Outdoor Mom's Journal - March 2019

During our outdoor time this month we went...outside to see the beauty of the huge snowfall on March 2nd. I always enjoy seeing how snow sparkles.

There sometimes are bird prints in the snow.

The trees look almost magical with their frost-covered branches against the blue sky.

The frost on the branches almost looked sharp.

The view from the street of our farm looked so remote and like something I'd see up north. It's been a joy to watch how the trees have grown so much since we've lived here. 

The sun was shining so brightly and made the ice on the branches sparkle.

The snow was so high that it almost reached the top of the woven-wire fence. 

The pathway from the barn back to the house was very narrow. The snow is heavy and high, so it is difficult to shovel wide paths. Thankfully, the days are getting warmer and the sun is moving closer to us so the snow will be gone by the end of the month. 

There was a bunch of crows that have been hanging around at the farm. They enjoy sitting on top of the pine trees next to the driveway. They get a great view of the pasture and farm. 

The most inspiring thing we experienced was...spending time outside on March 2nd trudging through the east pasture. The snow was very deep, so it was quite the workout lifting each leg high and putting it down into the snow.

Yet, the reward was feeling like I was in the remote Northwoods - all alone except for the horses.

While out in the pasture, there would be a periodic gentle wind that would nudge the snow from the trees - creating a "snow shower." 

Our outdoor time made us ask (or wonder about)...how the horses are able to handle such extremes in temperature.

  

This year, the temperature plunged to below -50 degrees windchill. During the summer, temperatures and "feel like" weather will be well into the 100+ degrees.

I think the Spring and Fall are the favorite times for the horses. They gallop and spend more time outdoors (rather than choosing to spend it in the barn), and finding food is much easier to do.

In the garden, we are planning/planting/harvesting...nothing at this point. By March 31st, all the snow has melted and we are looking at some serious flooding - especially in our west pasture.

The ground has not thawed yet and between the snow and rain, the pond is increasing in size. The horses can't reach this pasture since their walkway/path is under a good couple feet of water (at least).

It is hard to do much of anything outside since we can't dig yet. We have to let things dry out like they are on higher ground here.

Thankfully, around the house things are relatively dry. They are just brown and dull in color compared to the start of the month with the brilliant white snow and beautiful blue sky.

I added nature journal pages about...daily observations that I see from the house as I look out, when I'm outside, and/or when I'm driving. I'm continuing to keep track of the birds I see and noticing how they are starting to change as some early birds are making their way back north.

I am dreaming about…days when I can see the lawn furniture. Underneath the snow, there are two outdoor chairs and couch. I've never seen the snow this high before.

Even the picnic table is piled high with snow.

A photo I would like to share...when I was outside on March 2nd taking photos of the snowfall, an eagle flew from the east pasture, through the backyard, and right overhead. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen!