Blizzard's Eve and Morning: A Farm's Embrace of the Gathering Snow
The clock struck 5:30 PM, casting long shadows as evening chores beckoned. A sense of anticipation hung in the air, a prelude to the "pretty big storm" forecasted to descend upon the farm within the next 24 hours. A hopeful query was directed towards Pablo, the discerning barn cat: would the impending weather live up to its dramatic billing, or would it prove to be "much ado about nothing?" The answer, the speaker declared, would unfold for both human and feline audience alike in the latest installment of "Blizzard Vlog."
The farm dogs, Abby and Toby, mirrored the speaker's enthusiasm, their exuberant presence a testament to their affection for these weather-centric chronicles. Reassurances of impending dinner were offered to the eager canines. However, the initial foray into the snowy landscape proved less than graceful. A sudden slip resulted in a tumble, sending dog food scattering and Abby's headlamp askew. "Calm down, Abs!" the speaker chuckled, regaining composure.
The culprit of the near-mishap was revealed: a steadily growing snow pile obstructing the gate, already reaching an estimated height of two and a half to three feet. Abby, ever the efficient cleanup crew, was tasked with devouring the spilled kibble, with strict instructions to deter the opportunistic Pablo. A subsequent reward of more food confirmed Abby's successful execution of her duty. Toby received his portion in his designated spot, ensuring equitable distribution among the furry companions.
The focus then shifted to securing the avian residents for the night. Unlike ducks, which had already instinctively sought shelter, and chickens, safely ensconced in their coop, a final egg check was required. The water for the fowl was emptied, with a strategic decision to bring the waterers indoors. This preemptive measure aimed to minimize the snow-clearing burden the following day, anticipated to be a significant undertaking.
"Birds, stay nice and cozy," the speaker murmured, before drawing attention to the snow line against the greenhouse. Currently standing at approximately six feet, the speaker expressed keen curiosity about its potential height by the following night, given the forecast of continuous snowfall from evening into the late afternoon. The true duration of this particular Blizzard Vlog remained uncertain, likely falling within the familiar 10 to 20-minute range, but its real-time unfolding promised to be a longer affair.
Toby was observed contentedly eating, while Abby patiently awaited her turn, a nightly ritual requiring supervision to ensure Toby finished his meal before Abby could partake. Despite Abby's current dominant status, Toby would always hold the title of "boss dog" in the speaker's heart. Pablo, wise enough to avoid Abby's mealtime territoriality, kept a respectful distance. The accumulating snowfall, even within the last five minutes, was evident, foreshadowing the messy state of doors and gates come morning. Gratitude was expressed for a recently fixed chicken door, deemed a "necessary improvement." A goodnight wish was extended to the "weirdos," followed by the wry acknowledgment that digging them out the next day was an unavoidable task, a minor drawback of the door's upward-sweeping design.
A check on the goats revealed their preference for the shelter beneath the house, a cozy haven lined with fresh straw. The snow was already substantial, estimated at 18 inches to nearly two feet, making farm navigation increasingly "tricky." A goodnight greeting was offered to the "moo crew," anticipating their morning encounter. Toby's post-dinner ritual prompted Abby's mealtime. An unusual request from Abby to eat snow was met with amused compliance.
The speaker confessed to a "certain joy" in these nighttime chores amidst the anticipation of a storm, a cozy feeling of hunkering down as nature prepared to unleash its wintry fury. Pablo, offered indoor refuge, cautiously accepted the invitation. Jenny, another barn cat, also sought indoor warmth. With all creatures accounted for and settled, the speaker bid the audience farewell, expressing anticipation for the unfolding weather event.
Morning arrived, revealing less snow than initially feared, yet a steady and persistent snowfall continued. The temperature hovered around 20 degrees Fahrenheit as the morning chores commenced. Lady Abington received a cheerful greeting, the deepening snow around her a visual testament to the ongoing precipitation. Toby and Abby joined the speaker, their presence a familiar comfort.
The immediate task was clearing the gate, a duty anticipated to be repeated frequently throughout the day. The few inches of snow were manageable, Toby's food dish still visible. However, vigilance was required to ensure his evening meal wouldn't be buried. Abby's hopeful glances at the empty food dish were met with gentle reassurance.
Inside the coop, the snow buildup was significant, reaching approximately three feet at its highest point and around 18 inches at the lowest. The birds appeared comfortable and cozy. The snow line measured the previous day had risen noticeably, a consequence of the roof's design, specifically chosen for its efficient snow shedding capabilities, a crucial consideration in their climate. The ducks and geese remained resolutely indoors.
An unforeseen issue with the newly constructed bird waterer was noted: the potential for snow accumulation to exceed the height of the water pipe, though this point had not yet been reached. The speaker estimated the post supporting the waterer to be just over four feet tall, with the snow already reaching a considerable height on one side. A humorous moment ensued as Abby momentarily lost her camera.
With the camera retrieved, the task of pouring water commenced. A playful query was posed to Abby regarding their potential to navigate the winter's remaining snow. Birdseed was distributed, with gentle encouragement for a tardy chick, Beanie, to join the others. Toby, usually eager to mark fresh snow, displayed a surprising lack of interest in venturing far.
The speaker paused to admire the snow-covered landscape, a scene deemed "beautiful" and a source of "wicked luck" for the privilege of witnessing it daily. Toby and Abby, however, seemed less enamored with the deep snow, Toby content to perform his "job" briefly before retreating. On such days, the dogs typically sought refuge in their dog house, the cold itself not a deterrent, but the potential for becoming wet and chilled a genuine concern. The dog house itself was significantly "snowed in."
The design of the chicken coop door, sweeping upwards, was lauded for its effectiveness, creating a small "awning" for the inhabitants. Apologies were offered for accidentally bumping the structure. Fresh water was provided, followed by a check on Loney Stone, whose "scoots" prompted concern about potential parasites. Lauren and Lar Mad received their hay and fresh water, Lauren's pushy demeanor towards his brothers noted. The goat mineral bucket was cleaned, and Abby was gently calmed amidst Lauren's boisterousness.
Clearing the goat gate was deemed a crucial and consistently necessary task. The hard-earned lesson of proactively clearing snow versus allowing it to accumulate was shared. The "crew de moo" received a morning visit, with minimal ice to break in their water trough due to the heavy snowfall.
With the primary animal chores completed, the focus shifted to clearing the driveway, anticipated to require two or three passes. The first pass was completed just in time for Allison's departure. Despite the cleared driveway, the speaker harbored no illusions about it being the last snow removal of the day. A well-deserved cup of coffee and a warm fire beckoned.
Pablo, upon the evening chore's commencement, made a beeline for the mudroom, seeking indoor respite from the weather. Jenny soon followed suit. A dangerously large icicle was noted. As 5:45 PM approached, the speaker ventured out for the evening routine, noting an additional inch or two of snowfall. The decision was made to forgo evening plowing, opting to tackle the accumulated snow the following morning, with snowfall predicted into the early hours.
Lady Abington received her evening greeting, the dogs now significantly elevated by the deepening snow. The speaker crafted makeshift steps in the snow for easier access. Dinner was served to the eager canines, Abby relishing the opportunity to lick the bowl. Toby also enjoyed his meal. An overlooked egg, now considered "gold," was carefully retrieved. The heavy snowfall continued unabated. The bird waterers were brought inside for the night.
The 24-hour chronicle of life on the snowy farm drew to a close. While the final snowfall tally remained to be measured the following morning, the speaker estimated approximately ten inches. Viewers were directed to an upcoming video for the final measurement and bid a warm goodnight.