The Coldest Day Of Winter On My Farm
I had a very pleasant and productive time at home last Saturday. I cleaned out and organized many closets, which I find to be a relaxing task. On the weekends, my housekeeper, Lily, comes to stay. Lily is of Chinese descent and she happens to be an excellent cook of her native cuisine. She arrives with authentic ingredients from New York City's Chinatown and is happy to cook for me. Lily is rather famous for her chicken soup and my friend, Memrie, came to enjoy a steaming bowl of that wonderful elixir. The weather outside was rather brutal. My farm is situated in a natural wind tunnel, and considering the wind chill, the temperatures were subzero. Despite that fact, after a delicious lunch, Memrie and I felt fortified and went for a walk around the grounds, accompanied by the new puppy, G.K. and Francesca. Sharkey opted to stay curled up in her nice warm bed.
1 Memrie took this photo, which is so descriptive of the gray and cold day.
2 I was wearing my Icelandic hand knit hat, my Uggs, and my Hermes jacket, which is very, very warm. Genghis needs nothing other than his own thick fur coat. At ten weeks of age, this puppy is fabulous!
3 The old apples have just been pruned by the expert tree men from SavAtree. www.savatree.com/ They have taken care of all my trees for many years. These gnarled espaliers are very old and very beautiful apple producers.
4 This is the most beautiful of the old trees in this row.
5 My big boys, the Friesians, all went outside at about 3PM for the night. They spend the cold evenings frolicking in the run-in field. The run-in is a wonderful structure with lots of fresh hay, situated in a giant field where they love to run.
6 Dolma, a groom, loves the boys. Frannie is keeping her distance.
7 Dolma and Memrie posing with Meindert and Rinze
8 Here's Memrie making friends with Meindert and Rinze.
9 Memrie decided that she wanted to try walking one of the boys.
10 Memrie trying to lead Rinze - she was wearing slippery leather boots and an Austrian cape/coat and kept dropping the lead rope. She needed help.
11 This is Betsy all bundled up - she knows how to dress for the cold. Ramon and Rutger are looking nicely at the camera.
12 Betsy rarely wears colors and I love her new red parka!
13 The horses are wearing their warm snow blankets. These heavy turnouts are made by Rambo - horseware made in Ireland.
14 Here I am with G.K. in the stable visiting the donkeys. Rufus, Clive, and Billie really love seeing the new puppy.
15 Greetings and salutations!
16 Rufus, the brown donkey, especially likes G.K. Unfortunately, Rufus has a sore hoof. He chipped it somehow and it is now packed and wrapped. If it's not one thing it's another.
17 Look at silly Rufus pushing his way into the photo!
18 The boxwoods, wrapped snugly in their burlap, are hopefully weathering the winds and cold. For extra protection, their foliage was sprayed with anti-desiccant before being tailored in their winter shrouds.
19 The parterre gardens in front of the house have also been wrapped well for the cold.
20 So are the boxwoods on other parts of the property. The wrapping keeps heavy snow and ice from breaking the branches, which become brittle in the cold. It also protects the evergreen leaves from the punishing winds.
21 I think all of the gardens look wonderful with their 'couture' wraps.
22 The big shape is a round boxwood and the smaller tent-like structures cover teucrium and tiny boxwood.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Beautiful! Not exactly San Diego weather. . .
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | February 2nd, 2010 at 2:07 am
Martha thank you SO MUCH for the photos of your farm in all the snow. You are fabulous in your Hermes jacket, and I love Memrie's attire as well.
I talked to you just last week about your Friesians on your Sirius show and expressed my sadness over your loss of Martyn.
You were so nice as usual.
At the end of the call I told you to please continue with the blog posts about your horses, so this is a nice present to look upon these personal photos of your magnificent equine friends.
Thank you Martha!
-Tyler from Seattle, WA (How I'd LOVE to be one of your grooms)
Posted by: Tyler | February 2nd, 2010 at 3:07 am
I grew up in the equally frigid Midwest. I now live in the temperate climes of the Great Northwest and have become a weather wimp! While your pictures cause me to want to take a walk with you to visit the animals and then indulge in a steamy hot mocha, I am so glad to live here where the temps are in the 40's and I can run outside to see the animals without my coat and hat. I think I would only last about a day out there again.
