Winter has entered as a tour de force here in the Western Upper Peninsula. If the snowfall continues as it has started till the end of our Northwood's winter in April, we have a chance for one of the 300 inches of snow from years gone past. Since buying Rauhallinen Farm this Spring, there has been a learning curve for maintenance of this property. My first insight was that you cannot efficiently cut over an acre of lawn with a hand mower, and thus purchased an Ariens tractor. Most recently was the discovery that my old Frankensteined Ariens Snow Blower could not handle a drive, barn area, and dog area, that is akin to football field size. Thus, being unable to afford five grand for a snowplow, I traded the old girl in for a new Ariens with Zero turn and the guts to handle three to four feet of snow. Seems like it takes about 1.5 hours of blowing to do this area, but it is a mindful activity that I enjoy. Fortunately, the new machine has a bright headlight, as with these short days of early winter, it is quite dark by the time I arrive at the farm from the clinic. Until the Solstice on 12/21, I leave for work in the dark, get home in the dark, and unless I get out of the clinic between patients, do not see the light of the day. Another Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) sighting yesterday on my way home-that puts me to 8 since I arrived here in the U.P. 3.7 years ago. Happy Holidays to you....
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