first snow

This is what an Adirondacker would call the seasons first real, snow fall.

We received nearly 6-8 inches of snow last night and its still slowly coming down this morning.

The radio says that its suppose to be in the 50's tomorrow, but I have spent enough winters here to know that this snow might not go away so quickly. And if I were a betting gal, I would bet that most radio forecast for our area, are usually wrong, wrong, wrong! For the most part, that is.

Even if the snow does go, I can't help but think that it won't. And if that is true, then how things look at side now, will have dire straits for the 5 month road of winter ahead of us.

Many things today happened as I walked out into the path to do the farm chores. So with camera in hand, snow boots and adorned in wool attire, I made my way to the goats shed.
(This is their first winter! How exciting!)
As I opened that door, I was prepared for their reaction to it.

Most mornings, they know exactly what to expect. They are, in fact, creatures of habit and don't like their schedules being played around with. I think seeing that snow frightened them at first. But Mimzy's poor tummy got the better of her fright as she darted out of the shed to have her mornings breakfast.

Shortly followed, but not so close behind her was Woosie and then very, very long after that was our Rosie. Im sure they will spend most of the day under the over hang, but we'll see how they manage with this new experience at their hooves!

Having seen the happiness of the goats had me smile in tow, I managed over pass the garden to feed the chickens. "Oh no," I said to myself.

I saw something that would just not do. Something that would, like I mentioned early,  create a very tragic winter ahead. The unfinished compost heap....oops! 

Andrew and I managed to start an idea we had, to erect a simple structure to manage us through the winter. But we never seemed to either remember or find the time to finish it.

See..compost bins are very important to construct with integrity because they manage to call all bears, fox and raccoon to it. And if its not well constructed,well... then we have big problems. Because not only will we lose our compost but we might loose our compost bin as well. AND...you know that whole wild animals don't mix well with livestock thing...yeah. 

You know what I mean. 

A strong compost structure was a project that Andrew had to be in on to build correctly. Not one of my modge podge carpentry, hack jobs Im sad to say! 

Though, I must admit we did come up with something quick and easy that didn't compromise the integrity. So everyone is happy and that is good.

But now this project is covered in snow!? Yep, you may have guessed it. I spent the next hour outside, without my gloves mind you,  finishing our project. 

I am so thankful I know where my compost will be going through out the winter.

And also thankful for the wood boiler near by to put my frozen hands into thaw out. If it weren't for that, I would have had frost bite Im sure.

Living here is so rewarding. Its also very hard. Its a way of life you couldn't  understand until you have spent some serious winter time up here in this land. Often, people come to visit the Adirondacks during our lovely Summers, chilly Springs and colder Fall seasons. But Winter? Winter is nothing very popular to most, aside for the sledding and skiing. Most people do not visit here for long during winter. Its just too hard and too cold. 

Its because of this connection, we Adirondackers have with winter, that gives an understanding that most don't have. I have an affinity with the animals, preparing for the long winter season ahead. You see your world so differently and your life is lived and energy given, is given with so much more wisdom and peace. When understand the delicate balancing acts of the seasons, you know best which projects are to be finished and when others will need to wait for another season to be completed.

Seasons that are hard to endure, such as our winters, gives me the strength to be patient and allow things to be finished when they are suppose to. And it gives me the wisdom to enjoy them as they are unfolding before my very eyes.