Valentine's Day Snowstorm

For the last few days, we’ve had cold, clear, sunny weather.
 

When we took Mr. Darcy for his walks, he could chase sticks and romp around on bare, snow-free ground.

But all that was about to change, in a big way. We had weather moving in.

We’re pretty much perpetually battened down this time of year, of course, though we did lay in a bit more firewood for the occasion.

The biggest advantage during snow dumps like this is — we don’t have to go anywhere. We just stay home. What a blessing.

It was fascinating, yesterday afternoon, to watch the clear blue sky gradually get blotted out by incoming clouds.

Below the high cirrus clouds, everything was thickening up on the horizon.

Even the sunset managed to look vaguely ominous, if picturesque.

When we woke up this morning, Valentine’s Day, the world was transformed. Here are some before and after photos.

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

The new calves, Hickory and Ferdinand, don’t mind the snow at all.

(It helps they have a nice cozy barn to curl up in.)

We’re keeping a sharp eye on the other cows with regards to calving. I believe Polly is next — it looks like she’s starting to bag up — and since we’re expecting about a week of nasty, unsettled weather, I’ll pull her into the barn at the first sign. At least with Jerseys, it’s easy to predict imminent birth a few days in advance.

Happy Valentine’s Day!