The Magic of Snow

There's nothing like a new snowfall to rejuvenate the farm.

We were beginning to look a little muddy and worn until yesterday's

light snow gave us a winter face-lift.

It snowed like a blizzard for a few hours in the morning, and then the sky cleared...

and the sun came out.

And just like that everything became lustrous and beautiful.

I was away from the farm for part of the morning and early afternoon...

and so I missed doing the chores.

On my arrival home, I headed out to visit with my friends.

Everyone was out enjoying the sunshine.

The horses were napping in the dry lot after having spent the morning out

playing in the snow.

Sometimes the light is perfect...

The sky was a beautiful blue...

like this handsome boy's eyes!

I sat on the ground while each of them took turns nuzzling me

and lining up for nose kisses.

My fair weather gals stayed inside their shed...

after all, the wind might muss up their thick, lush winter coats!

After leaving the barn, I headed up to visit with the goats

Everyone loves a sunny day!

And some just love to pose for a photo!

My last stop was the pig yard...

where treats were handed out, of course!

All totaled, it looks as though we only got about 2 to 3 inches of snow.

It won't be around for too long... especially with sunny afternoons

such as this.

We'll enjoy it while it is here!

Update on Chester... his surgery went well (neutering)

and he will be recuperating in the house for the next few days.

Boy, with this fellow have a bad case of cabin fever!

I mentioned a little over a week ago that I had started my own sourdough starter.

I followed the tutorial that I found by King Arthur's flour.

And while I wouldn't call this a fail.... I would say that it is progressing as slow as molasses in January.

At this stage of the game, I am having to feed it with a cup of organic flour twice daily.

Because it is progressing so slowly, I have decided to just order a starter from

King Arthur, so that I don't have to keep wasting flour.

As you can see, after it's last feeding 12 hours ago,it is barely rising.... 

and by this time it should double in 4 to 6 hours.

Perhaps this is something to try in the warmer months.

We keep our home a little chillier than sourdough might like.

I am officially scrapping this project...

and starting over... with help!

PS... Goodbye January.

It feels as though you just arrived...