Snow's so deep, the sheep won't leave the barn unless we make them. We break paths for them and lure them outdoors with hay on fair days.
Today is not one of those days. It's been snowing sideways since I opened my eyes at 6 a.m. Fat, wet snow that shovels like concrete. Mike is scrambling to clear the driveway before this switches over to rain later - then we'll have a hot mess on our hands. A cold mess, I should say.
It's been a wind-roaring, snow falling, frost heaving, ice damming, nose freezing winter - wearing us down and out, like a guest who's overstayed its welcome. Perhaps you feel the same way.
The sheep are more stoic and don't whine about it. They're dressed for the weather, 24/7, swaddled in wool. I don't think they mind one bit. They tuck into the barn, noses pointed downwind, legs folded beneath them in the straw, chewing their cud. Since they're getting so little exercise and consuming a ton of hay, they are happy, fat, wide and wooly sheep.
I've sited bluebirds twice in the two weeks and robins down at the farm. Shearing begins next month. Surely spring's not far away.
Please leave a comment and let me know, how are you faring this winter?
I'm usually the last person to complain about winter but I admit - I'm ready for spring! Its just so muddy and icky and dreary at this point. I feel like we've had our snow, played in it a bit and had plenty of time to relax indoors - I want blue sky, sunshine and a glass of wine on the porch!
I should add - the Shaelyn shawl I started in your Cormo/Camel/Silk in Lupine has been a perfect antidote to gray days - so springy and pretty!
Posted by: Kris | February 27, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Michigan got hit yesterday - a little bit of everything in the metro Detroit area. Not much snow, but VERY wet and risky to shovel. I hope Mike has some power equipment to help him. Glad to hear you're hanging in there; will there be any lambs this spring?
Posted by: Rhonda from Baddeck | February 27, 2013 at 11:35 AM
I'm with you, I hate to whine about it. But last winter was easy compared to this year, for us anyway. Glad my yarn is providing a splash of color. Thanks for touching base.
Posted by: Sheep Gal | February 27, 2013 at 11:48 AM
Mike has a humungous snow thrower on the front of our Deere tractor for the heavy work - and we've got an 8 foot plow on the truck. Essential. Take it easy with the shoveling.
We haven't bred the ewes for lambing this spring - to give everyone a breather.
Be Well!
Posted by: Sheep Gal | February 27, 2013 at 11:51 AM
"It's been a wind-roaring, snow falling, frost heaving, ice damming, nose freezing winter - wearing us down and out"
That hits the nail on the head. I so hope this is not a sign of winters to come.
Love the pics though.
Posted by: Tyche's Minder | February 27, 2013 at 12:11 PM
I'm not saying this to make you feel bad, but I do live in Northern California, and when it gets below 50 we whine--I know, we're wimps! But I love your pictures and love hearing about the animals, and I hope spring comes to you soon.
A fairthful reader.
Posted by: Marcy | February 27, 2013 at 01:05 PM
Thanks, Marcy. No worries - we've chosen New England farm life, despite its challenges.
Posted by: Sheep Gal | February 27, 2013 at 02:04 PM
Same weather here. I generally like snow, but even our puppy doesn't want to go out in this. Like Zoe and Farley, he looks out, and thinks he wants to go out, until I open the door. Then, yuck! He does enjoy the slush once I force him out, though, and then we get the fun of cleaning up a soaking wet, muddy, wriggly puppy. I'd say I'm ready for some nice warm, dry days about now, too!
Posted by: Valerie | February 27, 2013 at 03:24 PM
We squeezed in a walk with Farley and Zoe this afternoon. Slush Puppies!
Stay warm.
Posted by: Sheep Gal | February 27, 2013 at 05:00 PM
Living on the Eastern shore of MD usually protects us from big snows - we have the Chesapeake on one side and the Atlantic on the other. We've had some snow, but mercifully spared the big ones since we're just not equipped for them. Wind? That's another story!! Glad to here everyone is hunkered down at the farm!
Posted by: Lesley | February 27, 2013 at 06:37 PM
I on the west coast of Michigan have not seen the sun in ages...just gray sky, snow and drizzle. I can't wait for spring green and blue sky.
Posted by: Barbara | February 27, 2013 at 06:54 PM
I'd like one really good snowfall to get it over with and move on. I'm tired of these little piddly mixed precip events that make it nasty to drive and walk day after day. But we've not had a really good snow yet. Maybe on Easter...
Posted by: Cindy in un-Happy Valley | February 28, 2013 at 02:06 PM
You paint a wonderful picture of sheep contentment in your wintry farm...
I wonder what the R value of a sheep fleece is?
OK, I looked it up: 3.5 per inch of fleece thickness, comparable to a polyurethane spray foam. And it has good acoustic insulating properties as well, so it's quiet inside the sheep.
We are faring fine here in Rhode Island but looking forward to the end of mud season!
Posted by: Julia | February 28, 2013 at 07:59 PM
LOL. Acoustic insulating properties of wool has never occurred to me. We are still a week or two away from mud season here. Thanks for starting my day with a laugh.
Posted by: Sheep Gal | March 02, 2013 at 08:58 AM
Personally, I love Winter and snow, give it to me anytime in lieu of Summer. what can beat curling up with a fire, warm soup, some knitting, and the dog? OK, maybe you get more than enough of this, but I say Baaahumbug to the coming heat....
Posted by: Peggy D | March 03, 2013 at 02:41 PM
I firmly believe Spring is coming! But I'm not putting my woolies away, not by a long shot. Glad I'm not in Washington DC for this current storm.
Posted by: Metaphor Yarns | March 06, 2013 at 10:32 AM
Mar 6: we are finally getting some snow here in Washington DC of the fat, wet kind you describe. But our winters are short by comparison and having lived in both Maine, Mass., and upstate NY, I know what you mean about the loooong winter. Enough already!
Posted by: Laura | March 06, 2013 at 11:29 AM