seems kinda white out

here's the view out the backdoor at 9:30pm tonite, you can see how fast the snow is coming down.

Holey Moley

Good heavens our new addition "Scooter Danger Downs" who joined our family on December 15 is now all of 16 pounds. I'm quite sure that is 3 pounds or more than when we got him. He gets along well with the other dogs even though the old lady (dog) is not really all that impressed with him. He so far has been very easy to work with, he's quite vocal when he wants something whether its food, outside or attention. I'm surprised that more people weren't aware that there is a 'fox red' color of a yellow lab. Poor little guy, snow is already up to his stomach on our latest venture outside, he had the most forlorn, pitiful expression while he was outside doing his business ears flapping in the snowy wind. Wish I would have had my camera handy.

Today apparently was the day for jail breaks. First the sheep which have been sold and we are holding them until pick up this weekend decided they were tired of staying in the barn and should be free to go to the pole barn where it's stacked to the ceiling in hay. Fortunately once they saw me coming they all ran back into the barn and there stall. Lawrence went to feed the horses and cows and we have never had to close the gate behind us when feeding in the winter but today the 3 horses made a break for freedom. I think it was the mare that instigated the escape, she seems to act very tired of the 'dumb' boys. They had a good ole time trotting around the house, the little barn...should we go into the gorge? .....nah... lets trot around some more. Surprisingly it was "Toma's" the stud that finally decided to come over for treats and then it was a simple matter to lead him back into the barn/pasture with the others following.

We already have at least 4" of snow since about 4 pm this afternoon, considering the report had us receiving only 2-4" total tonite we seem to be well ahead of schedule, and they are still advising that the most snowfall will be overnight. Well what can you do?

I hope this finds all of you well and I wish you a safe and Merry Christmas.

Second winter of the year

LOL, since our first snow in early October we went into a very warm spell broken only yesterday by a big snowstorm. Dept. of Transportation is quoted as " if you live in southern minnesota, stay home!!!" Many of the interstates and secondary roads have been closed. We have recieved at least 8" and drifts up to 3 feet high.

Horses have yet to come into the barn, the cows however are only venturing outside for a snack, check out the photo as they head back to the barn. Check out the photo of the cows and the little calf making his way down the slope of the creek. The geese are also staying outside and at times get almost completely covered by snow. Chickens seem to be doing well, but they are staying in the barn.

Goodbye to a giant

Thanksgiving Day was a mixture of emotions. A mixture of relief and sadness all rolled together. I had recieved the news on Wednesday November 18, that my dad was in the end stages of lung cancer.( He lived in Spokane Washington) The statement was a complete shock as I had no idea he had been sick. Of course that was how he had wanted it. I was able to speak with him on Thursday to give him my love and wish him some easement of the pain he was in. Due to aggravating my neck injury I was unable to fly home to see him, however this was most probably a blessing in disguise as he declined quickly from that point on becoming delerious and failing quickly and passing into God's hands on Thanksgiving morning. While selfish and distraught over the loss, I was thankful also that he was now out of pain.

He was a giant of a man, in so many, many ways. I was always proud as a child to be able to say my dad was the: biggest, strongest, smartest etc. as it was all very true. Over 6 1/2 feet tall he was indeed a giant of a man. This was the man that showed me nature, took me hunting, fishing, sailing, exploring and where I learned an appreciation of nature and the beauty and bounty it can provide. We developed a game of 20 questions usually played after he had been out in the woods or lakes. I soon learned that my first question should be: 'does it bite?" He was always bringing stranded or injured animals, rodents or reptiles home. Twenty questions was usually the way I learned what species of animal it was. Now you can see the importance of my first question. A quirky, dry sense of humor. I remember well learning to read and asking from another floor of the house: "Dad, what does w, h, a, t spell?" and his answer.......... "what!" "Dad, what does w..h...a...t.. spell?" and his reply "What?" this went on for some time with a growing frustration on my part and held in laughter on my dad's part till mom finally stepped in, called time out on my dad and the meaning of the word w...h...a...t become learned.

I remember spending lots of time being 'forced' to watch educational shows like 'NOVA' or other PBS specials, how awful that was!!! Now I realize how very much I learned from these shows and it also furthered my love of animals & nature and my eventuall career as a Licensed Veterinary Technician/zookeeper/instructor. We also watched plenty of Star Trek, it was typical of Dad to determine which episode it was within the first few minutes of the show. My friends often commented that he reminded them of 'Spock' due to the fact he had such a dry sense of humor and was well informed on a variety of subjects.

While we didn't always see 'eye to eye' ( catch the joke there?!) as I inherited his wonderful sense of determination or is it stubborness? He was and will always be my dad, a giant of a man.

So today, as always 'I love you Dad, God Bless'