Think Dookie will get cleaned up now?
Or not….
Hello, Winter.
Yesterday, chickens awoke perplexed. Their calendar said it was still Autumn.
As one, they went back to bed, tumbling over themselves to get into the chicken house.
Birds swung on feeders.
And goats hid under the porch.
Sheep said, “What shelter?” Completely ignoring their brand new shelter. (YOU JUST CAN’T HELP SHEEP.)
The garden settled down for its long winter’s nap.
And donkeys turned a teeny bit moody. (HI, JACK!)
Winter is like that dinner guest who shows up for the party thirty minutes early while you’re still trying to get the table set and doesn’t help, just hangs around getting in the way.
Plus you know she ran into somebody when she was getting parked, which explains why Autumn is crying on the driveway.
Yesterday was our first real snow on the farm this year.
It was warm and cozy inside.
It was a good day to stay home, to keep the fire hot, and to simmer a pot of beans on the stove. I’m ready this time. We’re stocked up–on food for us, food for the animals. We have a generator (and I’m taking lessons!). We have a wood stove. The 4-wheel drive is working in BOTH of my vehicles! (As opposed to last winter when it went OUT in both vehicles.) Winter and I, we’re going to get along just fine this year. I’m not going to say anything about her coming early. I’m going to sit her down, give her a glass of tea, see if she would like a good book.
I’m going to tell Winter how beautiful she is and make her my friend. We’re going to be so nice to Winter she won’t be able to stand it. She won’t ever have seen nicer people. She’ll be dying to find Spring and tell her how wonderful we are, how polite and kind and worthy of kindness in return.
We’re going to be sooooo nice to Winter that–
BOOMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CindyP says:
😆 😆 Boomer!!!
Love this post………though you have more snow than me! It is so beautiful……..I’ll have to bring this post back up when it’s February and remember how beautiful Winter can be :snowman:
I’ve already been to vote, waiting for your new day’s post to hit….. ahhhh, now my early morning is complete! :happybutterfly:
On December 6, 2009 at 1:11 am
ElizaRed says:
Beautiful…..but you do have to watch out for that yellow snow!
On December 6, 2009 at 1:42 am
angiecmt says:
Voted. My jaw dropped at Boomer’s actions against Winter. I think she is beautiful. Cold, yes, but beautiful 🙂
I will enjoy your beautiful pictures and glad you are prepared!
On December 6, 2009 at 1:54 am
Deborah R says:
All in all, I agree with Boomer.
Voted today: 30760 votes.
On December 6, 2009 at 3:17 am
Marla says:
Yeah, I agree with Boomer! But we learn to deal with winter and we get through it. Most of the time I think the anticipation is worse than the reality. I don’t like the deep freeze cold…anything below zero…brrr! :grinch:
On December 6, 2009 at 4:29 am
Barbara says:
LOL…..This is why your the first blog I read in the morning when I wake. Love to start my day off laughing. Go Boomer!
On December 6, 2009 at 5:30 am
shirley says:
Go, Boomer! Actions speak louder than words. :woof:
On December 6, 2009 at 5:45 am
Sara says:
“Winter is like that dinner guest who shows up for the party thirty minutes early while you’re still trying to get the table set and doesn’t help, just hangs around getting in the way.”
I like this statement! And of corse Boomers reaction to winter too!
He could not have said it bettet!
Sara
On December 6, 2009 at 6:17 am
Minna says:
You have more snow than we do at the moment. And there should be plenty of it by now.
On December 6, 2009 at 6:27 am
Connie Trippett says:
I really do like winter, its just my body that doesn’t. Got to love Boomer.
On December 6, 2009 at 6:29 am
lisa brawner says:
love it ! I had to laugh at the end about Bomer.. :bugeyed: I enjoyed starting my morning with you ..makes my day go alot better to start it with a smile
On December 6, 2009 at 6:43 am
anne says:
Don’t eat yellow snow!!
On December 6, 2009 at 6:49 am
Johanna says:
Simply beautiful. Thanks.
On December 6, 2009 at 6:53 am
Billy says:
Awesome! This is a great post. I began smiling while reading and then laughed at the end. And then I sat back and thought, Awesome!
(New snow makes great pictures)
On December 6, 2009 at 6:57 am
JOJO says:
:woof:
I love the snow, I cant wait till we get some here in Ohio, we should have some this week.
You can go to the Weather channel website, and there is a link that will tell you your chances of having a white Christmas.
Your photos are lovely. The first snow is so beautiful and peaceful. Now that you know you are ready for her, you can enjoy what she brings.
Boomer’s post says so much about so many annoying things.
