If you're not in Nebraska now, let me give you a quick update: we're having one of the harshest winters in my memory. In December, we had two snowfalls of 12", a string of days between -14F and -10F, and tonight, we're expecting windchill temperatures of -40F. Allegedly, we'll have high temperatures in the 20s next week, but I have trust issues with the weather forecasters. We'll see.

Our chickens are getting frostbite on their combs, but there's really nothing we can do about that. A couple of days ago, Kelly watered the birds. After she fed them and gathered eggs, she noticed that the water surface had already formed some ice. It's cold, cold, cold.

In December, I also learned an important lesson in resource management: use a tarp. A couple of months ago, I picked up some used roofing tin in Iowa and built a simple woodshed. Maybe I had last year's mild winter on my mind, but I didn't enclose the north side of the shed, which faces the house. Each snowstorm we had has had strong winds, so our wood pile has a layer of snow on it. Not smart, but I have learned my lesson. Even though we have a propane furnace, I miss using the wood furnace. Wood heat is something special.

I've also been torturing myself with seed catalogs. Everything looks beautiful, but I know I won't get to eat most of it for months. We've got a good idea of what we're planting for 2010, but we need to get the orders made before our preferred seed companies sell out. With an increasing number of people gardening, the good stuff is difficult to procure.

We ordered seed potatoes from Wood Prairie Farm. They're a certified organic family farm in Maine. We've researched them, had an email conversation with Megan and determined that they're a safe source. We make efforts to double-insulate from Monsanto/Seminis since we do not support genetic engineering or chemical-based farming. If you had the pleasure of eating our Yukon Golds or French Fingerlings in 2009, you had Wood Prairie Farm potatoes. (This year, we selected Yukon Gold and Cranberry Red.)

-Brian

 I realized today that I am in a most fortunate position when I am outside on a winter's day.  For many years, I worked a job that required that I show up, regardless of what the weather was outside.  This meant sliding down slick roads and scraping and shoveling and watching the weather report at night to see if I would have problems the next day.  All this was enough to make me dread winter and the nasty white stuff that came with it.  It was only when I began to stay home with the boys that I was able to begin to appreciate winter.  Because I don't have the stress of HAVING to be out in it, I find that I often CHOOSE to be out in it.  Today, we've had a weird mix of rain and sleet.  Enough to make driving a bit scary, but perfect for a walk.  The ice may have taken down a branch or two, but it also turned the trees into shimmering decorations that swayed beautifully in the brisk air.  I can't imagine living in a climate that doesn't experience all four seasons in all their glory.  Each has their own special moment that I look forward to.  Today was winter's. 

~Kelly