Up until a couple of weeks ago, before the "real" morning chores, I was also doing a short predawn round: just bringing in two frozen buckets, replacing them with fresh buckets, and filling the wilds' feeders. All done in silence because I didn't want the goats getting out of their cozy beds before dawn to keep me company. Two or three goats would always spot me, but since I didn't speak to them they may have figured I was sleepwalking.
Maybe I was.
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| Evening barncams: infrared and heatlamp red. |
Now, for the first time in many years, there are enough functioning (touch wood) barn cameras and bucket de-icers to make the prequel to morning chores unnecessary on most days. They've got water and I've got an eye on things.
This new 15-gallon water trough is accessible from two paddocks. Can you see the ice, despite the de-icer? That's because the circuit had been tripped.
The annual Water Availability Dance involves shifting buckets, circuits, extension cords, and de-icers in order to reach the mysterious balance required to keep the power flowing and the water liquid. It's never fun, but this year was a bit more troublesome not just because of the snowsnowsnow but because until early January all my chores were still being done with one hand/arm. The new trough, and some very rough one-handed fencing, were part of an effort to reduce the number of buckets - and hence the number of de-icers - needed. To my jaw-clenching surprise, there was still trippage, as seen above, until I swapped out higher-wattage bucket de-icers for 80 watt models designed for birdbaths. Success! Now every creature on the place can reach one of four water sources at all times. The buckets just need daily topping off and a scrub every few days. It's like a holiday.
Speaking of which, we have entered a predicted stretch of genuinely warm weather. Yesterday was about 20F when I was doing noon chores, which was a heck of a lot warmer than single digits have been. I celebrated by prying open a chaise and taking a few minutes to enjoy the scenery.
Hazel thought this was a great idea.
I wasn't even wearing gloves, so it was very easy to reach the peanuts in my pocket.
Don't know why, but this year I suddenly have a cut-off point for thawing frozen gate latches with my bare hands: 11F. Holding onto more than one latch at 11F is downright unpleasant. Gates have been tied shut with baling twine for many weeks now. If the hitches get coated in ice I just cut the twine to open the gate.
Well, to wrap up this jumble of a post,
here are a couple of locals on a recent murky morning:
I hope your February is going well.
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You always amaze me with your ability to figure a work-around for most anything that gets thrown at you. I'm sure the goats appreciate having water that isn't solid!
ReplyDeleteI know the wild birds do, too - I think they might come for the water even without the daily sunflower seeds and mealworms.
DeleteWhat chores you do. I hope both arms are now back in action. And that the cold moderates soon.
ReplyDeleteMy right arm is much better, thanks, with more improvement anticipated. And honestly, the cold hasn't bothered me. But with all this snow and ice, we are likely looking at a long and weary Mud Season. Possibly with a sneak preview this week. Onward!
DeleteWow, that's a lot of cold. Our February has been bouncing around in temperature, rainfall, even a little snow.
ReplyDeleteDo you ever top your water buckets off with hot water? We don't get as cold as you but on frozen mornings, Dan removes the ice and then tops off the buckets with hot water. It really helps them from re-freezing so quickly. Of course, we don't have a de-icer.
I wonder if there is a solar-powered de-icer? I don't put the de-icers out until we're having consistently cold enough weather to freeze the buckets several inches deep, at which point the only way to get the ice out is to upend all the buckets every morning and pour hot water over the entire outside. The de-icers are the only way to ensure the goats have water at night, which is when my herd always does a lot of their drinking.
DeleteYou work harder than most people I know! But it was good to see your feet, stretched out and resting for a change. Yes, mud coming up! We are already dealing with it here.
ReplyDeleteThat last little bird photo is adorable! What kind of bird is it?
Based on the comments here I think I must be giving a false impression of how hard I work - or at least how often! But thank you for that :)
DeleteThe little puffball is a female Eastern Bluebird.
Oh my. That's a lot of work and brainstorming when things don't function properly. Glad you've figured out the de-icing situation. Those temps are just way too cold for me. I'm bundled up all the time at home even when it's 60 outside because the inside feel is always much colder when there's tinted windows on a concrete building that doesn't get southern exposure. Sending warm wishes your way.
ReplyDeleteI really wish the warmer weather would come very gradually and intermittently, since the amount of snow and ice we have at the moment is going to create a serious challenge in terms of deep, slippery mud. It's already 30F(!) here at 8AM, and walking through the settling snow means wet feet within seconds.
DeleteYay for cameras and unfrozen water. Are those hot chickens?? LOL Love the photo of Hazel. I saw a small flock of bluebirds fly by over the weekend and thought of you. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice thing to be associated with - thank you!
DeleteYou. Are. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteChris from Boise
(This was particularly in reaction to your one-armed Water Availability Dance. But true in general as well). Continue to Stay Upright as you move into mud season (though I wouldn't bet that winter is done with you quite yet).
DeleteIt's always "Needs must when the Devil drives" in my world - but thank you :)
DeleteHi, a delightful post to read this morning with sun shining but a winter storm warning here in southern Ontario. Your goats are adorable and how lucky they are to have such a caring owner. Take Care, J
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and leaving a comment, Jocelyn! There are a few flakes falling right now - March 1st.
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