I remember my mom saying throughout my young age of single digits and early teens.........the calm before the storm. That was a saying that came back to me yesterday while getting ready for the "big snowfall" we are predicted to get. Dick was busy filling the bird feeders, taking corn to the deer and putting out vegetable scraps for the bunnies. We feed them all because they are the best channel to tune into. Nature at its finest. We have a little 7 point buck that comes every afternoon just before dark. Usually about the time we are setting down for our supper. What a view, he is an alert little guy, eat a bite, look around and then move to the next treat laid out for him. I watched him all through deer season and when he showed up it was........whewwww, he made it through another day. Just a small bodied buck, young but has a promising rack for years to come. If he stays smart. That darn "buck in rut" season can make ever the old wise one lose their common sense.
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| Time to feed the deer. |
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| "Little buck" comes a running through the pasture for corn. |
The next thing on the husband's list for storm prep was putting the blade on the tractor for plowing, check the oils and give it a once over. We bought that John Deere the first year we moved to Clara, 20 years ago, 1999. It has not cost us more than oils and gas until last summer. Dick had Dan Austin and his son Merle give it a few replacement parts. They did a great job on getting John D. operating like a new young man. We sure have put that tractor through the work. From brush hogging the fields, pushing dirt, gravel, manure, snow, and hauling wood and hay, it has earned its keep. Here is to 20 more years.................. The last thing was getting the snow shoes and poles out. We are hoping for some nice winter walks after the snow, come on snow. As I set here by the fire writing a truck went by pulling a huge snowmobile trailer. Some one is coming to their camp for the snow. Good for them!
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| A few years ago but hopefully will look like this tomorrow. |
We try to stay busy during the winter days with little piddly things that we have no time for in the busy seasons around Cook'n by the Creek. Dick is building a "shave horse" since he is going to try carving. A shave horse is built of wood, kinda looks like the shape of a horse and holds wood while he shaves big pieces down to little ones. It looks neat and very rustic since he built it from scrap wood and iron wood branches. The only cost, a few long screws from Norton Supply. From the looks of it, the shaving should begin this weekend. Mornings are always check the traps. There is one wise old Mr. Fox out smarting the trapper. Who will win? Time will tell. Then there is skinning the fox that were taken and from the looks of them will make beautiful tanned hides.
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| The warmth of the basement. |
Now, what is the wife's duties for preparing for the storm? Making sure we have everything we need to eat. Tuesday we headed out of the valley to gather the few things. Tomorrow homemade bread and cinnamon rolls will be warming the house and making it smell so good. We are very lucky, if the storm takes out electric we still have gas heat and cook stove. That is it for my duties. The rest of my days consist of reading, knitting and watching "how to" you tube videos. They are my go to on anything I want to learn. Right now I am learning the German Short Row for a sweater I am knitting. All too soon winter will be over and the busy season will begin so while I can I am going to enjoy the peace and serenity of winter snow.
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| Good place for coffee and you tube. |
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| The sweater |
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| Couldn't resist watching the fire as I knit. |
I will end this with the memories of Dick's beautiful ride, Smokey. We have had him since 2000 and everyday was about watching him, Dick riding, feeding, brushing, hauling hay and loving every minute. Even when he would crash the fence and repairs would be made he was worth his weight in gold.
Happy Trails Smokey
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| He was a spunky guy! |
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| For the love of horse and man. |
7/2000 - 12/2018
