RicelandMeadows

I have lived in northeast Ohio all of my life. I am pretty much used to the wacky weather that Lake Erie sends us. This year however, November has been strange. It has been more like March. The photo above I took on November first. That storm gave us 8-9 inches of snow.

That early snow did make me scramble and think about any other winter prep work that I had forgotten. That snow melted and we were given a wonderful month of warm unseasonable dry days. I made use of each day, pushing hard to complete my outside work and projects.

Yesterday, we woke up to a big Lake Erie snow dump. The snow measured 18 inches on the flat. The drifts were up to the doorknobs on several buildings before the warm ground started to compact the snow.

It was a bit of a surprise, even though the weatherman told us it could come. It was nice not to have to go out to an off farm job. I spent the day moving snow and feeding animals.

They say it will be near 50 F by the end of the week. Does this mean that November will go out like a lamb? I am not sure but what I do know is that this is once again a warning to get things finished, secure and functional for the winter ahead. I think we are ready. The last of my outside projects are almost complete. Then we can play in the snow…well, I mean work horses in the snow with sleds!

The holidays will soon be here. This little taste of cold winter weather makes my heart glad. It takes me back to simpler times in my childhood. Times where the world was held at bay by the adults around me. I was free to eat, play and dream. The snow just meant fun, presents and goodies.

It is good for all of us to pause to see that our work is done and to reflect on pleasant memories. The winter is as long as we let it be. A good attitude will help the days roll by. Soon, it will be March, winter will be waning and the snows of November will be a memory. The ruler of the days of March is the maple sap season….for now I will rest up, enjoy the snowy days and spend a little time in my memories.