Winter morning farm chores

   I’m one of those people who could see herself living in several different kinds of environments.  I grew up in a neighborhood where you could talk to your neighbor from your own front porch, walk to the store to get a gallon of milk, a Hershey Bar or your dad’s cigarettes (the shame of it).   School was just blocks away.  So was the big sledding hill at the local park, and friends were right down the street.  Not a bad way to grow up.

  I’m definitely not a  big city girl, as in every day living, but how cool is it to have immediate access to all that culture, the awesome food- so many kinds! – the vibe of the ALIVE city.  I could also  get used to walking off my terrace on to sugar-white sand and the sound and sight of the ocean just in front of me, palm trees overhead for shade.

  What I’ve got though, where I know I belong… is right here in this small farm lifestyle.  When I think of my life’s journey, I’ve consistently made choices that would get me to this place. When we’ve attempted to leave the lifestyle, we’ve returned to it.   (This Old House was supposed to be a house restoration project, not a farm rejuvenation project for our family.  When we sold the previous farm it was to downsize the workload.  Ha! )  I feel better physically when I’m doing the work involved, though,  even on  frosty cold mornings like this.

One of the downsides?
 The animals need tending twice a day whether
you want to go out in the 15 degree weather or not.
They need tending even if you’ve got the flu.
It’s a holiday and you’ve got food to prepare… animals first!
Hurricane?  Secure the animal headquarters before your own.
Pouring rain?  You’re getting wet!
I’ll take you along for a typical winter morning chore routine.
This is done after dogs have been fed, laundry put in, dishes from last night done
(yes I leave them in the sink overnight, bad habit. I know.  )
and almost grown manchild is fed and off to school.

First, out to the chicks.  I open their door,
and today I scatter left over mashed sweet potatoes and oatmeal in the outside run…

Check for eggs… so far just one…

..and in the coop, refresh water, which has a heater under it…
check light, which is a red flood light, because that does not
through as much heat as a heat lamp, better for the chickens with such a small coop.
…and refill the mash feeder.
 Then up to the barn where the boys are waiting for grain…
Opie has heard my activity at the coop and is now banging at the door
for food.
I notice I forgot to dump the water bucket last night and it’s frozen
this morning. Some chipping and kicking and it’s ready for refill.

Grain and supliments, distributed to the horses…
Hay is distributed in piles far enough apart so there is no bickering.
Horses turned out as the sun comes up over the pines,
blankets adjusted if need be,
Max has two on while it’s this cold –  one for insulation and the outer layer for waterproof.
Next, I bring the gator over and muck stalls. 
No more wheelbarrow, this works much better.
When all three stalls are done,  I drive the gator up to the top of the property
where we have a manure dump, which the Mr. periodically cleans out.
Not a bad gig if you aren’t opposed to getting a little dirty.

22 thoughts on “Winter morning farm chores”

  3. Laughing at Tex's comment and agreeing wholeheartedly!

    You'd go nuts if you lived where I do. You can't even fart without the neighbors smelling it!

  5. How wonderful, though overwhelming when I think of it. So many little critters who depend on your care … wonderful critters, they are.

    I'm so far behind. I just read everything I've missed for the last week+. Once we get snow, I will certainly take you up on your challenge.

  6. Oh yeah…sometimes I dream of a little apartment in NYC or Boston where I could visit to get my fill of people, shops and wonderful food! I also grew up where you could smell the salt water, walk to the park for swinging or skating, friends two doors down, out of the house until dark and/or hunger drove us in…but I do love our farm and horses, heating with wood and quiet peace here…even though the other morning it was -20. Nice gator by the way! Now I have gator envy!!!

  7. You go girl! I'll just wait here inside and watch out the window sipping on a hot cup of coffee…… Cuz I'm a lazy woman.

  8. I grew up in the city like you, with almost the same experiences. Now I'm in the semi-country too… and have much the same experiences (though no horses now)… I feel healthier and happier for them! (and proud of myself!)

  12. That's a lot of work…you really have to love it and I know you do. You are so good with all animals! Enjoy your weekend! Do you get some help from kids on the weekends?

  17. How nice that you enjoy this lifestyle Karen. Not everyone would nor would they appreciate what it has to offer. I've always been able to appreciate where I am in life and enjoy it for what it is.

    We were visiting with a friend recently who used to have cows. We noticed he didn't have them anymore and asked why. His answer was simple. He said every time I get ready to go somewhere I get a call saying to come get one of my cows, he's out again. It reminded me of your downside comments. And then I look at the face on that pretty horse of yours and see no downside at all 🙂
    Sam

  18. I love this post – seeing what you do each morning is fascinating to me – someone who lives in the country but doesn't have any animals to take care of other than my dog. Beautiful photos.

    xo
    Claudia

  19. I don't know how you do it. I could NEVER make such a commitment! Gotta be a love affair! That's all I can say! XXX

  22. I am a city girl through and through. Truth? I'd live in a townhouse if I could. I don't like yard work and my yard looks like it.

    I love my pets, but not critters. My bestest friend owns a hobby farm and her cows SCARE me. I love those eggs though. And I used to LOVE cross country skiing on her land. They winter in Texas now – ha!

    rambling girl – so sorry – but I do love the city

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