Wednesday, December 15, 2010

How Low Can It Go?

  The temperature, that is.  After what seemed like an endless summer (I was still wearing shorts in October!), winter has arrived with a vengeance.  Almost overnight, the temperatures went from the 50's to low 40's, 30's and 20's.  The coldest days have been accompanied by high winds, making the wind chill into the teens and single digits---brrrrr!
  The dogs, though, are barely affected.  Even the puppies are not bothered by this sudden change of seasons.  They come in at night, of course, but tear across the frozen ground every morning, ready to romp and play in their yard.  We drop the kennel doors for the adults at night.  Their combined body heat keeps the building so comfortable, the water buckets only have a skim of ice in the morning!  I was afraid our warm fall would delay their winter coat build up, but even senior dogs Ben and Sophie look like they could step into a show ring with their gorgeous coats!
  Today is still quite cold, but the wind has mercifully calmed a bit.  The sky is very clear with a strong sun and the dogs hinted they would like a play day.  Off they went after breakfast, running and chasing each other, Dixie trying to entice someone to play tug of war with her.  I opted to watch them from inside, next to the woodstove, rather than partake in their play.  Every time I peek out the windows to check on the dogs, they are contentedly watching road activity, looking for squirrels or sunbathing.  Short winter days though, means the fun ends early.  I'll let them stay out for another couple of hours, then it's time to come in for dinner.
  Tomorrow's forecast includes the word S*N*O*W.  Nothing like the blizzards of last year, but should be enough for the puppies to have a new experience!

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