Braving The Elements

I will admit to you that there are mornings when leaving a warm and cozy bed to venture out into sub-zero weather is just a little bit difficult.  Honestly, it can feel a little like torture.  BUT...

once I am outside and busily working away, I no longer think about it as torture.  It's only fair, after all- since the animals are out in the cold (some have the luxury of heat lamps, however) that their breakfast should be on time no matter the weather.

I wonder, on these long, cold days if the animals get bored.  Winter life is so much different than life during the other three seasons... especially for some.  The pigs, for example, venture out into the extreme cold only once or twice a day - for treats - otherwise, they stay within the shelter of their stall.  Their living space is heavily lined with soft, fluffy hay and kept a little warmer by a heat lamp that hangs over their bed.  Ginger and MaryAnn are always happy to have visitors... especially during meal times (the best part of their day!).

Normally, the pigs would be out wandering the front pasture for most of the day.  Now, however, it is just too cold and the pasture is covered by a layer of ice and snow.

The horses have free access to the front pasture.  Their nutrition these days comes from hay and their supplemental feed - no grass, these days - but having access to the front pasture gives them something to do - even if it is wandering around in search of grass.  At least they are getting some mental and physical exercise.

Yesterday was farrier day. 

 Luckily our farrier had had the foresight to schedule our appointment for later in the morning.  Earlier in the morning the thermometer had looked like this...

I believe yesterday was the coldest day we have had in years.

We utilized the heat of the sun while trimming the donkey's hooves.  

These two stood perfectly still, and hoof trimming was finished in record time.


Moll tried her hardest to engender a little attention from the farrier.

when rubbing against his legs didn't work,

 she simply threw herself down into his work space and rolled over onto her back.  Surely this chubby, furry belly would convince him to pet her.  No?  Too cold?

Nothing was going to deter her... she even tried to entice the donkeys...

As for me, when the work was finished, I headed for the warmth of the fireplace and a hot cup of tea.

 

 Both Jack and I are tea drinkers (neither of us have ever had a cup of coffee!)  We enjoy all sorts of teas... black, chai, greens, herbals, and so, we keep a well stocked tea cabinet...

Our teas are all loose-leaf and organic.  A little research taught us that non-organic teas are heavily sprayed with pesticides which are then absorbed into the leaves.  And because it is the leaves that we are steeping when we drink tea... we decided that organic would be the best choice.  Several of the herbal teas in our cabinet were grown here on the farm... raspberry, mint, chamomile, lemon balm, and lemon verbena.

I spent a portion of the morning working in my watercolor journal - practicing painting water droplets from photographs...

I am still struggling with finding a unique style that I can call my own.  Typically, I find myself drawn more towards realism.  Perhaps that is because that form of art primarily relies heavily on the ability to observe the world around... my strength.  However, I long to be able to draw and paint things that can only be found in one's imagination.  Sadly, I believe that is something that I am lacking.  So, until I am hit with a bolt of lightening that wakes up my creativity, I will keep painting what I see!  And, in case you were wondering... no, I have never seen an ant rolling a droplet of water.  The inspiration photograph was one posted by self-described Photoshop artist, Rakesh Rocky.

PS... For Ann:  I wear lined, leather rancher's gloves (yellow leather) that I find at either Tractor Supply or our feed store.  Most mornings they work just fine.  Yesterday, however, my hands froze.  What I have learned, through experience, is to buy whatever gloves I am wearing in a man's extra-large.  This ensures lots of air space around your fingers (the mitten principle)... helping to keep them much warmer.  As for outerwear, I have a quilted Carhart-type jacket (less expensive brand) that is super warm over top of a sweatshirt.  For pants, I have been very happy with Mountain Horse arctic riding pants.  My last pair held up for 13 years.  I just ordered a new pair yesterday.  I am hoping the newer version is as warm as the older one was!  For footwear, Muckboots has an Arctic line that is well-insulated and waterproof.

I am not sure why, but this week flew by!  I have no idea what manner of mischief I will get into over the weekend, but I will surely share it with you on Monday!  Have a lovely weekend!!

