside is Frightful

When the wind howls and the temperatures drop to -37C like they did this past week, it creates some challenges here on the farm.

There are the usual issues of frozen water lines, and farm tractors that complain when started. Some of them simply refuse to start at all!

We also have to make sure all the animals have shelter from the wind, and are given extra rations, so they have the energy to stay warm. The lambs from our milk sheep are also quite young, and need special attention from us and their mothers to survive.

The cold and darkness of winter also has its benefits. It gives us an opportunity to slow down a bit, and think about life, and plan for the future. Plant lists, planting schedules, pasture planning for the livestock, purchase orders for seed and other supplies, all have to be well thought out, and planned out in advance.

Once the frost is out of the ground, and the pastures begin to green, the time for dreaming and planning will be over, swept away by the multitude of daily tasks that seem impossible to accomplish.

So if you can, make a fire in the woodstove, and enjoy the slower pace while it lasts.

Happy dreaming!