Scenes from a Teeny Tiny Farm

Yes, we're in the midst of an snowy deep freeze, BUT we have power.  And for that I am grateful.

Donks have had blankets on for a week and will have them on until Monday when the overnight temp is in double digits.  And yes, we have a radiant heater in the coop.  Those readers are in the never-ever-put-a-heater-in-the-coop camp, so be it.  We can agree to disagree. 

Although this might look brutal, donks are OK.

They're getting extra hay rations which is the primary way to keep that internal fire going.
Of course the blankets help a lot and they have a nice bedding layer to insulate from the ground.

Yes, sometimes it's helpful to separate the two bully girls from Gabby so she doesn't get ganged up on.  Plus, you lucky readers get to see the amazing manure pile.  In the mornings we push the wheelbarrow into the donkey yard to collect manure, but when we go out mid-day and evening and the donks have pooped their hearts out in the barn and the dining areas, ya gotta put it somewhere. 

Now, you've got to admit, the donkeys demonstrated artistic creativity in this snow pattern.

Chickens are not happy with this weather.  We keep the coop closed up when the temps stay super duper cold during the day and that's no fun.  They do find ways to amuse themselves.  Witness Pippi's antics in the nesting box.  And yes, the stinker stops when I say his name. 

Keep Faith in your thoughts next week.  She's scheduled for major dental surgery at Michigan State University.  The princess is 11 years old (12 in March) so I do worry about her ability to pop back.

I caught her in a rare sunny spot which is why she looks a bit slitty-eyed.

Last, but not least, the African violet is blooming.  A somewhat rare occurrence so definitely worth noting.

And yes, I'm still following the Walk for Peace.  I encourage you to too.

Through Thick and Thin - Ice

 Ease of care for the animals has been dictated by the back-and-forth weather conditions since before the holidays.
Snow, ice, snow, warm with rain which means ice, snow and now another bout of slush and ice.

With all my heart I can say emphatically:  I hate the ice.

Navigating the driveway to get to the animals when it's covered with ice feels life threatening.  But this comes from someone with balance issues, as you know.

At it's worst, out came the shavings covered path to help us get from the gate to the barn, and helping the donkeys as well.  They walk v.e.r.y carefully in icy conditions.

Of course, now it is topped with a layer of snow and a thin layer of ice.  So much for solid footing.

Right after Christmas we loaded 45 bales to last through March when our hay guy returns to town.  Icy conditions made that chore lots of fun.

All for the donks.

Last post I showed you the citrus tree.  It did get embellished further and I'll hate to take it down.

Lastly I must end with the Walk for Peace that it happening right now.  If you haven't heard about it, a group of Buddhist monks from Texas are walking about 2300 miles to Washington D.C.  In the name of compassion and peace.  You can follow it on Facebook, and I believe Instagram as well.  I follow the photos and videos daily and am in awe.  At times, words simply cannot express my emotions.  They ask that we daily say, "Today is going to be my peaceful day."  Try it.