The return of winter

As with the rest of the nation severe winter and below zero temperatures came this week.

One of the dormant gardens resting under the snow and ice.

Resting sugar maple

Our pond is solid and in motion as it is spring fed.

Poppy walked across our pond as he always does every time it freezes.

Poppy on a rock watching and waiting.

Poppy proof

It has been very dry and not much snow. Even this light dusting was dry like sand.

Osa on patrol for hungry coyote and larger predators. My pack has thick winter coats that protect them. But with this below zero temps they have to come in at night until it gets above freezing again. 

I love this photo of Poppy on the thyme. The textures of his coat, the plants and the ice. Poppy loves to nap on this pungent herb even when it is frozen. He always smells of dog and thyme.

Ice Walking

It has been so cold in the Ozarks for so long that our pond finally froze solid. My husband and Poppy went on the pond ice for a walk. We observed several animal tracks on the ice. Who knew our pond was such a busy place. Poppy enjoyed walking the ice with A.

On Frozen Pond

We have 40+ acres and 2 spring fed ponds. With all this cold weather in MO we have frozen ponds. A fun thing to do is toss ice across the pond. It makes the coolest sound. Ice sliding across ice makes a sound like no other. It is musical and fun to do. A good way to use up frozen dog water from bowls. It is worth getting the gloves on and bundling up in coats and hats and have an ice tossing.