Beautiful Winter

We had the great pleasure of experiencing 70 degree weather two Saturdays ago, and then three days later, there were blizzard warnings from Oklahoma to Illinois.  It took us almost two days to make the usual preparations that are necessary when the power goes out, including reserving enough water for several days, baking enough bread for two weeks and healthy snacks like homemade granola, oatmeal cookies, and stew; securing the animals and stockpiling wood for the fire.  When our power goes out, we are cooking over the fire in our fireplace and it's easiest to have food that only needs to be warmed. 

When the snow came, it was beautiful, huge fluffy flakes that came down for hours.  The wind was very strong and bitter cold, but after all was said and done, we still had power!  What a blessing that was!  We were able to breathe a little easier even though we were snowed in.  We didn't even try to go anywhere for three days.  We finally heard that the nearest county highway that leads to the main highway, had been somewhat plowed.  Somewhat plowed, here in this territory, is nothing to fool with, especially when you are faced with six miles of somewhat plowed roads that are wide enough for two small vehicles, deep ditches on both sides, and roller coaster quality hills and valleys.  Needless to say, we stayed snug as a bug in a rug without worrying about going anywhere.  

By today, things are seeming to get back to normal.  We began the day by making a good supply of bread and filling the bird feeders.  I counted nine male Cardinals this morning, four Bluebirds, six Blue Jays, a few Wrens, two Redwinged Blackbirds, several Nuthatches, Chickadees, Titmice and too many Gold and Purple Finches to count.  Oh, and three Yellow Bellied Woodpeckers and a few Downy Woodpeckers too.  I can't forget those!  Wheew! I think that about covers it.  

The chickens seem to be very happy this winter, today there were seven eggs.  Pretty good for a 20 degree day!  I can't wait for spring, we are planning to get some meat birds to raise for the freezer.  I simply refuse to buy anymore of that Tyson mutated chicken to feed our family.  And thankfully, we won't be relying on the E-Coli beef from the commercial feedlots with their disgusting kill floors.  If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, do yourself a favor and watch the documentary called Food Inc.  It has been shown on PBS several times and there is a book too.  It sure changed the way we eat and made us much more purposeful about raising our own food.  

Well....there is a beautiful, cozy fire in the fireplace, dear daughter is curled up with her latest book, dear hubby is curled up around his Mac playing on Photoshop,  the puppies are all cozy with Mama, a pretty relaxing evening compared to last night watching the Super Bowl.  That game was intense.  Go PACK!!!