They tell me spring is on its way. They say it will start on March 20th. I’m not sure I believe them.
Jeremiah took off around 5:30 this morning for another shoeing conference. He will be gone for about a week. Then I’ll be leaving the morning of the day he gets back for a vacation in Costa Rica with my sister. Thankfully, one of us will be at the ranch the whole time, so we won’t need to call on too much help, but taken together, these next two weeks will probably account for the most time we’ve spent apart since we first started dating in 2010.
Until I leave, things will be cold. Really cold. (Like, -7 degrees tonight.) Right now, outside looks like this.
The woods remind me of a Robert Frost poem as I make my nightly trudge out to the barn, but I have hopes that we will at least be above freezing temperatures by the time I get home. In the meantime, Spring whispers sweet nothings, small promises that give me just a little hope that its closer than we think.
For example, my chickens have started laying a bit more. A few days ago, Jeremiah collected 5 eggs, up from the 2, 1, or 0 we have been collecting each day this winter. Of course, all of the eggs were frozen solid. But hey, it’s a start, right?
Also, we have a bit more daylight each day. The sun won’t set until 5:40 today. I am in love with each extra second of daylight.
Spring cannot get here soon enough for my liking. Everything we do out here on the ranch takes more time and costs more money in the winter, and I’m kind of over it. Stalls get dirtier. Chores have to be done in the dark. We use more electricity for lights and water heaters. We have to feed more hay and more grain. Not to mention keeping the house heated.
I’m looking forward to warmer weather. To daylight into late evening. I’m looking forward to riding my horses again. And I’m looking forward to being able to go out to the barn without adding layers and layers of bulky clothes.
I think maybe the critters are looking forward to Spring too.
Has Spring sprung in your neck of the woods, or are you still shivering with me and all the critters out here at Eagle Ridge?
Almost Farmgirl 
We drove toward spring. After my wife was laid-off, we loaded up the trailer and headed south. We stopped at the sea-shore on Padre Island, Texas. A most beautiful place. Stay warm.
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I’m tryin’
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Where I live in Florida, we get spring at least once a week. Then we go back to almost winter. Makes for a great allergy season. Think Florida winters should be called the Sneezing Season.
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Just a word of caution. I don’t think I would post the dates you will be gone.
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Fair point. 🙂 Edited and updated.
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It would be wonderful if your gift with pen and paper (or in reality, “keyboard”) could be turned into magical wraps of warmth, keeping you comfy as you “trudge” about doing the work you love under tough conditions. I so love your giving us visions of what is to come.
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I love that Frost poem. I remember memorizing it in high school. I hope it warms up soon for your critters (and you guys).
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I’ve been relating to that particular poem a lot lately. I’ve always loved it too
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Still shivering I’m afraid. Looking forward to spring like you. Enjoy your vacation in Costa Rica. Sounds wonderful! 🙂
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Thanks. I will. 🙂
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Just today I noticed that my mare was starting the very early beginnings of shedding her winter coat. I don’t know about what the groundhog or the almanac says but my Quarter Horse predicts spring is coming!
We are in Georgia. Not sure if that help you or not- I think you are a tad bit away from here!
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Just a little. I’m all the way up in the frozen tundra that is Illinois. I’m betting on my hens though. It’s gotta be close
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Cherity, how cold can it get before a horse needs to go inside? And I thought of you when the TV news was full of those runaway llamas! Did you see it?
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Well, ours have been known to stand outside, Unblanketed, in negative tens and twenties and be just fine. Usually, they need more help if they’re young, old, or sick.
And I did see the runaway llamas! Poor things must have been scared out of their wits.
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