Brrr, it is cold out there! Although today is an improvement over the last couple days. We have 4" of powdery snow, and 23 degrees, rather than the 0 and 7 degrees the last couple days gave us. All the water in the barn, and 2 frost free hydrants were frozen up, and we had to haul water in 5 gal buckets, about 80 a day, to try and keep animals hydrated. Rough on the milk supply! We also have to heat the pulsator wth a heating pad to keep it going when it is under 20 degrees in the barn. Today should be better.

Yesteday, I had a problem with the milker, due to a gasket cracking in the cold. The repairman was able to do a temporary repair which should hold until the part comes in on Friday. I am so glad...I was NOT looking forward to hand milking in this weather.


The children have been troopers in this cold weather, but will be happy to see some snow and a little more warmth. I think we will ALL be glad for spring.