JO in Ohio
On December 6, 2009 at 7:10 am
auntbear says:
Dookie…hard to tell which end is which. 😕
On December 6, 2009 at 7:14 am
Kelly Walker says:
I love winter but I think that Boomer has heard you say “Piss on Winter” one too many times. 🙂
On December 6, 2009 at 7:20 am
MissWiniW says:
Winter Wonder Woman in the works 😉
On December 6, 2009 at 7:30 am
Cathy says:
Great winter pictures. I’m just glad the snow is yours and not mine! lol
BTW you have an award at my blog. Check it out and claim it when you have time.
On December 6, 2009 at 7:50 am
Diane says:
Winter is the same here. We are ready for the most part. I like Boomers reaction to Winter. 🙂 That was a great shot.
On December 6, 2009 at 7:51 am
Mary says:
Well……I think maybe that one just won you a job! Love it.
On December 6, 2009 at 7:58 am
stefinity says:
oh that naughty Boomer!! Love this post Suzanne!
On December 6, 2009 at 8:04 am
Debnfla3 says:
Winter is absolutely beautiful in your neck of the woods. I really don’t know what snow like that would be like, but it is totally gorgeous.
How in the world do you clean Dookie up after that! What a cutey pie.
I guess Boomer let his feelings be known to winter…LOL
Deb
On December 6, 2009 at 8:05 am
Box Call says:
This is why I love Chickens in the Road. Great story plot, beautiful pictures. Way to go Boomer.
On December 6, 2009 at 8:07 am
Lish says:
OMG! I about croaked when I got to Boomers picture! I can’t believe you were in the ready and got that shot! Excellent! Do you think she noticed? Winter I mean… I think she was busy dumping snow out on my mountain to really notice Boomer. Although… Maybe, just maybe, Boomer gave her that cozy, warm welcome feeling?? hahaha
Love your blog Suzanne. Love it!
On December 6, 2009 at 8:13 am
Valerie says:
Love the pictures. It’s funny, you had more snow than we did in MN. But don’t worry, the tables will turn soon enough.
It’s cute to see how heavy the goat and sheep fur gets this time of year.
And who is that little adorable kittie sleeping so warm and snuggly inside?
On December 6, 2009 at 8:33 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
That’s Sugar! She’s my little calico.
On December 6, 2009 at 9:39 am
Holly says:
Boomer — priceless
On December 6, 2009 at 8:39 am
SarahGrace says:
It’s so beautiful! I kept taking pictures and posting them on FB so dh could see a bit of home. The children played for a couple of hours in the snow. It was snug in the cabin and so relaxing to see the snow coming down while listening to Christmas music. I love living here!
I think I may be where you were last year when it comes to being prepared for winter. 4 wheel drive is out on the Durango. Generator we have isn’t big enough for the cabin; so I guess I’ll be using bins to store freezer food out in the cold if we lose electricity. We will have heat no matter what, but not by wood stove.
On December 6, 2009 at 8:42 am
Snapper says:
I’m with Boomer this time, lol.
On December 6, 2009 at 8:48 am
Miss Becky says:
We had our first snowfall here in Wisconsin last week and it is still with us. A few inches but it blew around with the high winds and now everything is white and beautiful. I love your story and the accompanying photos! The sheep face is precious! :sheep: thanks for the early morning smile Suzanne! Stay warm and keep that fire going :happyflower:
On December 6, 2009 at 9:00 am
katherine says:
Maybe, just maybe, you could talk me into trying to make winter my friend instead of ranting and raving at her. If anyone could do it, you could! She didn’t warm my heart last night when after a long day working and making six pots of coffee for an AARP driving class, I had to drive home with her blowing and swirling around me in snowy Connecticut!
On December 6, 2009 at 9:00 am
CATRAY44 says:
Beautiful and hilarious! Thank you, again, for a great morning laugh (and something beautiful for my soul!)
On December 6, 2009 at 9:03 am
Sheila Z says:
Well Boomer, if you’d just put on a winter jacket then you wouldn’t have to be so angry with winter. Suzanne, whip that dog up a doggie coat. It’s going to be a good winter on the mountain. You are ready.
On December 6, 2009 at 9:06 am
KimL says:
😆 Those are great pictures – I especially like the bird feeder pic! What a cast of characters!
On December 6, 2009 at 9:11 am
herbandolive says:
These pictures – GORGEOUS!!!!! Absolutely breathtaking! Even the ones of poor dirty old Dookie!
On December 6, 2009 at 9:18 am
Mama Pea says:
You are a joy to read every single day! I don’t know about the “powers that be” but I’m giving you the Sam-e job hands down.
On December 6, 2009 at 9:24 am
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
You make me LAUGH! I just love it here!
One my way to vote!
On December 6, 2009 at 9:24 am
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
You make me LAUGH! I just love it here!
On my way to vote!
