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Friday, February 4, 2011

Snow day at the old farmhouse

We had our first snow day of the season yesterday, and only our second since moving to the old farmhouse.

It was long overdue and, as you can see, we were tinkled pink.


 Our first snow day came just a few months after settling in here and we quickly learned
that it's a far cry from a snow day in the city. 

Sure, there's shoveling involved in both locations but there is much more here. Much, much more.
The wind whips across the field behind us depositing drifts in the most inopportune places.  
A snow blower was deemed a necessity after our first winter.
 That wind also chills quick to the bone and proper gear is a necessity.
Unfortunately, it may also terrify the children next door. 

Heck, it terrifies me.

 But out here, the real challenge is keeping warm. 

Or shall I say keeping warm without the use of oil.

With two wood stoves on the go, we're constantly replenishing our wood supply.

Until the snow hits, we bring loads of wood in using a wheelbarrow, but once we have a good 
layer of snow, the toboggan comes out. Maybe I should clarify that, the sled comes out and
the toboggans/ski hats/toques are donned. 

Hauling wood is a chore the ghost twins do regularly.

The real twins can usually be found inside complaining that they have to work on a snow day.

Imagine that.


It's a tough job but someone's gotta do it. 
  Of course, the biggest difference in the country, plain and simple, is the view

and enjoying it together.


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This is my Farm Friend Friday story.

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~Happy Friday Friends!~

 

22 comments:

RoeH said...

I'd love to live where you do. But since I can't, I like the word vicariously. Loved this post!

Anke said...

It looks beautiful!

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

It's nice to know I have company in my misery!
Hey I got my Whirly popper last night. I just need to try it out now.
Keep warm!
Patti

Laurie at Turner Farm said...

Oh, how I miss having the girls home to help with wood. They may complain now, but the memories and laughter it creates are priceless. My girls offer to come help with wood day now, they love the memories. Love the photos ~ stay warm. We have yet another storm predicted for Saturday!

Nancy said...

Wood, wood and more wood! But doesn't it feel so good? :)

This is a great post, Andrea. Super photos.

Deb said...

I keep telling my husband we need a sled to haul the wood.
Nothing beats wood heat does it?

Jen said...

Beautiful Winter Post...

TexWisGirl said...

A winter post full of awesomeness! Loved it. Love "the ghost twins" photo. :) We actually got about 3-4 inches of snow last night here in NE Texas! Jeepers!

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

A toboggan to haul wood... what a fabulous idea! I can relate about the oil heat... when we moved to Red Gate Farm our furnace was OLD. It was installed in the late 50's and was a used one even then! Fortunately for us, it died and we replaced it with a more efficient one but still had to stick with oil for fuel... certainly not the cheapest option out there, especially when heating a drafty old house!

~Chris

PS I can see that I'm going to need to acquire a hat and perhaps some new wools socks for my trip in a couple of weeks! :)

Mary, Windy Meadows Farm said...

Such terrific photos! Glad you had snow and that you had a fun snow day as well. Our kids were out 3 days this week...great now, but ahhh, days to make up in June. Happy Friday. -Mary PS, love the new header photo & font!

teekaroo said...

My mom would ask us to bring in wood when we came in from playing outside. Unfortunately, she would wait until we were already undressed and halfway upstairs to ask us....grumble, grumble. It never occurred to us to just bring some in on our way. :)

giozi said...

Your boy is really handsome, he has a pretty smile.
Your did a good job.
I hope don see your husban with that look at night :D
Have a nice weekend.

MJ said...

Wow, that is hard work!! There is something to be said for working hard for something worthwhile, yes? You had asked where we were wanting to move to, the answer is probably VA. We want the view, the mountains, the hikes, we want the work, we want to be closer to the earth. FL is beautiful and we have done some wonderful living here, but there is definitely something missing and I see it the most with my kids. There is no work involved in living here. No distinct change of seasons, no renewal from dark to light. I came from the north, so I do know what they are missing. Anyway, I ramble. I love seeing your "work" and Farm Friend Friday is cool! More living vicariously!

Michelle said...

These are some great shots. We also burn wood and it is quite a chore. Both the hauling and the clean up.

Verde Farm said...

Andrea, what a great post. First, I love your new header and photo-it is so pretty. Thrilled you joined FF Friday :) What a great post for it. The ghost twins made me chuckle but I laughed out loud at the scary husband photo but I must say that last one of him and the dog--he looks adorable--not scary at all. Stay warm and have a great weekend.
Hugs, Amy

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Why am I always last?

Wood. The word is so and cozy in October. By March, not so much, eh? That is how I feel about it! And I am going to use that excuse with J. It is a snow day. I don't hafta work. um. yeah.
I loved this and the pics of the *ghost twins*-too, cute!!
Love the pic of The Artist and Callie :)

xo, misha
LYLAS!

Anonymous said...

Wow....2 wood stoves going! Our 1 keeps us busy! We broke down and and bought a used 4x4 Gator this summer for use here on the farm.....we also thought how wonderful it will be for bringing wood to the house....no more pushing the wheel-barrel....well, yes it is great except for when you have 4 ft ice/snow mix drifts in areas you can't get the tractor with plow.....not even a Gator can get through those....lol! I am now on the search for a sled, great idea!
Stay warm by the fire and love your pics! Denise

Rural Rambler said...

Andrea, love the new header! Enjoyed this post this morning from wintery, snowy MissouREE. It looks Brrr there in your bit of country but the smiles on the men folk say it all! I'm not sure about the little face in the second shot :)

Cheryl said...

Yes, you have to love wood heat!
Great photos, I love the snowy countryside.

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

Whoo hoo...you've got snow! Oh how I love wood heat. I can't convince my husband of this though. We have a pellet stove - 2 disadvantages: 1. goes out with the power, 2. no wood-burning smell. Love the ghost children - I had to look twice at the photo and then read your caption to not think my eyes were playing tricks on me.
Have a great week!
Staci

Genny said...

Snow, beautiful snow! Your photos are lovely and have me wishing for a blizzard here. We have been so snow deprived this year, and it's already February. I hope we get more before winter is over.

Judy said...

Love the ghost twins photo. We also burn with wood and love it. I actually cook and bake with our wood stove. I'll be sad to see summer come because than I won't be able to use it again until next winter.