We’re bored of this now. The constant gale force north wind brings a wind chill of around minus ten and then there are the blizzards and drifting. There is more snow to come too. Horrible.
But today everyone went outside for most of the daylight hours as it got steadily nastier. We put rugs on the old horses and ponies as well as Tiddles. After lunch, I found everyone huddling in and around the containers for shelter so I shouted and they all came running and quickly went inside. These days no one mucks around. No naughty little ponios now.
Having Flossie here has been a god-send too. She is beyond helpful. I owe her so much for this. Above and beyond any call of duty. She is tireless – mucking out, lugging water, rugs on, rugs off. All the heavy stuff while trying to preserve my back which is putting up huge complaints. I am even considering epidural steroid injections again, so things must be bad.
There is more snow coming but as long as we have a good stock of food for the animals, we will manage.
I can’t see anyone getting out soon, though I might try and make a dash to town next week if I can.
And Pepper has a vet appointment on Monday – dodgy ears situation. She is having treatment so it is really only a check-up.
Still, we have an excellent supply of hot chocolate and Christmas choccie, so we hoomans are doing pretty well.
I am currently writing this with a hot water bottle on my lap, hand-warmers and a heated back belt as well.
An observation: There is no such thing as waterproof work gloves. They are all liars and mountebanks.
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I am guessing Daisy has already left, but how long do you have the wonderful help from Flossie? Is the airport open or has the snow shut everything down?
Until the 11th. Daisy went 30th. Airport currently closed. Boat still going, I think.
I read a lovely quote this morning, but clearly C.S. Lewis never had to tend for elderly animals on a windswept island in the North Sea:
{insert emoji for rolls eyes} “If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy but still the same amount of snow.”
Now I feel such a grinch. I have no joy for snow.
Is that where all of our snow has gone?
Please take it back.
HA! You are SO right about the waterproof gloves — pure fiction!
I feel you on all of this — everything is harder when the weather is vile. We’ve had wind warnings and deep cold (a polar vortex, even) and snow squalls and it just makes me want to weep. It’s bad when you’re grateful for the loaded wheelbarrow keeping you earthbound on the way to the muck pile in snow and 110 km/h winds. Getting back into the barn with the empty one can be a bit dodgy! lol.
So glad you’ve got some help…it makes is all bearable somehow. I hope your weather settles before Flossie has to leave. xo
Me too. She is wonderful.
WOW. Brutal……
Does the community stall hold the body heat from all the sheep and ponies? Does it noticably “warm up” ?
Yes. Nice and snug.
Chocolate is the gift of the gods anytime, but it has to be imperative in your weather! I bet everyone came running to get back in from the nastiness. It looks like the Livestock Manager (Pepper) collapsed at day’s end with her hard work & her one assistant is on ice & heat & the other will be flying off soon, so I feel Pepper’s concern. Survive & thrive, All of You!
I think we are just existing at the moment. Hellish out there.
Oh dear! I hope you are all coping!