A relatively mild January and early February had many of us dreaming of an early Spring in New England. We had a couple of short spells of frigid weather, but each only lasted a day or two. We were looking at bare ground by mid-February. Some of us, myself included, even began to believe our wish for an early spring might come true! Lifelong New Englanders should know better. Late February brought us the most snow of the season, all in one short week! Every day brought a small amount of snow, culminating in one big storm in early March.
After a respite in the form of week of a bit warmer (but not really warm) temperatures and little precipitation, we then got another big storm this last week that left over a foot of snow behind. At least the clocks going forward, and the brighter evenings, might give us a bit more hope that spring is really coming. As I write this the forecast is for warmer temperatures in the next week. Fingers crossed!
Copper Sue and Max absolutely love the snow. It energizes them and they will spend hours outside playing in it, coming in only for short rests and to warm up a bit. Even the barn cats seem to like the snow! They especially love it when it packs down and they can walk on top of it and get back to wandering further in the yard.
The birds and the humans wait impatiently for spring. To cheer myself up, I start planting seeds in the house, so I can see green before Mother Nature gives in and melts all this late snow. I’m excited about all my plants, though I may have started a bit earlier than I should have, meaning it’s going to be challenging to keep them alive and healthy until they can get outdoors!
We’re also planning for spring additions to the flock. We had a good winter with them, they are tough birds and even got through those frigid spells with no issues. With crazy egg prices at the supermarkets, we’ve developed a pretty good clientele for our eggs (we never raised our price), and the younger birds have been keeping up with demand quite well.
The tentative plan right now is to buy some chicks in May, and hatch some of our own as well, all planned for the same time so they can grow up together. My hubby would also like try raising some chickens for meat this year. There are pros and cons to doing so, but the biggest pro is getting to eat our own farm fresh chicken instead of factory raised! I do have mixed feelings about it, but I like the idea of knowing they will at least live a good life for the time that they get.
Right after that last snowstorm Max went to the vet to get neutered, which cut into play time in the snow. By the time he is fully recovered (so far all is going fine), most of the snow may be gone! I’m sure that won’t matter too much, he and his sister will just be excited to be able to play again. Max turns one year old next month, and he weighed in at a hefty 80 pounds!
I so hope this time, I’m able to add your blog to my blogroll. I miss reading your posts!
You sure got a lot of snow and who knew that cats liked it! Happy 1st Birthday, Max! We hope you have the best day ever!
We had more of the blowing blizzardly type of storms here, along with a good deal of ice. You sure got more snow that us! Even though we’ve had 4 weekends n a row with snowy/icy mess gifted to us.
Your cats seem to be making the most of it as they can, and your pups have the right idea…snooze in a warm cozy spot!
Those guinea fowl and chickens seem to be doing great! Nothing like fresh eggs! Mmmm!
Hope all your plants will do well, you sure got a good head start!
I wish I had the space to do that, too.
Happy Spring!
You got a lot more snow than we did. Glad the cats and dogs like it. 🙂
Oh, and forgot to say, Love all those pics-your house looks so nice in the snow, and can’t get enough of the animal pics! 🙂
Love it all on that farm! Yay for those puppies and kitties to know they Can enjoy the snow, haha! Funny to hear you humans and chickens prefer not the snow! Love your plans for spring on the farm, and surely hoping you can keep those plants alive, they are so nice and Green!
Old Man Winter had a temper tantrum up there, that’s way too much snow but all of the critters seem to be enjoying it. Copper Sue and Max are so cozy adorable.
Like I’ve been saying. It may be Spring, but Mother Nature doesn’t know it.
Have a fabulous day and week. Scritches to your babies and a hug to you. ♥
Sounds like things are going pretty well on the farm this winter. Glad the chickens are all doing well and your egg business is continuing. The pups are great and they look so very happy! Hope your spring comes soon so you can get your farm work started.
Hopefully all that snow will go away soon! Happy first day of Spring!
We’re with the guinea fowl when it comes to winter now. Your veggie starts look wonderfully vigorous. Here’s hoping Spring arrives over the next week or so. That’s a whole lotta snow to melt!
the guineas look a little like noble old ladies in a warm coat :O) that is so much snow, I think I saw so much of the white stuff as I was a little kidlet….
I can’t wait for Spring temperatures to arrive! Looks like your crew is hanging in there.