Baby, It's Cold Outside

Now if that title doesn't give you an earworm, you're probably younger than me! I've been humming it for two days. And cold it is. I complained long and loud last winter about the temps always hovering on the freezing line and the resulting mud and slush. Someone actually listened ( no, it wasn't DH. Now that would have been a true miracle.), and delivered, with a vengeance. Single digits, high winds, measurable wind chill and yes, lots and lots of snow. 16 inches of the powdery white stuff has fallen so far. While others close up their gardens, we are working on the one thing that grows well here this time of year. Icicles!

Gene got the plow and the generator running, one we needed, one just in case. I staged two bales of hay outside the paddock in case Bob didn't start this morning (he did). Old diesel tractors sitting in cold barns can be downright fussy. Things start getting cranky around 20F and go into full out stubbornness below 10F. It is what it is and I worship Bob no matter how cantankerous he can be.

I have a new warp started and am finally making use of the Harrisville warping wheel I bought.

It took a bit for me to figure out the best way to work the cross, but once I did things went along smoothly.

I'm glad I sprung for it. There is about 7 yards of 8/2 natural cotton on there for towels. One chain is done, the other in progress. I finally decided on a pattern. I am going to use Triple Draught Bird's Eye (Murphy) out of Davison's book. For those that have it, page 21, top pattern. 17 inches, 22 epi.

16 small prayer flags have been cut, sewn, and are being knotted. The pillowcase warp hasn't been neglected either. Some sewing has been going on and of course, lots playing with the dogs. Someone needs to go out and cut paths in the dog pen for the little ankle biters. Dennett at 17 is no longer up to the task but still enjoys the cold and snow as much as he ever did, which is a lot!

Stella, well Stella is simply way too small as an effective dog path snowplow, but she does try!

So off I go, with a string of 4 or 5 in tow on my heels as I break new ground for them. A Pied Piper of sorts. Then it's their turn to play. Can't decide if the game is follow the leader or tag!

The turkey is bought and all the fixin's. Prep work will begin today for tomorrow's feast. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday; safe, snug, warm, with those near and dear, in just the manner you wish.

Parting shot: Baby, it's cozy in here!

Bob is Great, Bob is Good

Some weeks just feel like you are shoveling the proverbial crap before the tide. This week was one of them for me at least. Outside I had so much to do I didn't know where to start. I skipped Monday cleaning...enough said on that front. ;-) 

First up really was attending to the paddock gate area. If anyone wants some nice horse manure, come and get it.  I've got plenty! Said manure producers ( I need the t-shirt that shows a horse pooping money) are always fascinated when Bob pays a visit into the paddock. Now, if it wasn't for Bob, the hay would have to be hand carted up a hill. If it wasn't for Bob, the manure would have to be hand shoveled. If it wasn't for Bob, the 8 stumps I removed would have to be hand dug and the list goes on. Bob was my constant companion this week in just about all my endeavors outside, even if it was just to carry tools for me. We love Bob and even though he has at times been called old, cranky or ....puny the farm wouldn't run without him. He sports his own burgie too.

Yesterday I took a big break from all the outside chores, got in my little Subaru and went to town, in a number of ways. I really needed a storage solution for all the bits and bobs of yarn. This is what I came up with. They live on the top of the big yarn cabinet and even if I drop one getting it down, it's unbreakable plastic. Everything is nicely visible so I don't have to go digging around the stash for a little something I thought I might have.

We also have a cashmere warp going on the Murphy loom, the first of the gift scarves.

The prayer flag wrap has been woven off and the flags for friends have already been delivered.

The saddle blanket is into the 3 color pattern and needs about another two hours of work to get off the loom. Might get it this weekend, might not. I want to get Mr. Pink Bunny-Ears out for a ride and see if we can get up to the snow line on a trail or two.

The weather is cold and sunny and just perfect to bundle up and conquer a mountain or two.

Finally, I wanted to post my favorite picture of spring!

Flowers may fade, but sheets hung out to dry after a long winter of being machine dried is just heaven.