Finally, we got some fresh air!
We were excited about winter when it first started out, with plenty of snow on the ground from several storms early in December. Then Mother Nature decided to turn the temperature down, WAY down, just before Christmas. All we could do was sit inside and look out at the pretty snow. When the dogs simply go out to pee, and come back in less than 5 minutes holding paws in the air, we know it’s too cold to spend any time out there. The last time we took a walk or got out to play for more than just a few minutes in it was before Christmas.
When we heard that yesterday was going to actually get up into the 20’s, we already had plans to get out there! It was the Dadz’ day off, so he took the crew out for some ball play, and then when it warmed up a bit more (the day still dawned at just barely above zero), I got on my snowshoes to go out and blaze some walking trails (we have at least 2 feet of snow on the ground and a layer of crust in there, so I didn’t want the dogs having to break trail). I have to admit, it was kind of nice to get out there all by myself and enjoy the peace of the woods (don’t tell the dogs).
There were wildlife tracks everywhere, and a sunny day in the snow is incredibly beautiful. After lunch the Dadz and I took the crew out for a walk on the trails. Unfortunately, with the cold temperatures we’ve been having, I think that snow is still too cold for Luke’s paws, and he was holding up a paw after not too long. So we didn’t have a long walk, but it was still nice to get out there and enjoy some fresh air for a bit.
The weather is going to get worse again before it gets better, with temperatures plunging again tomorrow, but we hope with temperatures back closer to the 30’s by next week, we’ll be able to get out more. I’m going to try to get some boots on Luke, but he does not like having his paws handled, so I don’t have a lot of hope. His paws were not so sensitive last year, when average temperatures were just a bit warmer, so hopefully that will make a difference.
Even the guinea hens (and chickens) were happy to get a break from the frigid cold and come out for some fresh air. This one decided to enjoy the view from the apple tree for a bit!
How has your winter been so far? Are frigid temperatures keeping you indoors, or do you brave the cold?
We’re thankful we finally got to get outside and get some fresh air, so we’re happy to be joining the Thankful Thursday blog hop, hosted by Brian’s Home. Please visit other blogs through the links below.
We’ve been having a fairly mild winter so far here in NC, with the exception of last week with temperatures in the 20s…thankfully, it’ll warm up again this week with highs in the 60s. I really only like snow if I’m going skiing in it 😉 Hope it’ll warm up for you again soon, too!
We finally got our warm up this last week! Unfortunately it came at the expense of our snow though – rain washed a lot of it away. It’s colder again now, but it’s supposed to be a bit more normal at least and not quite so frigid!
Two days’ posts in a row! Keeping my fingers crossed….
If it weren’t for the fact that both girls are on leash restriction right now, the three of us would be outside enjoying the fresh air a bit more. But Sam has to help me with them and he doesn’t have the right clothes for the cold temps we’ve been getting all week. I at least have my flannel-lined jeans, cuddle duds tops for under my sweaters, and a nice, warm jacket and gloves.
Stay warm up there! In those temps, I’d be hibernating for sure! Hope Luke lets you put Sheba’s boots on him!
The right clothes make all the difference in the world! I’ve been living in my flannel lined jeans, even though we haven’t really been outside much. I still have to go check on the birds when hubby is working. It takes me longer to put on all my layers than it does to actually check on them. LOL
It was pretty chilly between Christmas and New Year’s with highs back in the 50’s again now (cold on the morning walks though). It usually always gets bitter cold during the National Western Stock Show week (Jan 6-21 and no I do not work for the Chamber of Commerce 😆) but has been drier and unseasonably warm so far. I do hope we get some snow otherwise the reservoirs won’t be full enough when summer heat comes. Hope you guys have more days for peaceful outings. 😊
Even though your warmer weather sounds nice, I hope you get the snow you need.