Comments

Hoping your temps warm up this week. We will be in the 40s surprisingly.
I guess Moll gave up? Not getting any takers, unless the photographer was willing. Always look forward to early morning with your blog.
Bee Haven Bev said…
Absolutely, the photographer obliged!!!
Lynne said…
COLD . . . yet some blue sky and sun . . .

Moll and her . . . “how about me” antics,
brought me a smile . . .

Liked your “tea mentions” . . .
During my working days, I enjoyed a coffee in the morning.
Now . . . it rarely happens, if so, it is a latte . . .
A cup of hot water with lemon though is my treat.
Warms my hands as well!

I like the thought of a Watercolor Journal . . .
Painting for me has been like it is with reading.
When I am in the reading mode . . . . it is ALL
When I am painting . . . non stop.
I think having a separate space/room for my brushes, paint, papers
would find me painting more and more . . .

Most usually, viewing a “Beverly post” gives me things to think about.
Probably not painting rain drops though . . . 😉

Enjoy the weekend . . . ❤️

Marcia LaRue said…
What a lovely, long post this Friday morning! Love Moll's need for a belly rub and she didn't care who gave her one! LOL
How can you say you have no imagination? Where do your fairy gardens and those sweet little gnome homes come from? Those certainly take a wonderful and creative imagination!
Warmer days ahead, Bev.
My dad passed away in 1985 and I took his leather work gloves. They are an extra large and look like they have been thru the mill and they have, everything from rose thorns, feeding cattle, lopping trees and lots more. I wouldn't give up those gloves for anything. When I go into Rural King, I see the new ones but I will stick with what I have.
Betty McDonel said…
I didn't get a chance to read yesterday's post until this morning and in case you don't go back and read comments from previous posts I wanted you to be aware of the 2 Newfie books I recommended. I always look forward to your posts and must admit I'm envious of your lifestyle on the farm. In my mind I think I could find myself living and loving everything you write about except for your winter weather...way too cold for this old South Texas gal.

Stay warm and have a restful weekend.

This N That said…
Brrr..It is supposed to warm up next week..We have to get through the weekend which sounds awful..Hopefully dry..They are atill hedging a bit about that..
I too have to paint things that I see..My imagination fails me..
Poor Moll...I am familiar with a cat throwing herself in to ones work space..Very familiar!!
Yes, winter tends to slow life down a bit..Sometimes a good thing..Enjoy your day!! Hugs
THE BEARDED ONE said…
22 BELOW...WOW...THAT IS SURE COLD...I RECEIVED MY FARM & RANCH MAGAZINE TODAY AND TERE YOU WERE...AMAZING...SOMEONE HAD TO SEND TI TO THEM...I LOVE AND SURE ENJOY REDING THAT F&R MAGAZINE...YOU AHD HUBBS ARE AN AMAZING TEAM...IT WAS VERY INTERESTING READING ABOUT THE CLOTHNG YOU WEAR...I HAD NEVER HEARD OF SOME OF THE BRANDS YOU MENTIONED...SO HAPPY THAT YOU FOUND THEM AND THEY KEEP YOU AND HUBBS WARM... I SURE ENJOY THESE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO VERY MUCH...KEEP SMILING AND STAY AS WARM AS POSSIBLE !!!
Bev....You'll want to get rid of the post at 4:54 pm. Good Grief!

Love your blog today and every day....or should I say night....because I don't get here until 9 or 10 pm but it makes a wonderful end to my days.
Sure glad Moll got a good petting from you, if from nobody else!
Hope it warms up a bit for you soon. We are still below zero....hoping that changes here too!
Anonymous said…

I've never tasted coffee as a liquid, don't like the smell either. One time I bit into one of those chocolate filled pieces from a cheap box of chocolates and it was a coffee cream filled. I couldn't get it out of my mouth quick enough!! I do not understand how anyone can like it.

How the heck did the Nembutal statement get posted?
Anonymous said…
Hope you guys are staying warm. You have some beautiful animals.