Snow Gobblers
I was lied to. I was told that turkeys aren’t very aggressive in the cold, much less in snow. Well, when a gobbler wants what he wants, no spring blizzard is going to keep him down.
Click on the picture or go HERE to see more pictures of turkey’s courting their hens who, by the way, seem less than interested in them.
Hope you have a great start to your week. We are off to feed the cows again in the falling snow.
Beds of Hay
We drove off the ranch yesterday to head to the bluffs to check on Patrick’s cows. We branded them this weekend and took them to new pasture and then bam, a blizzard hits when we least expect it. And that’s just tough on the sweet baby calves.
Snow was still falling by evening and blowing across the road.
When we got there, they seemed very spry and excited to see us.
We got out and looked everybody over. They were a little frosty but everyone looked good and healthy.
But looking over the pasture, there wasn’t much grass peeking through and nowhere for them to lay down to be protected from the cold ground. That’s where we come in. Patrick attached 2 chains to the pickup and the hooks on the other end locked into the hay bale so I could pull it off the stack.
We dragged it over to the cows and Patrick got out to cut the strings.
The girls were a little impatient! I backed the truck up unrolling the bale while Patrick helped to pitch off the hay to them. When the bale got smaller, I stopped the pickup and jumped out to help. We pushed the bale and rolled it into the trees so they had something warm to lay on and be protected from the wind.
By the time we were leaving, the calves made their bed on the fresh hay while their mothers were chowing down.
Warm and toasty. Well, not really. But at least they are covered in leather!
We checked on them at about 5 this morning and they still had a lot of hay left and the entire herd was bedded down on the hay. They looked good, just a little cold. We’ll roll out another bale this evening for them to help them get through this crazy weather. At least the sun has finally come out. That should warm them up a bit.
Just another day in paradise y’all!
Snowblind
Well, the weatherman was right and we are buried in it. It hasn’t let up ALL day. Snow still coming down and blowing all around. I’m used to snowfall in April, but not a blizzard. We’ve been waiting for this all winter!
Morning Twinkle
The air was heavy with fog but the ground and fence posts sparkled yesterday morning.
ice crystals on a fence post
a single snowflake on a red stem
another single snowflake on a red stem
Old man winter is taking his sweet time to exit. But these frosty, glittery mornings do make me cheerful.
Hello February
February has entered with a bang!
I won’t bore you with the details of the numerous lemons life has served us that we are struggling to make lemonade with, but I will show you the progression of stormy skies that welcomed this second month of 2013. It was a wild party in the sky most of the day with only gray and overcast during the morning . The real show began after noon.
12:47pm
On my way to care for a neighbors farmily, I noticed the gray skies hovering over the Cooney Hills and blue skies with snow over Squaw (not pictured).
1:47pm
Back at home the sky went from gray to blueish purple with high winds and wet snow squalls for a couple of hours.
4:01pm
We went to town to take care of some ranch business and looked back toward the hills. That’s Squaw Mountain back covered with snow from the afternoon squalls. That cloud separation in the middle is pretty wild eh?
5:01pm
Coming back home, the sun was starting to set behind the hills.
5:04pm
The space there between the hilltops and the upper clouds is dead air, calm and cool. Wind is sweeping off the hills and whipping into the lower clouds just above the road.
5:07pm
5:11pm
5:18pm
Once back home, the sun went down behind the mountains. The clouds cleared out overnight and Saturday was cool and clear.
Phew! What a way to start off the month.
Snow Clouds at Sunset
Snow storms were happening all around us yesterday evening and these wild clouds helped to create light that changed colors within minutes.
I knew that just around this hill I would see what these clouds were all about.
The light changed from yellow to pink and purple just as I approached the windmill. I like how that strip of cloud through the center acts kind of like a reflection of itself. We didn’t get any of the snow but we sure do have the cold temps.
Remembering Spring
The river is thawing and this dried bouquet on the bank helps me remember spring. We are only entering into February and this winter is already taking it’s toll. Even though I am very thankful for these spurts of warmth in the middle of winter, it makes my desire for spring that much stronger.
Winter Tones
Snow has blown away and ice is melting into small ponds around the meadows. I enjoyed a nice walk yesterday while the wind had some downtime and was happy to stumble upon this scene. The gray and gold really does work together here. I like the limb patterns against the overcast winter sky and a smooth reflection is always appreciated.
Have a great day my friends!
