Here in Iowa we’ve had considerable drought conditions throughout 2012 and January wasn’t looking much better.  Hay and feed prices have gone up and up–I can’t imagine what feed costs must be like for the beef, dairy and hog farmers, much less the folks who breed and raise horses for a business.

But glory be, we had some rain a few days ago that turned to a coating of ice….and today, we had rainy, warm weather–in the 50’s!  And now we’re looking at a night of rain, then sleet and ice, then 4-7 inches of lovely snow tomorrow.  Whatever, however we can get some moisture, it’s a blessing!

Earlier in our marriage, my husband and I raised quarter horses on a small scale and later, thoroughbreds.  We’ve now just just three mares and I thoroughly enjoy them–the pleasure of doing chores everyday, seeing them out in the pasture, having a chance to ride at a moment’s notice when the weather is decent.

Not that weather ever stopped me as a child—I rode bareback all winter long no matter how deep the snow, the soft warmth of the horse’s thick winter coat beneath me, loping down snow covered roads, heading out through fields of snowdrifts.  I look back and just shake my head at some of my daredevil inclinations…but I guess my guardian angel worked overtime.

Here’s a photo of our daughter Emily enjoying a snowy ride a couple years ago, and some current winter photos from around our place–from ice covered branches to a fencepost with a snow hat.   I just love the magical beauty of winter!

And it’s also a perfect excuse to stay inside with a hot cup of tea, and to work on some future book proposals, with our dog curled at my feet and the wind buffeting my office windows.

I hope you are having a wonderful winter, wherever you are.  I’d love to hear about it!  Roxanne