Suddenly, the winter that never was has become the winter
that will not end.
March is known for its capricious weather, exquisite
Spring-days give way to blustery snow flurries that cover the early spring
blossoms. This year is no exception and we are under a winter storm warning
from tonight at 8pm to tomorrow afternoon at 2pm. While the arrival time of
said storm will greatly impact snowfall totals, chances are we will indeed see
some of the white stuff.
This year is different in that this will be just the second
time we have had measurable snowfall all winter. That’s right. Two snows with any sort of accumulation.
Well under a foot in total snowfall. That can’t possibly be good. And, I don’t
mean just for those who run the snowplow businesses. (for them it is
potentially devastating) The lack of snowfall impacts the water table and will
ultimately affect the growing season. That means yet another worry for the
farming community.
As it stands, the weather models can’t seem to come into
agreement, so we will just have to wait and see what happens. One good thing
about March snows, while they come down fast and furious and often pile up the
accumulations, the angle of the sun is such that the white stuff doesn’t hang
around too long.
And, that’s a good thing! It’s just about time to get
serious about the Spring planting season. All the farm stores have seeds and
supplies piled high in preparation. Just about everyone I know has something
started. And, the countdown to Market season has begun. Yikes!
It’s hard to believe that it’s less than FOUR weeks to
Opening Day of the Staunton Farmers’ Market’s 25th anniversary
season. Personally, it’s our 20th anniversary, and in many ways I
feel less prepared than I did that first season. Although, that’s pretty much
par for the course around here in March…check out these posts from the past.
At least we’re not just starting out like we were in 1998 or
reeling from a scary diagnosis and facing major surgery. (like last year)
Every year has a new set of challenges. This year’s remain
to be seen. All we can do is work hard, hold on and hope for the best. …and try not to worry.
To that end, our week was filled with the regular, ordinary stuff
of life on the hill. We hauled the last load of hay for the sheep. The Boss had
a new crew to help this time.
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| Later, I found a mouse... I guess she missed one! |
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| we might as well have been "Siamese-twins" |
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| Karma is "helping" Gus is "supervising" (see him under the wagon?) |
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| all done with the last load |
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| it will be quite some time before we haul another hay wagon |
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| While I thinned the broccoli seedlings... |
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| she chewed up the flats |
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| when I took those away she started in on plant tags and stakes |
Speaking of Karma, she has become fascinated with the sheep.
So much so that she will climb through the fence to go in with the flock. At first
this was cute and funny, then it got a little worrisome. If she can wiggle
through the gates, she can go anywhere (un-supervised). She could even get out
and get lost or hurt.
But, it is funny to see her stand on her back feet, clamber up the gate and catapult her fat, fuzzy self through to the other side. The lambs and ewes don’t seem to mind. And, a couple of them go willing to have her pull the hay off their backs and lick the insides of their ears.
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| I thought she was just going to stand there... but, she wiggled through the gate |
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| she's our first Pyr to show an affinity for the sheep at such an early age |
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| cleaning a ewe's neck |
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| cleaning lamb ears |
The Boss has spent a fair amount of time attempting to “puppy-proof”
things, only to find that something else needs his attention.
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| this is not some weird macrame it's an attempt to contain Karma except, the lambs keep chewing on it! |
She’s requiring some close, constant supervision. And, quite honestly, Gus is growing weary of the job. I keep trying to assure him that she won’t be a puppy forever!
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| come out of the garden, Karma (see? she fits through the fence) |
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| I think his feet are getting sore from all the puppy bites |
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| playing at sunrise |
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| carrying a big stick |
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| "pul-leeeeaase play with me, Gus!" |
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| Gus: "seriously? this kid..." |
And, that, my friends, is that. Another week in the history
books here on the hill.
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| morning light Hope you remembered to SPRING ahead! |
Hope you’re having a Happy
Sunday!
Thanks for stopping by. Come “visit” again real soon!
*Woof* Re-read the archived 2014/15 posts and am glad you are not up to your knees in snow and/or mud this year. Just be glad you do not live in New Jersey. 15" snow last week, same this week. Love the farm update and (yay) more Karma pics to grace my desktop. Hope the coming storm gives you needed water. Take care.
ReplyDeleteWe had huge snow falls a fortnight ago but they went once the sun came out.
ReplyDeleteLovely Karma photos.