Last night, we had our first snow of the season. I didn’t think I was ready for it because it has been so warm. I always feel like I need a little lead in to that first snow, but the snow came whether or not I was ready. Today, I started the part of the year where I really earn my breakfast.
I shoveled out the chickens while Ron did the driveway.. It was during this process that Ron discovered the heavy, wet snow had brought down a tree–on the fence in the chicken yard–that he just finished rebuilding last weekend! Oh, that man was grumpy. I didn’t even try to comfort him because I felt there was no way to offer comfort for something like that. He was going to have an epic day of work repairing the fence. I just told him I was so, so sorry for him and kept shoveling. Indeed, he had a really rough day. Poor man!
I shoveled out the ducks too, who were far more thankful than the chickens. A few chickens came out, but mostly looked at me from the coop wondering why in the world I had let it snow and ruin their day. I shoveled thoroughly some little paths and areas for them, but it would be several hours before the chickens accepted the reality of the situation and decided to come outside.
I told them it would probably melt soon anyway.
On the bright side of the morning, the snow was beautiful to me. When the white first comes, I always treasure it. And, truly, a Great Pyrenees is happiest when it snows. I got this picture of our little (big) Bairre today. Isn’t he beautiful?
well it may NOT meltoff. sorry for the chicken and any other grumps. are we ever ready for first snow? just before the snow we discovered a maple tree busting low on the trunk, suspended by bending over a next neighboring beech sapling and hanging over the driveway to touch into some pinetops. a classic widow maker requiring a safety warning block and multiple consults for the careful and expensive expertise needed to clear it, if by chance the wind doesn’t do it’s job before such human appointment is attained. i i were a handy old farmer i’d get out the chain, big block n tackle and with a tractor pull it buttend back and down. don’t know if arborists know that technique 🙁
You were so right! It did not melt off. Poor chickens. Such a disappointment for them.