January 2024

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A few days ago, I told Bob that we would be having a blizzard. He looked at the weather and radar and said he didn't see it. And, it didn't say in so many words, but... snow plus wind equals blizzard. Guess what? laugh

As the temps drop and the snow drifts get deeper, I am very thankful for many things:

- mostly reliable modern weather forecasts so we can prepare for storms like this
- we no longer need to drive 10+ miles a day to check the horses
- the winter gear that we've collected
- we don't have to make multiple trips pulling a sled from the hay shed to the barn to feed the horses in the wind now that we can purchase large bales of hay from the neighbor
- we have wind breaks setup so the dog's houses don't fill up with snow this year (and they are doing their job)
- and the other stuff that I am always thankful for: electricity, running water, warm house, enough income to pay the bills, my loving husband...

Yes, my heart over-flows with gratitude this morning revolving hearts

Fun fact: Electric water trough heaters do not work when not plugged in.

I was confused about why I had to go out to the barn multiple times a day to break the ever thickening ice and water the horses when the dogs and cats waters are staying ice-free despite the sub-zero weather. Then, I happened to look up at the outlet and discovered that the heater plug prongs were barely touching the outlet holes. I went ahead and plugged it back in, but I'm guessing that we are going to need a new heater. I doubt very much that they were designed to endure being encased in ice. grimace

Thankfully it will be warming up to above zero soon and the ice will get easier to break.

The horses not only unplugged the heater (probably playing with the cord), but they broke one of the feed bins, took the stall gate off of it's hinges, and tore my grooming bucket off of the wall. They have had loads of fun the past few days! wide eyed

Hurray! The weather is going to be in the low 40s all of next week. cool

As much as I like the warmer weather, I am not fond of the mud that will be arriving. Last spring proved that it isn't as bad here as at the last barn we were at, but it is still not my favorite.

I am struggling in other ways with the melting snow and thawing ground... for the last three days, my eyes have hurt, which makes my head hurt, I feel weak, and I am out of breath just going to the edge of the barn yard. I didn't realize what it was until last night. Allergies and asthma from the gases being released from the frozen ground. Ugh. I have not missed the struggle at all.

Thankfully, I have medication for that, so today is going much better. smile

The temperatures are rising and I've been dreaming of gardening... so, I've been doing the next best thing... growing sprouts! smile

Since we didn't finish preparing the raised beds last year, my garden will be small again. But, small is so much better than non-existent! wink