When I was still in school, an impending snowstorm was a glorious thing. Whether it be grade school, high school, or college, a day off to enjoy the snow was a welcome event.
The activities changed--from sledding to skiing as I grew up--but the mindset never did. A first-snow day for the season was something to be celebrated.
So when our first "real" snowstorm of the 2024 winter arrived over last weekend, I planned to try to take some time with my camera to revel in the white stuff. A predicted 9 - 12 inches for our area, actually saw 7.5 inches when all was said and done--enough to have a great snow day, but not enough to bring normal life to a standstill.
Birds and Snow
When snow covers the ground, our feeder stations bring plenty of birds in for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are pretty used to me filling feeders and some of them don't even wait until I hang the feeder back up to start sitting in limbs above me, so sitting with my camera on the patio is not something that scares them away.
The activities changed--from sledding to skiing as I grew up--but the mindset never did. A first-snow day for the season was something to be celebrated.
So when our first "real" snowstorm of the 2024 winter arrived over last weekend, I planned to try to take some time with my camera to revel in the white stuff. A predicted 9 - 12 inches for our area, actually saw 7.5 inches when all was said and done--enough to have a great snow day, but not enough to bring normal life to a standstill.
Birds and Snow
When snow covers the ground, our feeder stations bring plenty of birds in for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are pretty used to me filling feeders and some of them don't even wait until I hang the feeder back up to start sitting in limbs above me, so sitting with my camera on the patio is not something that scares them away.
Our winter bird population consists of juncos, finches, hairy and downy woodpeckers, phoebes, blue jays, titmice, nuthatches, Carolina wrens, and mourning doves. They are a joy to watch, especially on snow days.
Setters Love Snow
Our two setters, Talley and Lilah, are all about snow. It is one of the only times Lilah is so overcome with excitement, she actually allows Talley to play with her. Lilah is a princess who normally doesn't mix with the commoners.
Setters Love Snow
Our two setters, Talley and Lilah, are all about snow. It is one of the only times Lilah is so overcome with excitement, she actually allows Talley to play with her. Lilah is a princess who normally doesn't mix with the commoners.
Lilah enjoying her snow day.
I keep the setters groomed down for snow, making sure paws are clipped appropriately so snowballs don't accumulate between their toes, but both have baby soft coats that get extremely messy and hold snow. After dry off time, applying a quick brush will make sure to avoid matting, and a leave-in conditioner stops static in the coat.
With the photo I took of Talley, I decided to use an AI background to make it more interesting. Talley often HATES to come in from the snow, so she will sit as far away from you as she can in the yard with this exact look on her face. I thought the lone tree represented her feelings pretty well.
With the photo I took of Talley, I decided to use an AI background to make it more interesting. Talley often HATES to come in from the snow, so she will sit as far away from you as she can in the yard with this exact look on her face. I thought the lone tree represented her feelings pretty well.
Our smaller dogs (Billie the wire-haired terrier and Luke the Jack Russell mix) don't really relish being in the snow. They will just run out, do their business, and immediately look to go back in the house. Our border collie, Piper, is somewhat older (13.5 years) and has a bit of arthritis in his back right leg, so while his coat is IMPERVIOUS to the weather, he is not as keen to run and play with the girls anymore. However, if a cat is on the patio, he will be RIGHT THERE to make sure the cat is herded back into the house.
Horses Love Snow
Our horses, Roo and Eagle, LOVE LOVE LOVE the snow. I put this photo on my Facebook personal page, because it was just the best moment to capture Eagle making horsey snow angels.
Horses Love Snow
Our horses, Roo and Eagle, LOVE LOVE LOVE the snow. I put this photo on my Facebook personal page, because it was just the best moment to capture Eagle making horsey snow angels.
When we turn them out in snow, they come bounding out of the barn to enjoy it.
Eagle is in his winter coat right now, as is Roo. Both are good buddies, but Eagle is the boss. Eagle is a Pinto, about 15.3 hands and one of the best horses we have owned. Roo is a Percheron cross, and has his moments, but is generally an all-around good man.
Eagle is in his winter coat right now, as is Roo. Both are good buddies, but Eagle is the boss. Eagle is a Pinto, about 15.3 hands and one of the best horses we have owned. Roo is a Percheron cross, and has his moments, but is generally an all-around good man.
Past Snow Days
We have had other dogs who enjoyed the snow day extravaganzas as well. Unfortunately, they are no longer with us, but here is a small tribute to them.
We have had other dogs who enjoyed the snow day extravaganzas as well. Unfortunately, they are no longer with us, but here is a small tribute to them.
Danny (top two photos) hated the snow and mostly stayed on the cleaned-off side patio, unless he was interested in EATING snow. Then he'd find a tunnel of snow to hide in while chowing down (caught in the act in the above right photo).
Moe (bottom left) was up to his neck in snow, walking through the tunnels we make the dogs in the yard. I'd have to say he pretty much did not care for snow either, although he never gave up his patrol of the fence line, no matter the weather.
Our Bethy would romp with the girls if the snow was not above her head, but in the lower right photo, you can see it was much too much snow for her to do anything but walk the tunnels.
We certainly miss this crew, and not just on snow days.
If you live in a winter climate and got some snow, try to enjoy it. Beauty is all around us in the white stuff for sure. If you have snow loving dogs and would like a session focused on snow days, give me a call. I am always ready to capture a snowmageddon dog world.
And that, my friends, is THE END.
Moe (bottom left) was up to his neck in snow, walking through the tunnels we make the dogs in the yard. I'd have to say he pretty much did not care for snow either, although he never gave up his patrol of the fence line, no matter the weather.
Our Bethy would romp with the girls if the snow was not above her head, but in the lower right photo, you can see it was much too much snow for her to do anything but walk the tunnels.
We certainly miss this crew, and not just on snow days.
If you live in a winter climate and got some snow, try to enjoy it. Beauty is all around us in the white stuff for sure. If you have snow loving dogs and would like a session focused on snow days, give me a call. I am always ready to capture a snowmageddon dog world.
And that, my friends, is THE END.
Danny and Lilah circa 2018 snow event.
P.S. You can click on any image in this blog to make it larger for viewing. Enjoy!
NEW IN 2024
When I can I will be featuring an adoptable pet at the end of the blog post. Be sure to take a peek at handsome, 10-year-old Elliot, available through Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue. His location does not matter, as transport is always arranged. CLICK HERE for more information on Elliot.
NEW IN 2024
When I can I will be featuring an adoptable pet at the end of the blog post. Be sure to take a peek at handsome, 10-year-old Elliot, available through Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue. His location does not matter, as transport is always arranged. CLICK HERE for more information on Elliot.
Photo courtesy of Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue
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