Goat Barn Fever

 

 It's been a dry February, with little new snow

but cold enough during the first half of the month

to maintain a substantial snow pack.

Occasionally a frozen mist would combine with overcast skies to create a monochromatic landscape.

Glowing sunrises warmed up the palette of some mornings

even when the air temperature was well below zero. 

The gentlemen come outside no matter how cold it gets.

They keep each other warm

especially when Mr. T chases Niblet around their yard.

The ladies prefer to stay indoors on arctic days

which leads to a caprine version of cabin fever.

We hide the axes when Lassi gets that certain look in her eye.

On nicer days they enjoy venturing outside, too.

Dream and Alba hobble cautiously along the icy driveway

while Kona and Lassi scamper madly up and down, disappointed only that there are no scissors to carry in their mouths.

Then a mid-month thaw sent temperatures soaring

with a record high of 52 degrees on February 16.

Grassy patches emerged near the house

for the first time since November

although the south meadow remains blanketed

and deer are still confined to trails across the hard-going west meadow.

The girls take advantage of the newly bared ground

to munch on twigs

tree bark

a wooden bench

and the hammock.

Kona checks out the remaining snow banks.

Other critters emerge in the warm weather, including gray squirrels (many of whom in our neighborhood are black).

Mouse tracks along the garage in a dusting of snow are followed by kitty tracks.

The girls grow broader abeam as their delivery dates near (although Dream is the broadest of all and she's not pregnant).

Mr. T awaits the arrival of his latest batch of youngsters with the pride of an NBA all-star.