Winter Prep!

The last few days the temps have been dropping, we’ve had our first good freeze and the rain has set in- not wanting to leave. It’s not typical for Iowa to have such rainy weather in October. I stopped at our creek this morning and it’s the fullest it’s been all year. Normally the creek stays pretty full but after this years drought, the creek has dwindled down to a moss filled stream. We have puddles that have formed down the lane and in the driveway. We do have a field of beans that needs to come out which has added some stress to the guys.

As winter approaches we make sure that the animals all have a nice stack of fresh bedding. Wilbur, the pig, does a good job of making his own bed. He is often seen carrying a large mouthful of sticks to his hut. We start picking up the animal pens of anything that has been left out or tree limbs. The first measureable snow usually comes when we least expect it, so we make sure that the yards are ready just in case. We switch out our normal waters for heated waters. We have to bucket water from the house to the yard so that’s not something we look forward to.

Around the house I’ve spent time cleaning out the coat closet, double checking that winter boots fit. I also divide the winter clothing into two categories- one is hats/gloves for now, the other is for when winter is fully set in which includes thermals, scarves, ski masks. The youngest is graduating from the typical snow pants into actual coveralls this winter, since pheasant season is around the corner, I made sure to set those out as well. We were gifted a great deer blind this past Spring, so that will help keep the hunters protected from the elements this year!

Each year we make a Fall trip to the Amish. We stock up on some of the bulk baking items such as oatmeal, spices, chocolate chips and we also stock up on powdered cheese for popcorn- the boys favorite! As summer dwindles down I try to make sure I have multiple canned and pasta items and the freezer is full. Covid-19 doesn’t seem to be going away, so with that combined with the winter weather- we all appreciate having multiple meal options on hand, especially in case someone gets sick!

Finally, I’ll make sure we have flashlights and candles ready in the event we loose power. Thank God, we haven’t had a bad ice storm in years- but all it takes is one bad one and you’ll never forget that storm! We are lucky to have a generator that we an hook to a tractor, but in case it happens at night- we are ready. We haven’t turned on the furnace yet, but I’m sure we will by the end of the week. Right now we do fine running my little fireplace and it’s given me good reason to fire up the oven to bake some treats in the afternoon! The kids appreciate that!

Winter will be here before we know it!