1 The blizzard of 2010 begins. One thing we do to make shoveling easier is to shovel continuously throughout the storm. We don't wait for all the snow to fall first.
2 Gyurme loves the snow - he comes from Nepal, in the Himalayas.
3 So many birds come to the feeders as a storm begins.
4 Crows, juncos, and chickadees
5 It's such a pleasure to feed so many birds.
6 We have quite an array of feeders and seed for winter feeding.
7 The eaves are a great place for the feeders - no squirrels have access, no matter how hard they try.
8 A gaggle of geese flying overhead
9 We have also hung mesh bags in the trees as additional feeders.
10 The boxwood allee approaching the stable - the storm was worsening.
11 The fine construction of the burlap wrapping really saves the box wood from becoming weighted down and snapping in the cold.
12 A delivery man bringing a box of flowers for Valentine's Day
13 It was a long walk for him.
14 The white spruce fencing always looks wonderful in the snow.
15 Rufus and Clive peering out from the donkey shed - they enjoy staying outside for several hours a day, before returning to their stall in the stable.
16 One of the huge stable doors open to the elements
17 The storm is getting harsher and the skies whiter.
18 Now it is really falling thickly.
19 And even thicker
20 I suppose we will have to plow a bit soon. I dislike plowing because the roads are beautifully crowned and the plow can damage that shape.
21 The visibility is really getting bad.
22 Some of the 200 chickens have remained outside - I'm sure they'll soon take refuge with the others inside their cozy houses.
23 The horses have decided they've had enough of the snow.
24 They want the warmth of their stalls.
25 You can see the furry coat Rinze has grown.
26 And the beards!
27 The snow looks beautiful everywhere.
28 Clive and Billie are now emerging - they want to be taken to the stable, also.
29 Pretty please?
30 The stable courtyard
31 Ice is forming on the stable windows.
32 The corn crib is barely visible across the field.
33 The houses, too, are becoming obscured.
34 The greenhouse is nearly obscured.
35 A view from the stable loft
36 From the loft, the equipment shed and hay barn look very far away.
37 The four chicken coops and flower garden are disappearing.
38 This stand of white pines was once much larger, before a tornado and some heavy storms blew through.
39 The woods look quiet and serene in the snow.
40 Betsy's cats want to experience snow for the first time!
41 They are about to pounce - they will be surprised.
42 Is this some kind of new kitty litter?
43 This one doesn't want to step in the snow.
44 So apprehensive
45 But this guy has no qualms.
46 Finally, venturing forward.
47 Exploring the chairs
48 Snow is fun!
I live in California and it has been rainy, but nothing like what you are experiencing on the East Coast. Beautiful photos - thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Lisa/AuthenticSuburbanGourmet | February 19th, 2010 at 12:05 am
Beautiful pictures, Martha!
Posted by: Amanda | February 19th, 2010 at 12:12 am
Martha, it's rare to hear this from a Canadian, but I miss snow!!! We've had almost none here in Toronto and I truly do miss it. Your photos reveal its magic beautifully. I'll live vicariously through you and your farm this winter.
Andrew @ Martha Moments
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | February 19th, 2010 at 12:21 am
Beautiful! I do miss the snow! And I love those tuxedo cats
Posted by: Pam | February 19th, 2010 at 12:21 am
Hi Martha, It's beautiful. I especially love your photographs of all of your furry friends...including the visiting ones. The images of all the birds at the long row of bird feeders so touched my heart. What a lovely place, surrounded by so many wonderful friends. Trina
Posted by: Trina | February 19th, 2010 at 12:33 am
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These photos, I think, are the farm favorites -- most reflective and artistic.
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Very dreamlike to follow. Thank you.
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Tornado?! What year?
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Arriving in Cape Town shortly?! Wish I was braver about jumping on planes to great distances. Looking forward to when that time comes! Wishing you comfort, from fluffy pillows to strolling along with the African sky.
.
Posted by: Andrea and the Weimaraners | February 19th, 2010 at 12:57 am
Martha,
it is beautiful site to see, thank you for sharing your home. i look forward to spring and all that it has for us.
Mahalo,
Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | February 19th, 2010 at 1:00 am
Martha!! You have some very beautiful homes. I am so jelous. Even covered in snow it looks spectacular. Thanks for sharing! http://www.meandmartha.net
Dan Viger
Posted by: Daniel Viger | February 19th, 2010 at 1:05 am
Very evocative pictures!