On December 6, 2009 at 9:25 am
Debbie says:
“We’re stocked up–on food for us, food for the animals. We have a generator (and I’m taking lessons!). We have a wood stove. The 4-wheel drive is working in BOTH of my vehicles!”
But do you have tin foil?
On December 6, 2009 at 9:29 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Yes! EXTRA rolls!
On December 6, 2009 at 9:36 am
jan 'n' tn says:
Suzanne, You are beautiful and HILL-AIR-E-US. Keep bloging girl…we love you
On December 6, 2009 at 9:31 am
Leah says:
I was hoping to put winter off a little bit longer!
On December 6, 2009 at 9:38 am
Wldflwr008 says:
You are just amazing, Suzanne. How in the world do you get so many things accomplished in just one day? We have no cardinals in CA, what fun to see yours. More please. There are so many wonderful winter shots in this collection. Wow!
:-)~
On December 6, 2009 at 9:44 am
Michele says:
Beautiful birds, that Boomer is a comedian. Hope your winter goes as planned you sure seem prepared. I made fire starters yesterday, they worked well. :happyflower:
On December 6, 2009 at 9:52 am
Nancy says:
Ohmygawd, I laughed so hard.
Nancy
On December 6, 2009 at 9:53 am
Claudia W says:
You make even ME liking the white stuff.
I still like the warm and cozy INSIDE…
I’d want to bring all the animals inside with me!
On December 6, 2009 at 9:56 am
Victoria says:
If those Sam-E people need to decide who the best person for this job is all they have to do is come read this post. Talk about a mood lifter! Loved it!
On December 6, 2009 at 9:58 am
Anne P says:
Lol! Hilarious.
You take such gorgeous pictures. I love the one of the birds at the feeder! 🙂
I also love that I can add this to my comment: :dancingmonster:
On December 6, 2009 at 10:00 am
Natalie says:
Yes, kitty definatly has the right idea. It is 3 degrees here this morning and my calico cats are enjoying the indoor warmth and soft glow of the Christmas Tree. Happy Holidays ~Natalie
On December 6, 2009 at 10:26 am
Yvonne says:
Boomer was just expressing his thoughts about the cold white stuff, LOL.
Beautiful pictures Suzanne.
On December 6, 2009 at 10:44 am
Barbee' says:
The sheep have on their wonderful woolly sweaters; maybe they don’t feel the cold so much. Love all the photos!
On December 6, 2009 at 11:12 am
Cheryl says:
Oh Suzanne, you crack me up! This made my day. Beautiful pics, Boomer excepted! Stay warm!
On December 6, 2009 at 11:17 am
Julie Harward says:
WISH IT WOULD SNOW HERE, WE ARE SO DRY! THOSE CHICKENS ARE JUST A BUNCH OF “CHICKENS” I GUESS..HIDING FROM THE SNOW. AND BOOMER..WHAT A GUY! I LOVE TO STAY IN WHEN IT GETS COLD AND SNOWY..NOTHING BETTER! COME SAY HI 😀
On December 6, 2009 at 11:25 am
Liz V. says:
Our shitzu loves the snow too! And, yes it gets them clean!! Love this post.
On December 6, 2009 at 11:25 am
Angie says:
Boomer-Boy, I’m with you!
On December 6, 2009 at 12:00 pm
rain says:
Oh fantastic post today!!! 😆 loved it!!! :fairy: the only way to start my day is with you suzanne!!! :snoopy: gotta love that boomer!!! 😕
On December 6, 2009 at 12:04 pm
NancyL says:
Oh, boy – so many smiles in this post! Like the funny looking “chicken” with a big yellow beak standing at the back of the chicken picture; Dookie wearing his winter coat; Boomer, writing his name in the snow (boys!!); and your lovely Sugar – like my Calico.
Happy Winter! Our snow is supposed to start today. :sheepjump:
On December 6, 2009 at 12:08 pm
trish says:
We got some snow here last night in RI. Luckily I was already home. I was not ready. This post made me feel better about it. Need to move somewhere there is never any snow. :hissyfit:
On December 6, 2009 at 12:21 pm
wheezay says:
:woof: Go Boomer !!
On December 6, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Ms E says:
Great post – sweet w/an edge of snark in that last pic!!
On December 6, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Betty says:
Love this post :woof: Pictures are beautiful. We have had snow and blowing snow for two days and it was not bad as it was warm but today it is twenty-below and the wind is still blowing, is a full time job keeping the animals tucked in 😥 and safe!! 😕
On December 6, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Blessed Adventures says:
Its so nice to meet you… :duck:
On December 6, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Darlene says:
Drinking coffee and reading Suzanne is NOT a good mix. I never learn :heart:
On December 6, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Gail says:
It’s good to see Dookie the little snow plow again! Some days I have Boomer’s attitude, but your pictures of the snow are beautifuland leaves me with anticipiation of our first snow. The farm looks so quiet and peaceful with the blanket of white. A nice walk in the winter wonderland and then inside sitting by the woodstove with a hot drink. Perfect for getting into the Christmas mood!
