Blizzard - Glorious Day - More Snow

The blizzard was all it was predicted to be.  We had about 10" of snow, 50 mph winds and bitter temperatures.  We all hunkered down and did just fine.  The day after the blizzard was glorious, so out came the camera.  The header photo was taken from Paj's run. 

the ranch south of us

The wind left us with the usual bare spots and drifts.

Drift with Ben and Boomer in the background.

I tried to get some art shots like

Jim

to show you how thick the hoar frost was,

but alas,

I'm not Jim.

After our glorious day yesterday, we are having a gloomy, snowy day today.

But maybe this weather will save our pastures.

And maybe we won't have to worry about wildfires as much.

And maybe hay prices will come down.

So stick around, snow.

We can take it.

Visitors in the Storm

It's official.  We're having a blizzard.  You know the snow scene in The Nutcracker where the snow starts flitting down and builds until it's just dumping?  That's the stage we're at - the snow is just dumping down by the bucket load.  The horses are snug in their stalls, happily munching on extra rations. 

Mickey is enjoying a rare break.

It's tough being a ranch dog.

I'm having a break too.

I'm staring out the window, watching the birds.

It's the usual gathering -

mostly goldfinches and house finches,

a cold junco or two,

and somebody new!

It's a pair of pine grosbeaks!

That's the male at the top center of the feeder,

and the female is at the bottom.

The other little birds are goldfinches in their winter plumage.

I've never seen pine grosbeaks at the ranch before.

Now that they've found us, I hope they stick around.

And bring friends.