Posted by: how it grows | February 19th, 2010 at 1:23 am
You must be getting all our snow! I live in Fairbanks, Alaska; we have had the LEAST snowy winter in a long time! Great pictures!
Posted by: Monika | February 19th, 2010 at 3:26 am
Martha, Thank-You for allowing us to take such an enjoyable journey with you...Your photos have a dreamlike quality to them and we so appreciate the your thoughfulness and generosity in sharing them with us.
Posted by: Kate | February 19th, 2010 at 3:37 am
HOW BEAUTIFUL¡¡¡
Posted by: maria jose | February 19th, 2010 at 3:47 am
we are having a blizzard like that right now in southern finland and we've got plenty of snow as it is. the temp is down to -15C/5F, but up in lapland they had -38C/-36F the night before. no snow days, though...
the set-up of your farm is very beautiful, the scenery looks amazing any time of the year.
Posted by: liisamarja | February 19th, 2010 at 6:18 am
Wonderful photos Martha, Here in Australia were in the middle of summer and it's really hot so your photos really capture a chilly winter wonderland.
I've never experienced that much snow but would dearly love to one day.
Posted by: Phoebe | February 19th, 2010 at 7:45 am
Martha
I've had enough snow for a lifetime! Living in South Jersey and getting over 3 feet is crazy and it's only mid February.
Although it is beautiful it caused so much damage to the large trees on our property and the area in general. We won't know the full extent until it all melts.
The pictures of your farm are beautiful thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Ann | February 19th, 2010 at 7:46 am
Oh, I love seeing Betsy's cats! More please!
That was "snow" beautiful!
Posted by: Charlotte K | February 19th, 2010 at 8:07 am
Such beautiful photos!!! Here in Italy it's been two months since we last saw the sun.. It's been snowing and raining since New Year's Eve, and now we're quite fed up.. Hugs from Genoa!!!
Posted by: smalltownboy | February 19th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Africa beckons when the last several months have
covered our vast prairie with drift of snow.
Enjoy and keep us part of your LIVING.
Posted by: ann | February 19th, 2010 at 8:43 am
wonderful winter snaps!
Posted by: donna good | February 19th, 2010 at 9:31 am
Martha, I'm surprised you didn't get a lot of snow. Sure looks beautiful, though!
Posted by: Lynn from For Love or Funny | February 19th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Martha. . .What beautiful photos! I definitely agree with you about the plowing issue .. . Plowing destroys the beauiful innocence of the snow covered ground and makes everything dirty looking! Too bad we have to plow n order to use our roads!
We had 18" of snow in my area of L.I. and our roads looked so bad!
Thanks again for allowing us to enjoy!
regards, your friend nina
Posted by: nina zeumer | February 19th, 2010 at 10:00 am
I just loved these photos. The donkeys, horses, and Betsy's cats are just adorable. We've had so much snow here in Philly that we just don't know where to put it anymore. The parking lot has fifteen foot snow mountains. The first blizzard we had we got 28.5 inches. The second produced 18 inches four days after the first. So you just imagine how snowy it is here.
Thanks for sharing your gorgeous farm pics.
Linda
Phila.,PA
Posted by: Linda | February 19th, 2010 at 10:04 am
We got over thirty inches here in Delaware. We were snowed in our homes for days. Some areas still are covered. My family and I all satyed warm by the fireplace and made my grandmother's recipe for snow ice cream. I hadn't been able to enjoy that for years, and now I can share it with my two-year old daughter!
Posted by: Courtney Wooldridge | February 19th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Hi Martha, as always your pictures are really beautiful. I love your farm. I agree about keep plowing especially when the snow is wet and heavy. We have to shovel our driveway (no plow trucks were availble) and when we were done, new heavy snow was on the ground, as if we never shoveled. Oh well. Looking forward to spring. I am now thinking spring. Take care. Hilda
Posted by: Hilda | February 19th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Dearest Martha,
Your pictures of snow, and of the wonderful animals, reflect your deep love and connection to the natural world. You are a true Goddess, and not solely of the domestic kind..