You are a hearty gal, Martha!
Posted by: Clayvessel from Pie in the Sky | February 2nd, 2010 at 4:04 am
The photos of Genghis and your donkeys are so adorable!
Posted by: Kelly | February 2nd, 2010 at 5:42 am
I'm getting cold just looking at these pictures! This has been an extremely cold winter so far unless I'm just getting old and my bones are feeling it more
I know what you mean about pet injuries, first a stomach virus with Zoe and now a knee injury with Sophie - it never ends!!
Thanks for sharing the photos.
Posted by: Ann | February 2nd, 2010 at 7:48 am
I appreciate Betsy's cold weather head gear... now, however when my son first started wearing the same thing while walking to classes across the University of Minnesota campus, I worried he might be mistaken for a mugger. Apparently it is just considered "sensible dress", and since students aren't always sensible, I'm glad he wears it to avoid frostbite and misery.
Your ancient apple tree reminds me of the cypress Ghost Tree on the point at Monterey CA.
Love your blog..........Rhonda
Posted by: Rhonda Fleming Hayes | February 2nd, 2010 at 9:51 am
Rufus is adorable with G.K. Clive and Billie are just as cute. I love that picture with all of you. What a cold snap! The farm looks like it is resting well for the winter and preparing quietly for the spring.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | February 2nd, 2010 at 9:57 am
How wonderful, you can wrapped your gardens, I never seen before. You can do it! wonder woman 555.
Love Love,
Posted by: Nong Orn | February 2nd, 2010 at 10:21 am
Martha,
Thank you again for sharing a day in your life. I can't get enough of your animals and pics of your home. It gives me something to look forward to each day, to see what you're up to. Since my life tends to be a bit on the boring side and you give me lots of inspiration! LOL
I'm going to have my husband watch one of your latest shows where you build the bird cage for canaries. He's a woodworker, and I'm going to try and convince him to build me one! That would be simply awesome!!!
Posted by: Julie | February 2nd, 2010 at 10:47 am
Thanks for the wonderful pictures. There is a lot of beauty on your farm even on a cold dreary day. Your extended family is very cute- I hope Rufus gets well soon!
Posted by: NeatNicole from Illinois | February 2nd, 2010 at 11:59 am
It was brought to our attention that Martha Stewart is interested in adopting 2 Jersey cows for her farm in Bedford, NY. I am writing on behalf of New Pond Farm education center and farm in Redding, CT because we will have two cows (mother and calf) available for adoption this March. Please contact me if you are interested in obtaining more information, or please direct me to the appropriate person. We continuosly rotate our herd in order to manage milk production, and we look for opportunities to provide our cows with happy homes!
Posted by: Meredith Miller of New Pond Farm | February 2nd, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Hi Martha,
I too did a lot of organizing and sorting in the garage over the weekend. I even labeled my plastic bins so I know where everything is. I also made a few goofs, like throwing out a few things I needed! I put them in a box to save and ended up tossing it. Oh well, Home Depot is close by.
~
I think G.K. managed to take Rufus’ mind off his sore hoof! Man, they all look so cute together and little Franny is so tiny next to the horses. She is wise to keep her distance. You are lucky to have so many animals and the animals are lucky to have you cuz you’re a great momma to them. Your pictures made me smile!
~
If you’re coming down to the Super Bowl, I believe the weather will be favorable. If it rains, we’ll all be surprised after the deluge we got yesterday! Thanks for the farm tour, Martha. I never get tired of seeing it. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 2nd, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I truly enjoy seeing all the photos of your farm and especially you four-legged family.
Thank so much for sharing them with us.
Posted by: Cindy | February 2nd, 2010 at 1:44 pm
re-organizing your closets always makes you feel renewed. I adore seeing pictures of winter on your farm. It is beautiful!
Posted by: Wendy (Give Love Create Happiness) | February 2nd, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Yes Martha,
I would say "if it is not one thing it is another" is a synonym (synonymous) for ranching and/or farming.
