Full Snow Moon

The Full Snow Moon was spectacular, though I haven’t an image, only a memory. There was no snow beneath its magical illumination last night. As the moon set in this morning’s dawn the day was on its way to warming into the 70s (Fahrenheit) / 22.2 C. Strange weather for February indeed, and daffodils are already blooming in the woods. To add to this glorious day, a huge flock of snow geese flew over the farm. I was sad to be without a camera, but awed by the sight and sound of those travelers headed northward.

So, back to where I left off… we certainly had snow nine days ago.

The birds entertained us.

The horses were happy to come into the barn in the afternoon to get rid of snow balls in their feet.

As quickly as it arrived, the snow departed, with warm February weather reasserting itself. No complaints yet, except that there is little down time in which to get caught up.

Harlan did his usual expert job on Tuesday morning, and I actually got to see him, for the first time in weeks. Tuesdays have been uncommonly busy this year for some reason.

Niece Rachael arrived with the return of Springlike weather. The first crocus opened to sunshine. Rachael wasted no time getting to work. She began the project of removing the Southern magnolia tree. Nathaniel will finish the job eventually. Rachael is an expert with a chainsaw, and it was inspirational to watch her fearlessly climb to the roof. I expect it is a bit of a bore compared to dropping from helicopters.

Rachael basically worked the entire time she was here! She lives in Montana, but came to her alma mater in the Midwest (Southern Illinois University, Carbondale) to receive an Outstanding Alumni Early Achievement Award. Her SIUC forestry degree took her to the National Forest Service, and onto helicopters from which she rappels into woodland fires. We are very proud of her, and grateful for the visit, but we just could not manage the trip to Carbondale. Instead, we celebrated her achievement here by making her work for room and board!

On Rachael’s first morning, there was a hydrant to replace. She spent the previous evening clearing bricks and topsoil for the project, but she did not have to actually replace the hydrant. That was up to Ron and Greg from O’Fallon Plumbing.

As soon as the plumbers left, a load of hay arrived. Another dirty job, though not muddy. Rachael helped make it a very easy delivery. For me, anyway!

After some dog training, Rachael helped Harry in the studio.

Of course, Rachael also had to ride a horse. Funnily enough, this woman who rappels from helicopters into fire, is a bit timid of horses. She gets better every visit, though.

The whirlwind visit ended too soon, but we did get pictures of the SIUC event, including one of Rachael with Carmen, looking glamorous.

The dogs and cats are enjoying the nice weather, and yes, there are more pictures of Eddy than of Weedy, but Weedy gets twice as much adoration.

And so it goes, February on the way out, and life rocketing along, while we remain grateful for much.

The daffodils are earlier than I have ever seen them.

Be safe, be well, be grateful. Work and pray for peace somehow. Slava Ukraini! Peace.