You are a goddess of the Garden, of the winter, and of the spring, You are a guardian to all of the little creatures who are lucky enough to inhabit your paradise. Thank You for being you!
Posted by: Rachel Kennedy | February 19th, 2010 at 11:22 am
Hi Martha,
I love these pictures! Everything is so beautiful with the snow falling and I especially like picture #39. It reminds me of the woods in northern Michigan that I enjoyed exploring in the winter time. It looks great on my desk top too and fits right in with the cold weather we’ve been having! (I’ll use it for a little while.)
~
The animal pictures are just too precious! I’ve been fast-clicking on the horse and the donkey pictures to make it look like they’re walking towards me. lol You take nice sequences of pictures, Martha.
~
I think someone on Twitter said it was hot in Cape Town but I hope not too hot. I look forward to seeing more pictures, (saw the airport one), and reading about your adventures in South Africa and the Design Expo. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 19th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
They are gorgeous photos. I particularly love the ones from the inside looking out at the snow. It makes you feel warm and cozy, while you soak up the magic of the snowfall.
Posted by: Wendy (Give Love Create Happiness) | February 19th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
i love all your pics martha
your as close to a queen as i can imagine! i live vicariously through the pictures of your farm. we are trying to get a law changed right now so that we can have chickens in bangor maine.
we have a sweet little woods in town and would so love to have just a piece of farm life here.
much love
Posted by: rachael anderson | February 19th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Dear Martha,
What a beautiful farm you have. I love all the pictures you have taken, including the birds in and around their feeders and the farm animals. You have a beautiful way of putting things together. You are such an inspiration to me : ) Thank you sO much for making everything so beautiful : )
Posted by: Julia Geier | February 19th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Martha, you can make even a blizzard look beautiful. Some of these pictures would make lovely Christmas cards. Maybe that is your next venture? I, too, love seeing Betsey's cats. I remember when they were just kittens.
Posted by: Lee | February 19th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Martha, as always I enjoy your films of your farm. Everything is beautiful and your animals are so cute and smart. I love the bird feeders and all the birds that are kept alive because you care enough to feed them. We too have had a very cold winter with lots of snow and are counting the days until spring. Again,thanks for
sharing. Keep warm, Sylvia
Posted by: Sylvia | February 19th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
How many acres do you have there?
Posted by: Nan | February 19th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
I loved the pictures of the snow on your farm.
The animals are all cute, especially the cats.
I have a black and white tuxedo cat just like
the one in the last photo...his name is Fritz
who will be 15 years old this year.
He didn't like the snow either.
Thanks for the photos,
Vivian
Posted by: Vivian Price | February 19th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Winter wonderland for sure! It all reminds me of the huge snowfalls we had in Vancouver last winter. And, of course, as the whole world knows...we have so little this year and really needed it. Somehow the Games go on!
I live on Winter Crescent where it may as well be called Spring.
Posted by: sherey | February 19th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
The pictures of your farm in the Blizzard of 2010 are beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | February 19th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
We had a mild winter this year but last winter we got hit hard.
Coffee is on.
Posted by: peppylady | February 19th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Hi Martha, Burr!! This fantastic blog made me feel like I was right there in that cold, snowy weather! It has been so warm and sunny here in the Puget Sound area that I can imagine that your wonderful animals would really love it here for a change. These photos were great. I love how you feed so many birds. They looked so happy. Betsy's little cats were sure having fun in and out of the snow. I'm sure your dogs and cats had fun out there,too. Great TV show again today. Your audience certainly had fun winning all of those fun prizes, etc. So glad you had a safe trip to South Africa. Anxious to see your photos about the trip. Have fun there. Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 19th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Beautiful! I love when you take us on walks on your farm. As I said before, the farm looks so beautiful all dressed in snow.
Posted by: Robyn | February 20th, 2010 at 8:46 am
...indeed, where I live in Western Maryland, we've received the brunt of ALL the snowfall this winter. Hmmm...let's see...around 20" fell December 18-19, 2009 with (wonderful!) warmish temperatures (40's/near 50!) following in January, which eventually melted everything (I tho't the snow was behind us!). Then, the heavens bestowed about 24 more inches on us on February 5-6, and another 17" on February 9-10! Our snowbanks from plowed and shoveled areas are so high, that I think I'll NEVER see 'green' again! It's the time of year (for me) to be thinking about getting my lawn mower tuned up and ready for the first mow around the first of April, and as I look out the windows (and fret [needlessly]), the month of March is going to r-e-a-l-l-y have to warm up for me to do so in that time frame! Hopefully, March will be kind to us. What I fret about, too, (again, needlessly - I can't control Mother Nature!) is that the spring precipitation'll turn to rain, and with an already saturated ground, my basement'll get water in it, which is a very unpleasant experience! (I could go on-n-onnn...[big sigh!])
