Winter Walk February 18, 2021

Winter has hit the United States with quite a punch, as all of the lower 48 states have had areas of below freezing temperatures. Here in Middle Tennessee, we do get snow occasionally, but some years we don’t receive much more than a dusting. This past week we received freezing rain, then a few inches of sleet, more freezing rain, more sleet, then at least five inches of snow. I grew up in Michigan, so I am always game for a good bout of winter weather. The ice on the other hand, well, I don’t care for that or how the roads get here in the South.

When it does snow, I have to get out in it. It makes me feel as though God has opened up the heavens somehow and I am able to feel His presence. Crazy, I know. So I went for a walk around our place and took a few photos for your (and mine ;)) enjoyment. I hope you like them! It was completely overcast and we were actually getting freezing rain again while I was out, so I used my cell phone instead of the SLR.

This is our rosemary bush, it is at least four or five years old. I hope it makes it through the winter!

This photo doesn’t do this tree justice, but we think this oak is over 200 years old!

This is one of my favorite trees, I just love how the branches on this tree!

Hope the bluebirds are staying warm!

Even the dried up dead maple leaves have beauty in the winter time.

My aunt wasn’t able to reuse her old mailbox and post after the county repaved her road, so she asked if we would like to have it. I said yes and we placed it in one of the flower beds and the birds and squirrels like to sit in it and eat seeds and nuts.

I hope you enjoyed the journey! Have you done anything interesting this winter or do you have a favorite winter sport or activity? Would love to hear from you, stay safe and I am praying for everyone in Texas who has been in the throes of the winter storms this past week. Blessings!

All images copyright ©Denny Martindale/Martindale Artworks, All Rights Reserved

Winter Walk

Since winter has arrived full force in much of the country, I thought I would share some photos I took on a winter’s walk.  Hope you are staying safe and warm, enjoy!

All photos and artwork ©2018 Denny Martindale, All Rights Reserved

Parting Shot

Thought I would wish everyone a safe and blessed weekend with this photo I took of a Great Blue Heron in an icy river in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a couple of years ago.  Stay warm!

All photos and artwork ©2018 Denny Martindale, All Rights Reserved

SnOMG!

TN pasture, winter

TN pasture, winter II

Wow, another snow in TN!  January has been mostly snow here in mid TN in 2011, and it has been beautiful.  The globull warming folks can say what they want, but we had winters like this back in the ’70s and ’80s, and the weather folks say, “we haven’t had snow like this since___” meaning this has happened before!  Call it globull warming, climate change, whatever you like, but God is in control and if he wants to change the climate, He will!  And it doesn’t mean we will like the change, but it will change.  My grandfather always said, “If you don’t like the weather we’re havin’ here, wait five minutes, it’ll change for ya!” 

So, sit back, have a cup of hot chocolate, and enjoy the pics!

End of a TN winter day

More Ice, snow, and cabin fever

If you like winter weather, this past weekend was for you.  It started out Friday morning.  Within a half an hour, Columbia, Tn had been dumped on.  The roads immediately had over 4″ of snow, then it started sleeting with a touch of freezing rain.  Schools had already closed, and everything else closed quickly.  It took people an average of three hours or more to get from one end of town to the other.  It snowed all day, then turned to freezing rain again that evening.  Needless to say, everyone was snowed in. 

Some areas were without power, most not lasting a full day.  We had five inches or more of snow on the ground and about 1/2″ of ice on top of it.  The horse stayed in for three days, as the ice was sharp and cracked terribly.  The noise of the ice cracking did not impress him at all.  Cabin fever built up quickly in everyone, including the animals.  Upon opening the barn door each morning, the cat would run out the door and stand, mesmerized for a moment that with each day conditions had not improved.  Soon, a grimmace covered his face and back into the barn he went.  The ice and snow were tough on the dog’s arthritis, but we shoveled a few paths for her, making life tolerable again. 

Finally, the temps bumped up into the 30’s.  Melting had begun.  This did not make the cat’s day, as his highness does not like to get his toes wet.  More days in the barn.  The dog enjoyed each hour of sunlight, warming her dark coat and exposing more of her kingdom called the grassy yard around the house and barn.  The horse was finally turned out again.  Freedom!  He ran through the pasture kicking and bucking like a mad man.  It is at this time one has to be especailly cautious.  Do not get in his way! 

Even at the restaurant I work at families came in looking as though they could not take one more day cooped up with the kids.  Adults chit-chatted while the children around or talked and laughed.  Finally, some sense of normal life was beginning to return!

Ice, snow, and winter animal care

Old man winter has landed over the US.  And since the Lord is in control of any and all climate change, I do not pay much attention to the rest of the jibberish regarding that topic.  I love snow, but the ice on the roads is a different story.  I am actually able (for now) to get down off the ridge we live on to go to work.  Most of the roads are covered in ice and snow and the schools have been shut down for two days.  It isn’t any more than an inch of snow, but here in Tennessee it can really make the roads a skating rink.  It can also be challenging taking care of animals in the winter as well.

The animals seem to be taking it all in stride, although the cats and horses enjoy getting in out of the weather at night.  Our dog Cisco (aka Methusula because she is so old) has her own cubby in the garage complete with bed and nightlight.   She spends most of her time in there, only coming out to go outside, eat, check on the animals in the barn, and get the paper.  Yes, at 15 and 1/2 yrs of age, this Rottweiller/German Shephard mix still gets the paper at the end of the drive most mornings.  At her age, exercise is strictly a selective activity.  One day one might think she is going down hill fast.  The next morning, she is out happily walking the fence line. 

All of our animals have fresh water and plenty of food year round.  I would like to encourage everyone to do the same.  Fresh water in winter is just as important as food.  If you don’t have electric heaters to thaw the water, you must take time to chip the ice and replenish the water.  Whether or not you blanket your horse is up to you.  I feel they do better without, unless their health has been compromised or they are aged.  Cats and dogs do quite well out of the elements in a garage, barn, or shed with plenty of straw.  Straw is better than hay (and usually cheaper) because it is hollow inside and insulates much better.  Short haired animals should not be exposed to the extreme cold except to take care of business.  

If your horses have shoes, be watchful that they don’t get balls of ice built up on the bottom of their feet.  You can spray the bottom of the foot and shoe with Pam or put baby oil on them and this will help deter the ice buildup.  However, the oils can also lead to bacterial buidup if their stalls are not kept immaculate.  If horses are kept in, make sure the stalls are kept clean and the ammonia buildup in the air is kept to a minimum.  Fresh air, food, water, and bedding are always a must. 

I truly pray for a prosperous and peaceful New Year for each and every one of you.  If you have questions about animal care, please don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for more information.