When the sun is shining, the chickens begin exploring new territory along all the shoveled paths. They seem hungry for the warm and shining sun. So do we! They stray further away from the cozy security of their coop and their packed down run. If they feel extra adventurous, they make the long journey out to the compost pile. Oh, the scratching and digging they do when they get there! Delighted by all the peelings, bits of greenery, and crusts that fill the heap. Though it continues to snow here in the north and the temps are still plummeting to 20 below ( on some days), those chicken gals know that spring is on her way. 
On the days we do get that intense sunshine, any ice on the roof begins to melt quickly. Snow and ice slide off a metal roof rather easily, but once in a while if we’ve had a winter of heavy accumulation, it will build up in the roof valleys. Rick spent some serious time this past weekend roof raking and breaking up any ice jams. Miller likes to be out keeping an eye on our work and progress. Such a good dog, that Miller! This weekend we will clear the benches in the greenhouse and check the big furnace we use for heating it. It may look like we’re still knee deep ( waist deep?) in winter, but spring’s a comin’.
Feb
25
2015
Fernwood Nursery & Gardens 
I agree with your feathered friends. It sure was nice while shoveling to feel the sun.
Oh, the sun……a marvelous thing! Don’t you just want to tip your face to the sky when that glorious sun shines and soak in its warmth? Aah !
Your home is beautiful. And, if those hens keep enjoying the outside, I’m thinking that groundhog is done for with his predictions. 🙂 How do you break up the ice dams? I saw a guy on TV using a sledge hammer. That seemed a little drastic but I’ve never tried it.
Thank you, Judy. Rick uses the roof rake and a small mallet, once the sun starts shining , we try and get as much pulled off so it doesn’t come all at once and crash into the windows. I think he depends mostly on the rake, not wanting to damage the roof with any heavy pounding. The chickens really do like being out and strutting their stuff on these warm days. It’s been a long winter for those gals and their rooster, they’re ready for sprouts and bugs, no doubt!
The icicles, the wreath on the door, the avenue of tree boughs bending in the snow, your beautiful dog and chickens. All lovely pictures. Xx
Thank you! Still behaving like winter here , though we are confident that spring is around the corner. The sight of bare ground will be a cause for celebration , for sure!
At this point, I wouldn’t mind seeing a few bugs myself. Love that pic of Miller, he looks the epitome of man’s best friend.
Hi Marian,
Yes, bugs, new shoots, buds……heck even a few weeds and mosquitoes would give us some hope for spring. Be careful what I wish for, right? We will soon have long months of weed maintenance ( and the swatting of black flies) ahead of us! Still some lambs to be born, maple trees to be tapped, and…..yes, a bit more snow to shovel. Hope things are warmer and that signs of spring are evident in your area!
denise