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I enjoyed seeing all the animals and their reactions, Martha, to the storm...they always seem to intuitively know when enough is enough and to seek their secure shelters until clearer skies return. I really enjoyed seeing Rinze's beautiful face, with the snow on his frosty little whiskers and chin, and Betsy's cats! - they are handsome specimens of 'jellicle' cats! - they are just beautiful! I could've just scooped them both up in my arms and munched on their pretty little ears if they'd've allowed me! [giggle]
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Gee whiz...I could go on-n-on here and talk about this crazy winter we've had and how we've had resident American Robins for several weeks now, but I'll digress and save those epistles for a little later, maybe...
.
Think Spring!...that's about all I can say!...
.
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | February 20th, 2010 at 11:35 am
The photos are wonderful..northern westchester is so beautiful so close to NYC but so far...away thank you your efforts to conserve of the land are so great
Posted by: WYNNIE | February 20th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Hi Martha, THank you so much for the lovely pictures. I live in California and love to see these East Coast pictures. Love your show, Keep on doing what you do,
so grateful, Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Peters | February 20th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
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Blizzard of Twenty Ten
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Eighty years of waiting only to suffer a winter tantrum,
There's something pure about the snow quivering down to numb
The shoveller's fingers, as he makes it look easy and fun.
Not tuned in to the weather center anxious birds, big and small ones,
Fear the pending change, filling crops to ward off hunger.
Safe from squirrels, the cylindrical feeders help keep them stronger.
Mesh bags in trees with seed for the furtive feeders' plight.
A gaggle of geese that is airborne and unhappy in flight.
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Grey skies, the foreboder of what's to come, the storm worsens,
The alee of stable boxwoods, wait with whispered cursins.
Boxwood branches won't be coming weighted down and snapping.
Because of fine construction, saved indeed by the burlap wrapping;
The white spruce fencing segregating field and fen,
Looks wonderfully smart in the snow again and again:
A long walk for a delivery guy who doesn't suppose,
Another unlucky 'victim of charm' as sent Martha a rose.
.
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Wherever you look the view's the same, the snow is falling quicker,
Denseness of the air prohibits a clear view, the snow's getting thicker.
The horses, with their furry coats and beards bristling in the storm,
Have decided enough's enough lets go back to the 'dorm'.
Animals inherently know the impending danger of fierce weather,
The social creatures always seek sanctuary hopefully together.
Not so much enjoying this daily outing, they peer out of their shed,
Rufous, Clive and Billie know impending danger, want to go to bed.
.
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Some of the 200 chickens have remained outside, skirts blowing high,
Soon they'll want to get cozy; right now their eye is on the prize.
The stable courtyard speaks of bye gone days,quiet rides,secrets never told.
Ice forms on stable windows, the courtyard cobble stones are silent and cold.
Across the field the corn crib is barely visible and soon will be a blur.
The houses look like an old tyme photo and soon will be obscure.
The equipment and hay sheds wait patiently,protecting precious contents.
Slowly 4 hen coops and a flower garden disappear behind a curtain of suspense.
.
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Once large stand of white pines reduced by merciless winds powered by Nature;
Snow looks beautiful covering blemishes,filling up crevices changing the picture.
The woods look quiet and serene,branches break the fall of endless snowflakes.
Soft, gentle, fluffy, aimless, accumulating rapidly what a difference a day makes.
Up by the stable a couple of mouskateers, first time snow bunnies, Betsy's cats,
Eye this new medium for fun that you can't get away from,needs lots of pats.
So, the wild birds have been looked after and have since flown hence.
The farm animals are comfy; visibility is poor and makes things tense.
.
.
