From our herd to yours…. Happy 2008

Fall ended abruptly with temps dropping to near zero nightly. Thick fogs deposited heavy, yet delicate, hoar frost on every surface announcing winter’s arrival. We were blessed with an early dazzling snowfall, the first of many to come.

Early one Saturday morning the world dawned with brilliant blue skies that only lasted until the wispy multicolored clouds rolled in which didn't take long. For the next few months we'll be looking at forecasts loaded with high wind and heavy snow warnings. It is North Central Idaho where the Corgie is happy outside, then in, then out, then in. Drives me flippin’ nuts at times!

One of the interesting phenomenon’s is that somehow 7 PM is just not too early to call it a night. Which means 3 am is a perfect time to start my day. On the nights where the moon beams are brightly bouncing off the snow the entire world outside our oversized bedroom window is totally visible. For instance, the other night, as we were retiring Farmer Jim saw both donkeys at the round bale feeder become extremely attentive. Glancing out the side window, the direction where four long ears were radared into was a single coyote.

Now to back up a little, this winter we decided to move the water tank closer to the house where it would be easier to fill and less likely for the local wildlife to partake of our precious water. Since it is a heated tank it has always been a destination point for all living creatures.

Now back to my story. This coyote was going to sneak up to the bar and order a drink. Luc decided his kind was not welcome at the donkey refreshment center. With a determined head down stance Luc moved towards the ‘'yotie. Now there is no way Liberty is going to be left alone to fend for himself so he fell into line behind Luc, “Hey buddy, I've got your ass covered... you just go git ‘ em, Okay, Pal!” That ‘'yotie did leave the pasture and head to the hills but Luc stood on guard and watched making sure no stinkin’ ‘'yotie was gittin’ any of his prized warm winter water! The other thing I notice at night is how active the donkeys are. I see them an average of two sometimes three times during the night at the round bale feeder if it is clear and cold. If it is snowing they are in the pasture shelter. They eat to stay warm, they chase ‘'yotie just cause they can.

Looking upward towards the heavens on that Saturday morning I spoke of earlier I was able to capture in essence how Mother Nature decorates her trees... thanks “mom” you make it a winter wonderland!

We have just a little bit of 2007 business to wrap up. For the latest on the boys they invite you to visit the Accolades page. We are still waiting to finalize dates so check in next month for Luc and Liberty’s tentative 2008 Calendar appearances.

Kristi