Text Box: Winter weather is definitely here. Though we had several snowfalls in the 4-6 inch range, most of it has blown away or melted prior to this cold spell we’re feeling. It’s been bitter cold too. Below zero every nite and daily highs in the single digits most of last week. The kids even had off school due to the extreme wind chills. Wish we had some of the snow that fell out East this week. I’d love to be showing you pics of trail rides on deep groomed snow, but it’s not here. In fact Brian has made several trips North only to return with reports of mediocre trail conditions. Looks like if you get right up against Lake Superior the riding isn’t too bad, but even those areas are well below their seasonal averages. The horses are coping by eating more hay to keep warm. Jodi had blankets on them several days last week to help cut the wind a bit. Reno had a sore mouth and the vet “helped” three of her baby teeth out (on horses they’re called “caps”). The cold has made it pretty hard to do much with the horses besides feeding them. The buffalo are on pretty much the same program of eat, sleep, repeat. However, the cold weather has much less effect on them than domestic animals. Genetics leave them well prepared not only for the cold, but the wind chills as well. I think they would rather deal with the winter cold than the summer bugs! Not enough snow for snowmobiles, ATV trails closed, too cold for horses, and the fish aren’t biting. So how do I avoid “”cabin fever”? I got a job! If you can’t play, you might as well work. It gets me out of bed, out of the house, and gives a welcome change of scenery from the bird feeder. Though I enjoy the birds, I’ve just about come to naming them and the 2 bunnies that frequent the feeders on the “bird cam” Happy Valentines Day ! Larry

February 9, 2007

Ellisville Bison Dispatch

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