Posted by: Margie | February 2nd, 2010 at 2:28 pm
I never, ever tire of seeing your beautiful animals. They are all so wonderful and adorable. GK is certainly making himself at home. It's so cute looking at him interacting with Rufus(hope his hoof feels better soon!), Clive, & Billie.
Frannie indeed looks tiny next to the big boys but I agree with Sharkey. Stay inside where it's nice and warm.
Posted by: Sonya W. | February 2nd, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Your weekend sounded and looked divine. I love organizing closets as well. Your winter attire is attractive as is the burlap winterizing your plant materials. Love the animal pix. GK is adorable.
Posted by: Linda | February 2nd, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Hi Martha~
I just love it when you take us on walks around the farm with you! I wish that I was there to just listen to you talk about the farm and see your beautiful animals!
I love your blog!
Posted by: Robyn | February 2nd, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Hi, Martha. I recently moved to Great Falls, Montana and have restricted satelite access with only one major network, NBC. I have no dissapointment whatsoever with the arrangement and you are my afternoon favorite! The joys of being retired permit me to tune in frequently...especially on those very cold days as you describe in your blog today! Best of luck reaching 2 million.
Posted by: Melanie Cohan | February 2nd, 2010 at 6:57 pm
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I'm taking myself on a 7 day marathon, tearing my entire place apart, room by room, corner by corner!
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I started with the kennel laundry room, finding a mouse nest in a wooden bureau.
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Is it true that dry oatmeal eliminates mice? If not what really works!? Green pellets are dangerous and the mice redeposit them in the laundry!!!!
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Enjoy your cleaning. I'm going round the clock full time, two rooms per day. Art room, here I come!
.
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Cozy little puppy on a most refreshing walk. At home with all the animals, a guest, a coat, a crock.....uhmmmmmm
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Love,
Six More Animals
.
Posted by: Andrea and the Weimaraners | February 2nd, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Hi Martha,
They told me you can go barefoot in them, but I do wear socks.
Loven the photos as usual and adore your four legged pals. That GK is a sweetie!
I have my first pair of Uggs ever, and all I can say is don't you love the Uggs
Jersey cows....there are none better. Had one on the farm for many years. The best milk, the best butter, cream, and ice cream ever !! We called her Tubby, Tub for short She even produced twin calves one season, Nancy and Clancy we named them and they were most endearing, and forever full of mischief. I will never forget the day they managed to get into the hen house.
Tub was a wonderful mother, a wonderful friend, a gentle creature allowing children to sit upon her for a ride, and after she was gone, drinking a glass of milk was never the same.
Uggs and Jersey's, it just doesn't get any better and you just can't go wrong.
Have a great day Martha and thanks for braving the cold to bring us your lovely photos. We all do appreciate it so much
Posted by: Becky HK | February 2nd, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Adorable pic of Frannie watching cautiously from a distance... my bassett hound has also recently learned she's not quite ready to "run with the big dogs." [aka the horses!]
PS Just caught the episode where you visit Ted Turners ranch... either you are a fabulous actress or you were really having the time of your life, you seemed so engaged in the ranch life. How could you not be! As an avid curator of Quarter Horses, I had to laugh out loud when Ted's trainer told you the horses don't mind the bit... if you don't yank on it. Ahh the never ending English/Western chiding continues...
Posted by: R. | February 2nd, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Hi Martha, Thanks for another wonderful tour of your fantastic farm. How fun it looked like everyone was having even though it was so cold. Was very nice to see Memrie again along with Betsy and Dolma. Would love to have seen Lily, but I'll bet she was too busy cooking those delicious things she makes. Little GK sure seems to be fitting into your family really well. Don't tell F&S. but GK is my favorite right now. He is adorable! Great show again today. Wonderful info and super guests. Love seeing you having so much fun! Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 2nd, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Martha - hiya!
I saw this pic and wished to be able to turn it around so I could see the brown hen's beak. I love the way you love your chickens and their eggs. Nothing compares to a good egg.
