Variety

It has been suggested that I not limit myself to the view from just one window in our house, when we have thirteen options! So here is one, more towards the east, out our laundry room window (will have to work on the screen situation, sorry!):

A view of our building in a box hay shed, 6' x 6' poultry shed, O'Hara garden shed, and our various junk. Imagine that, a farm that has junk . . .

Out this way, you can see the other part of our property:

A sleeping garden, the clothesline, empty meat turkey pen (occupants now in the freezer), grape arbor, compost pile, straw-covered strawberry bed . . . this part of the property feels pretty neglected this time of year. We don't spend a lot of time with our plants in the winter, and through experimentation, I found that clothes don't dry very well outside below about 45 degrees, so the clothesline just hangs out with itself until spring.

Mostly this time of year, its just making sure that all our outside critters have enough food, water, and dry bedding to stay warm and maintain enough energy to grow or lay eggs as is their job. Much to my chagrin, we found out that the calves drink more water when its cold, in order to process more food to help stay warm . . . more watering hauling for us . . . just part of the bargain huh?

And inside, we eat warm food, wrap up in blankets and wear fleece and flannel.  Craft, work on house projects, play games, and cuddle.  Enjoying down time that doesn't exist during the busy spring, summer, and fall.

So even if the calendar says its still 14 days until winter, I'm going to go ahead and welcome in the season a little early. Happy winter!