Deer Crossing
“Umpteen thousand acres and they have to run in the middle of the road!” says every rancher in Wyoming. 
Watering Holes
I finally got to walk on water.
Well, actually, we walked across the frozen river. Patrick went to crank up the tractor and while it was warming up, we walked over to the river. Notice the deer tracks on the frost on top of the ice.
I mentioned in Below Zero about the deer having to break ice to get a chilly sip. Well by golly, they busted through and have a hole to drink from.
At a different part of the river where the horses and some cattle are grazing, Patrick had to drive over the river a couple times with the tractor to get it busted out. It didn’t break close enough to the edge and I watched while the younger horses tried to walk on the ice to that hole. It was a funny sight watching them slip and slide but they finally gave up and waited for the tractor to go over it again. Rat found a little hole to sip out of in the meantime.
Below Zero
I wanted to share a few images with you of this past weekend. It is VERY cold, like 10 (or so) below zero cold, and I haven’t been out much. But I did step out at sunset to grab these peaceful scenes.
It’s a solid blanket of white and glitter except for the footsteps of deer trailing down to the river.
The river is totally frozen over so I’m sure they have to break the ice with their hooves to get a chilly sip.
I posted this image on my facebook page this weekend after a few email requests to show what below zero looks like. About 2 inches of snow fell on the ground Friday night and a light skiff last night. The ground is frozen underneath and with these low temps, it isn’t going to go anywhere anytime soon. Brrrr.
All Brushed Up
During calving time, we say “uh oh she’s all brushed up, she’s up to something, better go check it out”. This means she’s hiding in the brush most likely giving birth, about to give birth or has already given birth and doesn’t want to be bothered. Well, I’ve been “all brushed up” for over a week now. NOT giving birth, let’s keep that straight, but working on restyling leahyetter.com, archiving last years work on a new harddrive, processing images for my bestie and getting nervous about an old harddrive that is knocking on heaven’s door as I type this. It’s been very cold outside so it’s a good time to hide indoors, feed logs to the fire and work work work. I did go out for a hike when it warmed up to about 30 degrees and saw this doe all brushed up.
Anyway, I’ll be back here soon with some beauties I photographed before the new year. Patrick and I went for a hike in the hills and stumbled upon a herd that I dream about. Stay tuned. xoxo
No Two Are Alike
More practice with freelensing…
We still have snow on the ground because it’s been so COLD! Usually it melts or blows away to get ready for the next storm. It’s been like this since Christmas. I look out the window and it’s all a’glitter. I’m looking forward to finally getting out and celebrating with friends tonight to ring in the new year.
Thank you all so much for another great year here at Uprooted Magnolia. My 2012 year in blogging review reports that this year, the most popular images were from Peekaboo Fawn. Maybe this sweet creature will be entered into a contest or two. I’ll keep you posted.
Wishing you safe and happy New Years Eve celebrations tonight and I look forward to another great year with y’all.
Cheers!
Leah
Coyotes in the Snow
While Patrick was getting some cows out of a canyon, this fella peeked out to see what all the fuss was about. He quickly ran off and hid but his buddy came in a little closer.
They were both pretty far away and it was getting dark. I was glad to capture a portrait of each these guys before Patrick came back and spooked them off.
oh man, it’s Winter
We went for a VERY chilly drive in the hills to check on the cows yesterday evening. The girls are fat and frisky and a little on the wild side. Kind of like how I feel after eating leftovers for two days and being cooped up inside because of the cold and powdery roads.
I trust you had a fulfilling holiday as well. Hope you are getting around easier than I am. Cheers!
Bring on the Mistletoe!
Merry Kissmas everyone!
We wish you peace, joy and love and lots of kisses this holiday season. 
Empty Nest
Been at a loss for words since the horrific events of last Friday.
My heart aches for those left with an empty nest because of the senseless action of someone with no care for human life. I pray every day that they will somehow find peace in their hearts… although I know that may never happen.
May you find comfort with the ones you love, Newtown.
Full and Heavy
We woke up to a blanket of snow this morning.
Squaw Mountain is barely visible from here.
The clouds are full and heavy.
The cows are rooting around in the snow to get to the grass.
By the looks of this girl, I don’t think they are hurting. I’m not sure if she could fit another bite in that belly.
We couldn’t fit another bite in ours either after feasting with family this past weekend.
I hope you had a fulfilling Thanksgiving break with family and friends.
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