Monday morning the 15th of February we were already in the sub-zero temperatures with the windchill factored in. There was about 5 inches of snow on the ground already and it still looked like a mini blizzard outside, but it wasn't. Arkansas doesn't have those, unless that changes. We continued to receive snow all day and around bedtime we had had just under 9 inches. Records were broken for this, according to the data for this area as far back as 1905. And it wasn't over.
The dreaded pandemic mask comes in handy when it's below zero!
Before the day was over, one of our young does (who was not due to kid for four days)
had her babies late in the day. Sadly, one didn't survive.
The little buck is very healthy and learning to "attach" to the automatic warm milk supply.
He's staying in the big house with us until nights in the barn are more bearable and above freezing.
Community warmth! No social distancing here.
The new kid is Pippin and he's in the very back corner where you can only see his little dotted head.
Tuesday we woke up to 9 degrees below zero without the windchill - it wasn't blowing yet. I'm sure this is a record for us, at least as long as I've been alive. The sun was beginning to spread across our little valley just in time to begin morning chores. It was going to be a nice (but well below freezing) day, at least until evening when another winter storm was predicted to drop 5 - 8 more inches of snow.
Dry white powdery stuff just like Colorado snow! We're not used to this :-)
"Do we want to attempt to walk on this stuff?" asks Marty the goat herd mascot?
It helps to have a helping hand out here on a cold morning!
The farm Husband.
Son-in-law's John Deere tractor and brushhog.
It makes our little farm look important, don't you agree?
And a tablecloth on the ground full of birdfeed so there will be no fighting at the bird feeders.
A pleasant but very frigid day for the herd.
The pond we share with our neighbor!
And filled with ice and snow from shore to shore! This is so rare!
NATURE'S beauty glorifies her Creator without any help from us!
And sometimes just a little help, with fly-up-to bird feeders, kinda like a Bird McDonald's
"Be Still" and sit on a bench. Reminding us of quiet moments in the gardens.
Friday the 19th: The week has drug on with record breaking temperatures at night. It's taken a toll on the animals, despite our best efforts to keep them warm and hydrated. Lost one of my favorite hens which isn't suprising since all the hens and rooster have been cooped up in the small coop for the last 6 days. While it's snug, warm and plenty of food and water, this still takes a toll on any weaker and old farm animals.
Blossom, the dairy doe that just kidded Sunday, hasn't been doing well. She developed mastitis among some other complications. She has been fully vetted and is getting as much attention as we can provide. We are hoping she will survive as she is one of our best and my personal favorite. But don't mention that to the others! :-)
We are beginning to thaw out now and by Sunday may actually see ground again. After tonight, we might be above freezing for awhile and by the middle of next week, we should see mid-60's and lots of sunshine! This has been one of the most weather challenging weeks I can ever remember. It takes a toll on humans as well as farm animals. But, according to the news, there are many people who have fared much worse than we have, and our prayers are with everyone, as we struggle through this abnormal weather pattern and hard times together.
~ Gwen of IRISH ACRES
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