Arctic Vortex.

So, that's what the weather people are calling this last blast of cold weather. An Arctic Vortex. Hmmm, not sure why they feel they need to label the weather. Why can't they just call it what it is? DARNED COLD! So it was a rough few days, but happily all of us made it through. Whew! Yesterday I let everyone back out to the pastures and yards. The goats and sheep went RUNNING out, kicking up their heels. I guess they were getting "barn fever" The chickens were not so excited to get out. They ran to the door, looked at the snow...and stopped dead in their tracks. They were happy to just stand in the doorway looking out for a while. At least I was able to air everything out a bit. Today was even better. I think we hit a high of 42 today. It is still going to be a while before everything thaws, but it sure felt good not to have the wind feeling like it was ripping my skin off. The day ended with a little snow and rain mix but it isn't terrible.... yet. They are talking next week, back into the teens for highs. Not looking forward to that. For now I will take advantage of the "warmer" temperatures and clean out the stalls and coops, get fresh bedding down and prepare for the next round of winter weather. One good thing about these long cold days... I have a reason to be inside, thumbing through seed catalogs, getting ideas on what I want to plant this spring. I just love planning a garden. Oh, but as most everyone knows...even the best laid plans can fail. I usually plan these grandeur gardens.. then last minute... just about the last few planting days.. I am throwing things wherever they land. LOL Every year I say " this year I will plan better" So, this year... I WILL plan better. Adding a few more fruit trees this year, and expanding the hog pen into the woods. 2 fairly big projects, I intend to finish.