Winter's Frozen Ground

Winter has come to Pocket Canyon Farms as the temperature drops with each night. The chickens are all huddled together in the old dog house and snuggling up tight. Jackets I have left outside working are now frozen solid like a board. Now that several nights have past the ground keeps getting frozen deeper and deeper. I had a quail fly out today while changing the food and water. While attempting to "scamper" up the hill in search of the quail I found out just how frozen the ground really was. I was slipping and a sliding all over. This afternoon the sun finally shone bright and warm, at least streaming in the windows it was warm though the frost never left the ground today. This is California and after this past week I am ready for spring already, though I know it is not possible nor close. I check my plants everyday, I win some battles and loose others. Milo, Huey and Jasper don't move throughout the day now. Curled up on a blanket or on the couch they refuse to leave their cosy spots in front of the pellet stove, I can't really blame them. This is a hibernation period at the farm. The best I am getting out of my 14 girls is 2 eggs a day. I grow sleepy in these cold days and feel like a bear who is trying to hibernate, but who just isn't being allowed to. Wait! What is this, Milo has emerged!!! And….well… has hopped up on the table. Alas, his only movement for the day has to be a naughty one. Time to peruse my library and find a book for the evening.

Season's Turn

Today winter has definitely come as December has come full force into the air. The vineyards which surround us are no longer brilliant reds and yellows, but a crinkly brown which equals a hibernation I wish I could take. Butters is no longer sleeping on the ground but on top the goat table meatloafing like a feline. The ducks all waddle into one condo now no longer preferring separate lodging quarters. The garden is covered with a plastic sheath to ward off the frost which threatens our tender greens No! Mister Frost that arugula is mine! I'm wearing sweaters, the dogs are wearing sweaters and the chickens are lucky I don't make a few for them. Hello December, you have come in with a bang!