Cold, Very Cold

What a cold morning!  As we pull our barn clothes on, we glance at the outdoor thermometer that reads -23.  Trying to do chores with five layers of sweatshirts, two pair of long johns and then sweats over that - I feel like the Michelin Man!

Farmer Rick's attention first turns to how the animals fared for the night.  Did they all find a dry, warm place to lay?  Did the waterer freee up?  Nobody's shivering, right?  These are all questions that go through one's mind when encountering a night like last night.  Thank God that there is only supposed to be a couple of these, then a warm-up.  When we get a long streak of very frigid weather, it begins to take it's toll on the very young and very old cattle.  February seems to be the hardest because the animals know the tide is turning.  Their winter coats are already beginning to shed because of the lengthening of days and there are days that flirt with above freezing temps. But there seems to be something that comes from deep within themselves - is this it?  Is it ever going to end?  When will spring ever come?  I can see it in the older cattle especially.  I just keep encouraging them.  Telling them that spring isn't that far away, please don't give up!

Also, to our great thrill - no pipes froze up and broke.  We did have a neighbor call right away in the morning, though, that had pipes freeze in the milkhouse.  He needed advice on the correct soldering flux and materials to use because what he was using wasn't working.  How neat it is to be able to share and encourage another farmer who is expieriencing  some of the trials and woes that seem to affect us all at times.  Knowing that we all share a common bond and common trials is a gentle reminder from time to time that we still are not alone.  There are still a few of us left that still work and draw our living from the land and livestock. 

Now - out to the barn to check on everybody once again.  Push up feed.  Feed hay.  Milk.  Feed calves, bed cows.  Straighten the blanket on the old gelding before turning him out.  Work.  Yes, but we are thankful for what we have and are so grateful for the many blessings that come along with farming.