So far at the farm we’ve got 8 inches, and we’re expecting another one or two before it’s all over.  I took the break between snowfalls to take pictures of everyone outside.

There’s plenty of shelter, hay and fresh water for all of them, so we are all able to relax a bit and enjoy the snow.

It’s especially nice when we start our day with a recipe from the always wonderful Smitten Kitchen!  This is baked eggs ranchero from her book.  The eggs came from our chickens, who have started laying again now that the days are getting longer.

Charley trudged through the snow to get food and snuggles.

I love how Francis is photobombing in the back.

The dogs are taking it in stride.  Sabine’s been rolling all around in it, Orzo and Gnocchi have been playing in it.

Cini has been ever vigilant against any interlopers, and hasn’t seemed to even notice it.

I hope you are all enjoying your snow day as much as we are!!!

A few days ago we got happy reports of potential snow for our area, and started making preparations in case we got hit.  Projections were for 6 inches or so, and though Paul was very unenthusiastic and grumbly about the idea of snow, he helped me get the farm in order so that we could actually enjoy it from indoors, unlike last year when we spent an entire storm outside trying to keep everyone dry.

But I digress.

The snow was not expected until late morning, so after we made sure all of the water troughs were full (and the tank heater working), we got busy delivering extra hay to both paddocks.

Once that was complete I made sure the dogs were in where they could access the bigger shelters and Paul cleared space for the tractor in the garage.  Then we went inside and I got the kids working on their schoolwork while we waited for the snow (no sense cancelling school for home-schooled kids when there is no snow actually out there to play with!).

We waited.  And waited.  And waited some more.

Susan teased me with pictures of lovely white snowfall in northern Virginia, and we heard reports of plenty of the white stuff just to our west.

Some time after noon we started seeing some snow “drizzle” and then our weather reports changed.  We would now see around two inches total.

Needless to say, the kids and I were very, very disappointed.

Fortunately by around evening feeding time the snow began to pick up and we say some actual accumulation on the ground.

Everyone was fairly unfazed by it, and focused more on FOOD!

Though not much snow had fallen we double-checked on everyone’s hay and water levels and made sure the chickens were tucked away safely for the night.

Happily, we did get at least an inch, and the next morning dawned super bright and cold.

The water tank without the heater had to have the ice broken up.

Aside from that, everyone was rather unfazed and unimpressed.

Orzo and Lucy played a bit after they’d had their breakfast.

The pigs and the little ones were content to remain in their shelter with the hay until I brought their grain.

Only the ducks seemed confused; they’re the only animals here that hadn’t seen snow before.  They weren’t sure if they should eat it or nest in it.

Although we’re still disappointed we haven’t seen a really good snowstorm, I’m glad we at least got some taste of winter.  It’s such a lovely and welcome break from the rain and mud!