Last night, we could hear the logging trucks trying to drag their loads up the temporary road. At the top if the hill, the skidder helped pull the truck onto the ice-covered road using its chained tires. The logging job is almost done, but our logger is scrambling to get the crop off the field before the thaw starts to create mud. We are pleased by their work- the sheep will have plenty of grassy areas interspersed with shade for the hottest days.
We had a decent ice storm, causing traffic snarls in the more populated counties and causing us to go looking for the ice-devices for our boots. Having fooled around with Stabilicers, YakTrax and other similar items, we have gone hardcore. We use these:
So the rule is “no walking on the deck or stairs with the ice devices on”. Predictably enough.
The sheep, geese and chickens have taken the storm in stride. While we chip away at frozen metal, the geese walk with confidence. Did you know that they have little claws at the ends of their toes? Ignore the webbing for a moment, because those claws are sharp and can do damage! The geese appreciate that warmer temperatures have kept their water thawed and entertaining.
I appreciate that Matt went down to the woodchip pile created by the loggers. He hauled some chips back, and used them to treat our driveway when we ran out of salt. I have to say that the chip-traction is even better than the salt-traction. And a little friendlier to the earth, too.
The sheep are protected from the grim weather as they enter the final stretch of pregnancy. They have been relaxing, eating and growing ever-wider. I’m really hoping for lots of healthy lambs.
The sheep were not untouched by the ice, though:
