Well, it finally happened. A White Christmas for us. Actually we had one in 1969 in Williamsburg Virginia while we were still young and no kids. So this is the first in 41 years.
We saw it snowing pretty good before we went to bed on Christmas Day and then woke up this morning to about 6 inches and still light snow falling. It was sticking to all of the trees, the fences, anything that was out there was covered in snow. Absolutely a winter wonderland.
Then we realized at 7 am that our dogs were not fenced in. We saw Della scooting around with something in her mouth which we surmise was a deer part and did not see Daisy at all! Oops. We quickly figured the snow had collapsed our mesh electric fence and the dogs just decided to go for a run ... and for Della, a hunting trip. She loves deer meat and bones unfortunately ... and since this is deer hunting season all around us, there Are often delicacies to be had.
After quickly slipping into long johns and warm outerwear, we headed out to fix the fences and feed the farm animals. It was only about 32 degrees so not too bad temperature wise. The fence was down in two places which were easy to fix. Then I went to get Della and she came easily. Usually when she has deer meat she runs away because she does not want to give it up. But she was easy ... back into the fenced barn area. Then we saw Daisy wandering around and she came easily too... actually rolled over in the snow to get her belly rubbed. This is her kind of stuff ... her hair is at full length and she is bred to withstand very cold temperatures and rain/snow. So in the goes. And now we're back to normal.
Fortunately, the goats were locked in the barn and hence could not get out when the fence is down. Also the chickens were locked in their chicken house bu their fence was also OK ... I tidied it up a little and we fed the chickens. They really do not like snow so they hardly ventured out all day. We tried to make them a path from the chicken house doors to the feeder and the water can but I'm not sure it was used. Anyway, that's their problem.
Now, one last story. We went to the feed mill on Christmas Eve to buy dog food and found it was closed early. So we only had one day of doig food lefyt with the big snow coming. Susan decided to make homemade dog food. One pound of Rob Hogan's hamburger (top quality, grass fed beef!), carrots, blue berries, rice, and cabbage - quite a gourmet meal. After Susan cooked it all together, she took it down to the pups and they inhaled it. Tomorrow will be back to normal and will likely be a big let down. Have you ever heard of homemade dog food?
Anyway, it's been a great day of rest, puzzles, facebook and phone calls. Tonight, the hot tub in the snow.
Oh, back to that Christmas Day snow in 1969 --- we went to Williamsburg for three days and drove to Susan's home in Snow Hill on Christmas morning. While in Williamsburg it snowed and it was quite memorable and striking. We met some friends somewhat accidentally and on Christmas Eve we rode in their 1948 Bentley down the Duke of Glouchester Street in the snow. Obviously, we have never forgotten it. Susan made the cutest red velvet dress to wear at the formal meal we had in the Williamsburg Inn (it actually had an open back) and she wore a fur coat. We went to a string concert in the Governor's Palace on Christmas Eve as well. Those were the days of youth with a full life ahead of us. We have photos somewhere and maybe we can post some of them one day.
Merry Christmas to all of you.
Dwight
