Ice Woes

I write this having just come back inside from morning feed.  The first words to Rick, "Well, that was semi-hideous!"

All of us are now officially tired of the snow and ice.  Shouldn't come as a surprise; by late February we're always more than ready for some weather changes.  The problem lies in the transition.

This morning upon leaving the cozy (and may I add ice-free house) the thermometer said 41 degrees (F).  OK, that bodes well.  Confidently I strode out only to encounter smooth-as-silk ice leaving the garage and again when leaving the driveway to veer over to the donkey yard.  Pure, unadulterated ice.  No patches of crunchy snow to gain some footing.  Nope.  I had not worn my cleats -- the driveway looked like a dream.  Foolish me.

No traction whatsoever.  I was sliding down the very small incline down into the donkey yard.  Hanging on to the fence posts for support.  I made no attempt to bring the manure wheelbarrow in - can't do that while hanging on to fence posts!

So to sum up -- donkeys are sick of it and are longingly gazing at the pasture saying, "when will it be green again?"  Chickens are tired of the snow impeding their outside adventures.

I think the only one who doesn't seem fazed is Gunner, who can always find ways to root around without slippage.

Tools Of The Trade

Within the past eight days we have had ice, heavy snow, polar votex, then back to ice and mud.
All within Eight Days!
And yet, not many who have lived in Michigan find this unusual.

Eight days ago I was using my cleats

a walking stick with a sharp end to stab the ice

and a torch to get the gate latch open

A week ago the snow came.  Oh boy, did it come!

A muck rake is a fine snow shovel.to clear a path for the manure wheelbarrow.

If you peek through the bushes below, you can see Rick plowing the driveway.

And now after days with temperatures in the 40's, the snow has melted down to the ice hiding beneath.  Ergo the combo of ice and mud.  

Delightful.

I'd much prefer a winter of snow, just snow, please.