Trumpet guy (sculpted by Kirby) still wearing a Santa hat.
I love winter. I’ll take wind and snow over any steamy summer day. I know I’m in the minority here. And I know extreme cold isn’t kind to people and creatures without adequate shelter. Still, I adore the invigorating effect of cold and the way snow enhances the beauty around me.
I also adore how much less work there is in winter. Nothing to plant, weed, harvest, or put up. Just the occasional pleasure of digging up a few rutabagas and sunchokes from crumbly frozen soil when I’m ready to roast them into warm dinner offerings.
Here’s what it looks like on our little farm.
My husband is committed to feeding the birds. He makes his own suet mixture from peanut butter, lard, seed, and dry fruit. In this weather he fills the feeders more than once a day. This time lapse taken by Sam shows bird visits in 45 minutes.
Fence post shadows look blue against the snow.
Wind has shaken snow’s coating off tree branches.
Our Christmas tree, now designated as wildlife habitat.
Years ago the kids made me a contemplation stool, to better enjoy chicken watching. Not using it at these temps.
Chickens emerge from the coop to investigate some kitchen scraps.
Isabelle and Clovis chomp on carrots and cabbage.
Yes, Isabelle is still patiently nursing her giant calf.
My attempt at a snow angel. It looks like a snow moth or maybe a snow frog.
I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn’t show. ~Andrew Wyeth
In the winter she curls up around a good book and dreams away the cold. ~Ben Aaronovitch
It is a spur that one feels at this season more than at any other. How nimbly you step forth! The woods roar, the waters shine, and the hills look invitingly near. You do not miss the flowers and the songsters, or wish the trees or fields any different, or heavens any nearer. Every object pleases…. the straight light-gray trunks of the trees… how curious they look, and as if surprised in undress. ~John Burroughs
Bit of Earth Farm 
… I miss snow. But just a little, on days like yesterday. 93F in the shade.
Me too. I enjoy the rest (and the quiet beauty) that winter brings. Still, I’m looking forward to the warmth of the summer sun. It’s all good.
Your chicken picture makes me smile. Just yesterday I told my wife that it still makes me cringe a little when I see them walking around on frozen ground. Don’t their feet get cold, I asked her?
🙂
We’re all sympathetic to chilly chicken feet, but let’s remember the chickadees and blue jays hopping around on much tinier feet with much less substantial size and shelter. Chickens with access to the indoors are fine.
I love winter as well! Your photos are beautiful. Greetings from Montreal, Canada.