Wish too that you'd run a segment on decorating a home for senior citizens with allergies and a desire to be greener. Every designer on TV uses tons of fabrics which are not good for us - too hard to keep dust free.
Thanks for years of good things,
Julie
Posted by: Julie Baxter | February 3rd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Those winter skies overhead were grey indeed! We've been having a similar frigid spell as well just a little south in Maryland. At the beginning of last week, Monday was 60ish with downpours of rain and the worst winds I've EVER seen at my property. The event was so harsh that I lost a rather major tree limb that juuust missed my fence and electric service (but landed in my neighbor's yard) PLUS water in the basement was the icing on the cake (especially on a (then) January day)! It wasn't enough to be inches and the very center of the floor remained dry, but the area was too cold for a dehumidifier to be effective, so it had to dry out on it's own (AND wet basements downright smell bad! [NO giggle!] This has only happened 3 times while owning my property of 10+ years, and the ground has to be very saturated to take in no more when this happens. (AND!!!) I had to get out a stored-for-winter garden hose and turn the already-winterized faucet on to hose off muddy water on a low-lying patio right next to my backdoor which is a main entrance that we use. No muddy footprints were going to be allowed on the rug inside! The irony in all of this was that by the end of the week, frigid/freezing/bitter temperatures arrived along with - yes, wind! 60's on Monday, 13 degrees on Friday! Schwhew! Weirdweird weather!
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Well, enough of that...
~
Little GK is fitting right in, isn't he?! It looks like he's getting along nicely and is learning the 'lay of the land'. The donkeys are happy little things, and the Friesians! - they simply take my breath away at their beauty, Martha! As always, you rolled with the punches and enjoyed the out-of-doors anyway, regardless of what Mother Nature had up her sleeve!
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...God bless Martyn...
~
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | February 3rd, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Hi Martha, I see you brave the cold as I also do. I have to go out every day to feed my horse in all kinds of weather but I have wool to keep me warm. I'm a spinner of wool, alpaca etc. it's the best to keep you warm. Did you ever consider getting sheep & spinning their wool. It's a fascinating craft & I'm sure you would enjoy adding it to all of your other crafting pleasures. I knit my own sweaters etc. & I hope you are a knitter too. My condolences to you in losing your beautiful horse. JoAnn
Posted by: JoAnn Pochciol | February 3rd, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Martha I love the way you take care of your farm and your animals. Your horses are just beautiful! Their hair and main are glossy black and they look like they are warm in their winter coats. K.C. is a darling! The donkeys are happy to meet the new member of the family and K.C. looks a little overwhelmed with their eagerness to greet him. Thanks for showing us around the farm again. I never tire of looking at the pictures you take . Thanks
Posted by: Sylvia | February 3rd, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Your winter landscape looks like Christo had a go at it.
Posted by: Maureen | February 4th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Martha, thanks for allowing us to take this walk with you. At least it felt like it. Just beautiful pictures. It has been a brutal winter even down here in Texas. I miss the snow though. Just a lot colder down here and lagging on and on. I can't wait until spring either. Hope spring arrives for you soon. Let us know if the burlap helps.
Posted by: Paula Jo @ home garden decor accents | February 7th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
hello, today is my first visit /connection to your technical information, although I enjoy the TV productions Martha, I am just loving this site, you are indeed a busy gal but I can see the care and attention you pay to those who live amongst you, including the trees/plants.
I am writing from Australia.
I read a comment about Ugg boots and may I say that wearing Uggs without socks is entirely beneficial, the true/proper ugg boot provides a gentle massage of the whole foot upon each movement, therefore, just as good as a foot massage. There are excellent skins/boots provided from New Zealand also.
Take care of yourself in the cold ~ cold,which I cannot imagine coming from the surf and the sun.
Will be keen to keep an eye on everything associated with the Martha Stewart production site, I am so happy to have found a site where I feel comfortable, I even found a "trifle" recipe needed to save a birthday party this weekend (Feb.14th) so many thanks to you and those involved for an easy journey to seek assistance on the website, keep up the good work, Chez from Oz.
Posted by: Chez from Oz | February 12th, 2010 at 4:53 am