Wolf Moon

Yesterday was depressing with all the slushy melting snow that I knew was just going to melt enough to turn to very slick ice as the temps dropped back down last night, but we've had a nice inch or so of fresh snow this morning that has brightened things up a bit and provided just enough traction that I can once again walk to and from the barn without as much trouble so I can revisit this picture from the other night and turn it into a fun new puzzle.

I've enjoyed the snow.  Even yesterday was a bit fun driving out on a errand.  I know the animals are really struggling and that's depressing.  The horses were finally able to go out into the field yesterday and that surely cheered them up and the chickens made it around the corner and were able to hang out with the sheep in the afternoon.  Everyone is tired of being cooped up.

The tracks in the snow in the picture are where Lancelot did make an effort to go dig through to find some grass last week.  That's how you could tell the Krista was the sheep who'd been eating grass in the last post.  If you look closely you can see the snow on her forehead where she'd dug through and buried her nose deep into the snow.  Ellie's just been hanging out in the barn eating hay ;-).

A Tale Of Two Sheep

Krista and Ellie.  One has been eating hay and the other has been eating grass.  Can you tell which is which?

It's Lovely Weather For A Sleigh Ride...

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring tingle tingling too.

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Outside the snow if falling and friends are calling "Yoo hoo!"

Come on, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

 

Driving a sleigh was something I've always wanted to experience, but honestly never thought I'd get to do.  Kentucky is not known for it's outdoor winter sports so I really had no reason to even think about owning a sleigh.  This epic snow fall has been crazy fun.

In areas where snow is common, sleigh trails are compacted with a big roller and can go on for miles.  I used our utility vehicle to create and then daily maintain (even that was fun) my little figure 8 track in the side field and really, that was about all Frankie was going to be able to handle anyway.  

While Frankie may never be able to power up a big hill or hit the big time in a competitive ring, one area where he cannot be beat is safety and dependability.  We were loaned this beautiful antique sleigh because "It's Frankie."  It meant a lot to me to hear that and I'm very proud of him for his good reputation.  

I'm grateful he gave me the opportunity to try out something very special and the opportunity to really enjoy it.  Thank you, Frankie.  

Of course I had to take 20 and Pip for a ride :-).

Bea does not ride in my cart.  I've tried several times and she just isn't interested.  The sleigh?  Holy moly, she loves the sleigh.  I can't remember what 20 and I are talking about, probably how good Frankie was doing :-).

"Are you getting a good picture of me?"

If you zoom in on the painting on the back you can see a dog following the sleigh.  That was Colonel and Kathi's dog at the time of the sleigh's restoration :-).  

I loved getting to watch our friend Leslie take him for a spin.  Bea did all the rides.

Then we both took a lap so I could get a video from behind. Bea was disappointed, but not deterred.

She does not follow me with the cart.  I think this is funny and interesting.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling...

.

... ring ting tingling too...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sara Dunham (@thecrazysheeplady)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sara Dunham (@thecrazysheeplady)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sara Dunham (@thecrazysheeplady)

A huge thank you to Colonel and Kathi for the loan of your beautiful sleigh and for coming over to help with the first drive.  Thank you also to Leslie for your joyful Frankie encouragement all along the way.  These great pictures were taken by Saint Tim.  There may be more pictures coming :-).

Solar Charging

Short Round 

If the sun is shining and there's no wind, all you need to be completely comfy is a good ray of sun.

Solar charging with an extra blanket.  Actually two blankets this morning.  We ended up going down to -1 early this morning and Maisie got pretty cold even with a jacket last night.  I added Cheeto's old super sized blanket this morning and she looks much more comfortable.  

Murphy, if you weren't such a doofus we wouldn't be laughing at your snow "teeth" that make you look like Howdy Doody ;-).

The sleigh ride was a blast!  More to come as I collect pictures and videos.  

Bring Out Your Sleighs!

Depending on who's forecast wins, we could be in for some misery...or some fun.  In the hopes that for once it's going to be fun, and hopefully big fun, we are ready!  

Everyone, especially farmers, have spent the last day or so preparing for a Kentucky Snowmageddon.  We have super low temps predicted, anywhere from 1-3" to 10-13" to 16" of snow, and fingers crossed it doesn't happen, possibly ice.  

Whatever we get, it probably won't be going anywhere until maybe March...or at least up into February.  I'm sure it will get mighty old, mighty quick, but until that happens, if we get a decent amount of snow, we're going to break out the sleigh bells and get to do something that only happens every ten years or so around here.

Short Round.  Such a fun and funny sheep.  Maybe she's already looking towards next year's Christmas card :-).

I hope this sleigh is as excited as we are.  It hasn't been out for a spin in over 20 years.  It's an Albany cutter and was built around 1905 and restored 35 years ago.   These sleighs were the sports cars of sleighs and this one seats two people "If you're married."  Tim says he's not coming out until March, so I guess it will be me and 20 :-).  

This is considered a "city sleigh" so it was not used for deep snow.  If we get deep snow, I'm going to pack down a track in the side field.   Hopefully Auntie Reg can come over and hear her dad's sleigh bells in action.  Big thanks to her for remembering we wanted to do this if it ever snowed again.

Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed...for all the best outcomes.