On December 6, 2009 at 1:17 pm
michelle says:
Oh how I miss snow! Great pictures.
On December 6, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Lola-Dawn says:
Damn! Tea sprayed all over my laptop AGAIN! That Boomer! We had our first major snowfall this past week too — over the tops of my hiking boots. Looks real pretty on the trees, not quite so nice when it filters down into my boots. If I were Boomer …
On December 6, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Judy@daily yarns says:
I so wish we would get some snow too. I always come away from here laughing.
On December 6, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Runningtrails says:
LOL! Dogs! you can dress them up but you just can`t take them anywhere…
On December 6, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Mary Lou says:
Friday, we were excitedly making preparations of inches of predicted snow. The school kids were watching snow flurries outside classroom windows and anxiously awaiting the end of the school day. Suddenly, rain began to fall, and the snow moved northeast to Houston. It did help a little when I heard that it would eventually cover you with a blanket of white.
When I looked at your pictures of “my” snow this morning, my cup of coffee tasted much better. :wave:
On December 6, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Myrna Mackenzie says:
What gorgeous photos. No snow yet here and my email got jazzed up while I was away from home yesterday (Yahoo told me I might have lost some messages :hissyfit: , but I was still able to vote at a Culver’s (thank you, Culvers for free wifi! :happyflower: ) and I came back to this great, fun message, too!
Is it weird to say that I think I’ll miss voting when tomorrow is over? The camaraderie of working for a common purpose is kind of fun.
Oh, and all your animals are so cute!
On December 6, 2009 at 4:27 pm
5kathleen2 says:
No snow in Indiana yet. I think Boomer has the right idea!!! Doogie is adorable and so is Sugar, what a beautiful kitty. Can’t believe tomorrow is last voting day (can’t believe it is almost Christmas either). Stay dry and warm. :hug:
Kathleen H in Indiana
On December 6, 2009 at 4:38 pm
catslady says:
LOL. We got about the same amount of snow and I’m not complaining (at least not yet). Actually winter was late this year – it’s the first time water froze in my water dishes for the outside cats (that’s how I judge how cold it is lol).
On December 6, 2009 at 5:52 pm
angiecmt says:
Hubby fixed your chicken and biscuits tonight – Delicious!!!
He was looking for chicken pot pie – I told him I had something I was sure would be delicious and it is!
On December 6, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Nanny says:
Such beautiful pictures!!!!!
On December 6, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Estella says:
I agree with Boomer!
On December 6, 2009 at 9:16 pm
debbie says:
OMG! ROTFL. Here I was thinking what lyrical writing, what talent. But sometimes, just sometimes, a picture really is worth a thousand words.
On December 6, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Darlene in North Georgia says:
:snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy: We got snow-o, we got snow-o!!! :snoopy: :snoopy:
I proudly drove my snowy vehicle down to Atlanta last evening. We were the envy of many who saw the white stuff. lol
I LOVE snow. Of course, we don’t really get much of it and it melts as soon as the sun comes up – except in the shadowy places. But beggars can’t be choosers.
We all loved the final picture. My kids had to come see what I was roflmbo about. I didn’t let them scroll down to the last pic until they had read the rest of it first. They were down on the floor too!
On December 7, 2009 at 12:02 am
Mary Lou says:
Here’s hoping and praying you get the job. Many of your faithful readers(like me)read your blog with our first cup of coffee.
Our early morning visits to your farm start our days off with a smile on our faces and positive feelings in our hearts. Thank you for the mental and facial exercises each day. Stretching out those smiles are the best exercise for our stressful lives.
On December 7, 2009 at 3:52 pm
marymac says:
Oh how I can associate with this post. We just dug up our horseradish and it was a first time experience for us, fun, fun, fun. I’m learnin. i loved all your photos, and it even made me feel a little indifferent about winter. your dog is adorable and I agree with his way of thinkin. keep up the good work!!!
On December 7, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Sheana says:
I stumbled onto your blog by searching for Kahlua recipies, and here I have found so much more! I love what you’ve done, and I find myself coming to your page daily to see what is new. Your writings are refreshing and your photos are lovely. Please keep doing what you’re doing!
On December 8, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Angelina Haley says:
I loved reading this story on a nice summer day today when it has been over 100 degrees for the past week. This is written so well and descriptive. It made me feel as if I was there with you. Ahhh, mother nature at her best! When I got to the end of this lovely story, my son asked, ” What is so funny, mom?” 😆
On August 16, 2010 at 8:39 pm