That is one of my issues with winter….I love to get up early and walk, but at this time of year we have to wait until it at least warms up some, and that messes with my schedule! 🙂
I’m hoping for some above freezing temperatures next week. We have a really hard time walking here because no one shovels their sidewalk. Hopefully it will warm up in your area so Luke won’t need boots.
It looks like a warm-up is headed our way, yay! Of course it falls right when I have a busy week, but hopefully by the time we can get out for a snowshoe, the snow will feel a bit warmer on Luke’s paws!
That’s too bad no one shovels so you can walk! Our roads get so narrow we can’t walk on them either.
We are frigid fur FL but it looks like our temps would be pawfect fur ya’ll 😉 Glad you got our fur some fresh air!
xoxo,
Matt & Matilda
Yeah, we sure wouldn’t mind some of those Florida temps, even if it is cold for you! Looks like you might be sending some our way tomorrow, so thanks for that! 🙂 ♥
I LOVE your pictures!
Living in the Pacific North West (now) we don’t get as cold as we used to on the prairies or in the mountains. Cinnamon, who was visiting at Christmas told me it was so cald where they live before they came to visit she was trying to walk on one leg!
But I bet it was nice to see the sun! We have not had a lot of that here.
Purrs
Marv
We are definitely happy for any sunshine we get. It at least warms up the house some (and the chicken coop).
We understand how Cinnamon felt – there was a lot of hopping around and limping going on here too!
Our winter has not been as cold as yours most days. I’m so sorry that it’s been so tough on all of you! We find that our dogs do adapt to boots, and they do better when it’s sub-zero with boots on. I understand about Luke though – maybe you could try having him wear them briefly for something he loves (like eating dinner?) for a few days before trying them in the snow.
I hope that it warms up!
I think Luke would adjust to wearing boots, the issue is going to be even getting them on him. He won’t even let me trim his nails, so I can’t see him letting me hold onto his paws to put boots on. But we will try – because I’m a glutton for punishment! LOL
The 10 inches of snow today is keeping me inside.
We got at least that much yesterday too, and we’re back to hibernating as the wind blows it all around out there!
We are fussing about our weather in the teens! The problem is because it never gets cold here, we don’t have warm clothes. It will be back in the 60s this week so we are happy. It is beautiful on your property!
Thank you!
Having the proper clothing really does make all the difference in the world. I’m glad your cold snap didn’t last too long!
Well we wish we had as much snow as you and we wish we could see 20 degree temps! It’s been below zero every morning for over a week so no walks like yours since before Christmas. Yesterday it hit low teens and we tried a walk but Dolly would only go 2 blocks turnaround and go straight back. It stinks this cold you can’t do nothing. Looking forward to the 30s this weekend! Have fun! Sandra and Dolly
Our weekend is going to be frigid again, but after that we’re supposed to get up into the 30’s – yahoo!!
Plus we got another, I don’t know, maybe foot of snow yesterday!! It’s crazy!
it’s great that you all had a great time… I liked it as a kid to see wildlife tracks in the snow and to make my own tracks… it was a little as if I would be the only peep on our planet… but nevertheless as an adult I’m more someone of the (s)no(w)-way fraction ;O))
Just remember all the fun you’re missing now! 😉
It was fun trying to figure out what the different tracks were….but the only ones we really could identify were the deer.
We are not big fans of snow here, but fresh air is always good and so is having fun! Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
Trust me, if it wasn’t for the dogs, I would just completely go with the whole hibernation thing. Me and Sam would just sit by the fire all winter long. 🙂
We’ve been below zero for so long now, this morning at -2 it felt so warm! Crazy how the body adjusts! We wear PAWZ when it is below zero to prevent what mom calls “paw freeze”. Enjoy the snow!
Anything above zero feels balmy around here! LOL
I used to love the Pawz for Kobi, but issues with my hands made it hard to get them on sometimes. My hands are even worse now. But I am going to try the other boots that I got for Sheba last year. I just don’t think he’s going to let me put them on, but we’ve gotta try!