Oh the weather

So today our high will be 65 degrees. Crazy, when you consider our high of 22 on last Friday with inches of snow on the ground. Of course the animals are loving it.
Is it just me or has the weather just been nuts over the last five years or so? Granted, weather plays a huge role in our lives now so it could be just a heightened awareness. Who knows?
Regardless, I have been thinking a lot about emergency preparedness in the event of a winter storm. Not to the point of paranoia mind you, just trying to be safe rather than sorry. For example, last year we had an ice storm before Christmas that caused numerous power outages in outlying towns. We were spared, but prepared for the worst. We gathered buckets of water, stocked the wood in the house, laid out candles, filled the hurricane lamps, etc. That storm made me realize that we may have need for more in the way of back up. We have numerous animals outside who require water. We are on a well, therefor when the power goes out, so does the plumbing. It is not reasonable to store enough water for drinking, cleaning, and flushing. Additionally, we use heat-dishes to keep the water from freezing. More power required.
After much deliberation and research, I purchased a portable generator for emergency back-up power. Our favorite electrician is in the process of getting us wired for business. He has already created a sub-panel off of our main box that contains the switches for our desired emergency electrical needs: furnace, well pump, refrigerator, chicken and duck coops, sheep barn, etc. There will be a master transfer switch installed that will be used in the event of an outage. This switch routes all listed appliances to the generator and basically prevents utility workers from being killed in the event the utility power comes back on, as well as not blow our panel to smithereens should power be restored. The switch is critical. And should be professionally installed.
In case you are interested, I chose to purchase the Champion 7500 Watt gasoline powered portable generator. Based on my research this brand has an excellent customer service rating as well as performance.
Overall I am happy with the decision. It's not cheap but it is hard to put a price on peace of mind.

Cheers
Nora

When in snow...

Build a snowman. So we did. A Tilly sized one.

Unfortunately, Mr. Snowman met a violent and quick death. I guess a carrot nose is not the best when dealing with a puppy.

RIP Frosty, I hope you made the most of your 55 seconds of life!!!!

This morning's snow

As Nora's post mentioned, we received (and Mother Nature is still giving) our first true, sticking snow last evening with a coating of about an inch on all surfaces by early this morning.

For anyone who thinks that animals take the change in seasons in stride and that it's just us humans that complain, you should have been at the farm this morning.  There was nothing but a constant stream of expletives from everyone but the dogs.  The sheep and ducks were still screaming at me as I headed out to the office at 8:30, several hours after letting them outside for the morning...Nora just emailed to say the sheep were still baa'ing at her whenever she walked outside and it's now almost 1pm!  She had to entice them back to the barn and remind them they have plenty of hay in the feeders to eat.  Unfortunately, they're only interested in throwing a hissy fit that their grass has been covered with this dreadful white stuff.  The ducks have yet to accept the fact that it's too cold for their daily constitutional in the pool, despite temps in the 30s for over a week. The hens just down-right refuse to leave the comfort of their coops; they're no fools.  Only the dogs (especially the puppy) enjoyed their first romp of the season in the snow.

Oh right, it snows in November

So this morning is the first real snowfall we have had this season. Up until today some squalls and flurries. Granted, we are only due to get about 3 inches, it still counts. So I took some pics.

I am Tilly, hear me roar

just kidding

Some big sisters rock!!

Tilly had a challenging morning today. She was attacked by a leaf, not once, not twice, but three times. Luckily, her moms were there to fend off the arborist beasts.  These demons affix themselves to innocent puppy bottoms in the rain, refusing to let go, no matter how fast the little one runs. Simply ghastly.
So Magnolia stepped up to the plate to help.

They rolled

and danced

Looked adoringly at each other

even shared a leaf.

Thanks Mags, we owe ya one!!

Dreaming of being a farm dog

while sleeping on Mom's boots

Rutabaga harvest

This year we had a ton of success with our root vegetables. The rutabagas(also known as yellow turnip) are the last to be pulled. I am super happy with the result. The reason for success? I believe it is our use of the raised beds. Take a look at the crop. I can't wait to cook them up for Thanksgiving.

Saying no to a Corgi

Tilly is determined to pull the stuffing out of one of the dog beds. I thought I would share with you her response to my correcting her.

Is it a wonder that I suddenly find myself exhausted this week? lol

Tilly and Magnolia

Magnolia is a saint. The little one has realized she can crawl on, bite, and swat at Magnolia without consequence.  Magnolia's boundless patience puts Nora and me to shame.

Another shot from last evening

This morning in front of the fire, after Tilly's big outing to help me with the hens, ducks and sheep.  Farm dog in training.

Wilma, however, is a lot less fond of her new, little sister. That relationship is going to take some time to develop.