A Whirlwind Weekend

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Dayphoto

What a weekend….Friday we took off for Buena Vista…we had an appointment there that had been made weeks in advance—

thinking we would take a short cut back home (and a different route) we thought we would go over Independence Pass into Aspen.

Let me tell you right here and now…never ever EVER go over Independence pass in the fall or the spring…they close it in the winter

The bottom of the pass says “If you are longer than so many feet do not attempt this pass”

I guess some people just can’t read.

This kind of driving is NOT FOR ME

The drive was beautiful snowwise, but not drivingwise, and I’m sure Aspen loved the snow.

For me…I was glad to get to DRY ground.

The next day we had to head off again!

Linda

Water—-The Lifeblood of Life

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Dayphoto

We received notice yesterday by the Ditch Company that the irrigation water is to be shut off early this year and (depending on the snow levels over winter) to start later next year.

Although, we have turned our water off, there are those who have planted winter wheat and also those who have just cut their hay and will need to water the alfalfa field one more time before going into winter.

“Due to drought conditions and the heavy usage of stored water this summer, the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association –UVWUA- will be shutting the Gunnison Tunnel off two and a half weeks early this year. The shut-off date will be October 15th. This decision has been made to conserve Taylor Reservoir water for next year. Growers planting winter grains should plan accordingly. Pending the type of winter we have this year, there is a possibility water will be turned on later than normal next spring. For questions or comments call the UVWUA.”

You are looking upon our head gate for the irrigation water to our place. Our share of this canal (the Ironstone) is taken out at this point. It goes back in at the end of our farm.

We were watching the Rural Farm News (yes, we do things like that) and the report on there was this drought is the largest drought in years, and years, and years, encompassing most of the United States clear into Canada.

As much as I dislike snow and ice and the dark and cold of winter….I’m sure there isn’t a person out there that doesn’t want a lot of moisture this winter.

Finger crossed and toes crossed for moisture for drought stricken regions everywhere!!!!

Linda

Sunday Stills — Winter Pictures

Posted on July 8, 2012 by Dayphoto

Just in time to cool all of us down, Ed’s assignment this week for Sunday Stills is to remember winter.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Click on the link to see more refreshing winter photos!

Linda

Winter is Still Hanging Around

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Dayphoto

Terry and Misty are taking what breaks they can and trying to get the farming done.

They finally finished leveling.

Misty finished marking out the alfalfa, while Tallen spent time with Grandpa. They didn’t go to John Deere this time, but they did sit by the fire and read books.

Her rows are straight…that’s a big deal. You don’t want to have someone drive by and make fun of your rows!

It’s raining and snowing and the wind is blowing.

Still.

I’ve always heard if Easter is late, then Spring is late. Sure is proving to be a truth!

Linda

The Music of Winter on the Land

Posted on December 18, 2009 by Dayphoto

Of course there is snow

And the wind howls

The roads become impassible

(Grand Mesa, Colorado December 2009)

But there is music

Something that really can’t be explained, but if you live, or work, or walk on the land you will understand.

For you will have experienced it.

Every environment, has its own music-its rhythms

Its flow, grace notes, and harmonies

It comes, I think, from your soul and a reaching out to the spirit of the land.

Linda

Weather — Whether Here or There

Posted on July 9, 2009 by Dayphoto

The weather is always such an interesting subject. I suppose it is because we all live so close to the land that weather is part and parcel of what we do every day.

We are still having rain. Some days just a down pour or two, some days lots of rain, or just a gentle rain that goes on for days. Anyway it is more rain than normal…. we are also experiencing signs that an early fall and a hard winter are on the way. (Sigh. Double Sigh)

Weirdly the milkweed plants are already setting seed pods, weeds that never show up until late August are blooming wildly right now and there are other signs.

I dread winter!!! I love spring, summer, and fall, but winter drags on me. Just plain drags and to think of one that comes early and lasts long….oh, I don’t even want to go there.

So here is a photo of the down pour three days ago. With an afternoon thunderstorm predicated for today. The sun sure has been nice! And it IS July so I have several months before I have to worry, now don’t I?

Rain-on-Vacation

Next Winter’s Heat Supply

Posted on April 3, 2009 by Dayphoto

wood-for-next-winter-0021

Even though we are still not through heating the house, Terry is rebuilding our woodpile.

The piles also keep down the weeds plus the chickens LOVE to climb on the logs!

April Fools Day Joke

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Dayphoto

spring-storm1

And I just thought we were heading into spring farm work.

March Came in Like a Lamb and is Leaving Like a Lion

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Dayphoto

Sunday we got a 65 mile an hour wind from Utah, full of dust, sticks and weeds.

utah-wind

Then we woke up to snow and ice this morning! And it’s cold! 3:00 p.m. and the snow is still on the ground…brrr! 38*

back-to-winter1

Going on Vacation

Posted on February 13, 2009 by Dayphoto

Yeah, we are taking a small vacation (small because we can’t be gone too long, with all the animals and chores).

But … it is still a vacation. Misty, our daughter who lives across the field is going to come feed all the animals, gather the eggs, and toss hay to the cows. The cows have heated water tanks, but everyone else has to have attention.

So we are going from this (winter)

leaving-winter