Winter is making a guest appearance this and next week. Late last night, I took Fate out to the pasture gate to check on the animals in the storm, to make sure the chicken coop was closed up and there was water in the heated bucket. This is a long-time tradition with me I did it with Rose, with Izzy, sometimes with Red, sometimes with Fate.

There is something timeless and beautiful about this chore, Fate goes and sits by the pasture gate, eager to work, oblivious to the snow and ice pouring down on ice.

Moments like this especially make me love my life here, this is something that l lives in the blood of humans I think, I know it lives in my blood. Fate is trooper, like Rose in that way. Up for anything, as long as it is work. More winter coming, frigid temperatures this weekend. About time. We are ready.