The people who live here have an almost animal instinct for snow storms. The old timers rarely listen to weather forecasts; they look at the sky and feel their bones. They are taking this one seriously; not all that much snow but a big and wide storm that will take over most of the weekend.

I went out searching for the storm to say hello, and I think I found it out on a hilly field just south of our town.

When the snow is peeking through thickening clouds, that means the storm is very close or even in eye range. We are ready as always. The animals are all set; the only thing we have yet to do is make sure the chickens get into the roost before it starts. Sometimes they get caught in the snow and go numb underneath the nest. We then pick them up and hand them into the roost.

It isn’t the literal eye of the storm I know (this should head off corrections), but I call it that because it feels like the soul of the storm to me. Cameras do not lie.

We’ll make sure they get in. The donkeys and sheep are already settling down in the pole barn.

The cars are moved into position for Mike to come to plow, and the windshield wipers are pointing up. We’ve got plenty of food and soup. Sometimes I do miss having a garage. We plan a cozy night by the fire, reading, talking, and maybe finding a good mystery to stream.

I love nights like this as long as the power stays on. I keep forgetting we have a generator in the garage, loaded with gas and ready to go if needed.

I should say that physically, the news is all good. My foot brace fits perfectly and comfortably, my diabetes is back to normal and fine, and my cough is a feeble roar. I took my first real walk in a year yesterday, and it felt good.

I’ll be out early with my cameras.