Posted by: celia stock | February 20th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Hi
I just love the winter snow,your photos are beautiful. I love the falling snowflakes. I love your show and your website. Angie
Posted by: Angela Hayward | February 21st, 2010 at 12:00 am
I love the photos and the snow. What a beautiful place, so serene.
Posted by: Carolyn J Dyer | February 21st, 2010 at 10:20 am
Hi Martha,
I am envious of all the snow you are getting. I live in Klamath Falls, Oregon and this has been the weirdest winter for a long time. I don't believe there has been over 8 to 10 inches of snow this winter. I love the snow! Your farm looks beautiful. I love watching your show. Susie
Posted by: Susie Badker | February 21st, 2010 at 6:21 pm
I saw in your photos a very nice standing hydrant. I would like to know the source for this for my own garden in upstate New York. And I enjoyed the photos very much. Thank you.
Posted by: Philip Mahla | February 21st, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Thank you for these lovely pictures. They could be on Christmas cards! And, of course, the pictures of the animals, particularyl the donkeys are precious. you can actually get a sense of their personalities!
I live in Vancouver and as I write this the sun is out in full force (not very good for the snow conditions) but it is beautiful. People are out playing golf and tennis in their shorts, if you can believe, and the ocean is full of various sailing vessels.
The flowers are in bloom. The crocuses are on their last stage, the daffodils are beginning to bloom and the cherry trees are starting to blossom. It is early and this is a sign of global warming. Last year we had a tremendous snowfall, similar to what you have just now experienced and now this incredible warmth , and more than normal, rainfall even for Vancouver.
Again, I loved the pictures. They make you want to stay warm and cozy inside and they make you want to dream.
Posted by: Daphne Grant | February 21st, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Thankyou for the photos Martha. We had a little snow here in michigan not enough for me. I love snow. I love to look at it, I love to walk in it, I love to play in it. Oh wait, in mens hockey USA just won the preliminary round against Canada in the Olympics. (Feb. 21, 2010). Another reason to like winter.
Posted by: Rose Garren | February 21st, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Ha-ha! That last comment is perfect. Simple and perfect.
Here's a question - what are the updates on your owl boxes? Is there vacancy or no vacancy? We put one up, but have yet to attract an owl. Of course we live in the city, so...I know they come by to visit in the pines, but they don't seem to stay. Wish they would.
Posted by: Marie | February 21st, 2010 at 11:51 pm
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Celia,
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Enjoyed your story in rhyme, from the victim delivery to the mousekateering cats!
.
Posted by: Andrea and the Weimaraners | February 22nd, 2010 at 12:55 am
It looks just silent and fine. The everything is covered wuth snow. Thank you for the peaceful scenary!
Posted by: Grace Lim | February 22nd, 2010 at 2:08 am
ohhh i love fresh snow!
Posted by: handmadecharlotte | February 23rd, 2010 at 10:36 am
Martha......why not have a some on miniture paintings....oh happy day....isn't winter one of the wonders of the world..!!!Best Wishes
Posted by: elaine membrino | February 23rd, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I love all the bird feeders...that is so sweet.
Posted by: Meg | March 28th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Martha,
I saw you on Charlie Rose last night. You said you signed with Home Depot to bring kitchen cabinets. Do you know when we can start buying them? I am desperate!! I am about to gut my small kitchen...but should I wait?
Posted by: MimiMair | April 7th, 2010 at 11:40 am
No wonder Hallmark has teamed up with you! These photos are Hallmark material! My parents live in New Hampshire. They have six beautiful acres. They had their generator going non-stop without power. A tree took down wires. The live on a beautiful street where the trees tunnel and trolley cars used to go down. It was by far the toughest snowfall. Fortunately they stocked up on gas and oil for the generator, food, and water befor it hit. I gave them a mystery gift to pull out of the closet if they had lost power for more than 10 days. It had lots of batteries, a light, a battery fully charged for their cell phone and caps with built in lights for hands free work outside. They were most appreciative.
Posted by: Debbie Munden | April 8th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Good Day Martha Stewart I'm writing you this email becasue on november 11, 2011 I will be geting married in Sandals Resort by your wedding company and i'm asking for some help i really want this to be a special day for my wife to be and wny help you can give i will be thankful feel free to contact me at 347 213 2977 or email lite480@aol.com thank you and have a bless day
Posted by: michael fields | December 29th, 2010 at 2:09 pm