New Years Day 2014

Like most across the country, we too experienced the Polar Vortex. The cold extended through New Year's Day.   Thought I would share some holiday activities on the farm.

First the critters needed fed and pampered through the cold.  Well the old tractors coughed and belched and refused to start.  We cannot feed hay without the use of the mighty combustible engine.

As usual Mr. O did his mechanical magic.  Believe me when I say diesel exhaust can smell beautiful in the frigid air after one stands over jumper cables reeking of starter fluid with crossed fingers and all the while bawling cows are serenading you.  Makes for a lovely New Year's Day morning adventure!

Waiting patiently,....do you know it is -10F?  Where's my hay?!

A few hours later chores are completed and we head inside.

Fact:  Icicles grow on beards and mustaches during a polar vortex

Venturing inside I stumble across something in the basement.  It is furry and frozen stiff.   When Mr. O and married, my father-in-law warned me:  "there will be days you wonder why you love him."  No more needs said.  Warning - The photo below is not a tender heart. 

Fact:  One must thaw out a coyote before it can be skinned.

Getting beyond the fact that a frozen fur bearer is thawing out in the basement, we settle in for a few hours inside.  A warm lunch was a must.

Now let me give you a little history.  Back in 2007 we had a major ice storm in the area.  We are the second to the last on our electrical rural grid line; hence we were without power for 9 days.  I kind of enjoyed it.  It really had just a few draw backs:  kerosene lamps leave a black residue, no oven (we cooked soups/stews on top the woodstove), disgruntled teenagers in the house, and eventually we ran out of clean clothes which meant a trip to the laundry mat.

Anyway from that experience we thought we should be more prepared.  A old-time coal/wood stove was in order.

Here she is.  I think she deserves a name.

New Year's Day menu.  Homemade venison bologna, home canned sauerkraut and home raised potatoes.  It was a hit! 

With warm bellies we bundled up again and headed out.  We were low on firewood.  An hour and half later we had a nice truck load.

Back inside we had some meat to grind.

Everyone is considered labor around here.  Little guy included.

So this is how we spent New Year's Day.  Quietly.  Bundled up outside.  Feeling the warmth of a good fire inside.  Enjoying the bounty around us.

And for those of you wondering, yes the coyote was removed from the basement, ........eventually, and I love Mr. O more than ever!