My Post Blizzard Photos
By now, you’ve all probably heard about the blizzard of 2010 that recently howled across the northeastern part of the United States, crippling road, rail, and air travel during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. By definition, a blizzard is a severe storm, bringing with it low temperatures, strong winds in excess of 35-miles per hour, and often heavy snow. I was supposed to begin my St. Barts vacation on the Sunday following Christmas, but like so many frustrated travelers, my flight was cancelled and I remained at home until Monday, when another flight was scheduled. I must admit that sitting out the storm, with its raging winds, was rather unnerving and I was greatly relieved on Monday morning when conditions had calmed down considerably. I managed a drive around the farm to check on things before heading to the airport.
1 The gale-force winds caused the snow to drift against my carport. The snow-blower was put to use.
2 The drift was approximately 4-feet high.
3 Dominick made a path so that I could access the Kawasaki and take a tour around the property.
4 The snow made interesting ripple patterns on the metal roof of the carport.
5 One of several Christmas trees set up for the holidays. They really looked great covered with snow.
6 It was interesting to see where drifting occurred. It collected on one side of this paddock fencing with grass still visible on the other side.
7 The grounds crew just recently completed wrapping the allee of boxwood in burlap, which leads to the stable.
8 A view from the allee looking towards my house
9 Another view
10 Inching closer to the stable
11 The stable courtyard was blanketed with considerable snow.
12 The door to the stable office certainly needed shoveling.
13 The snow really drifted between buildings.
14 I wanted to visit the horses and make sure they were happy. Meindert appeared to be.
15 Ramone and Sasa, as well.
16 Because the gates leading to the paddocks had yet to be cleared, the horses were kept indoors for a longer stretch of time than they were used to.
17 Hello, beautiful Rutger!
18 Be patient, Rinze. You'll be outdoors soon enough.
19 Venturing back outside, I noticed a patch of blue sky.
20 After all of the high winds and snowfall, I must say that the blue sky was a comfort.
21 Looking down towards the chicken coops - you can see their four snow-covered roofs.
22 Another view
23 A glimpse through the woods
24 This is the hay barn with the cold house behind it.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
I'll bet with all that snow, the cold house was really cold.:)
The view between the buildings reminds me of streets in Germany in small towns, or villages.
It is all so beautiful, and even though we got some snow on Christmas Day, and it hung around for a few days, I was really glad to see it go.
Keep safe, Gloria G!!!
Posted by: Gloria | January 4th, 2011 at 12:08 am
These photos are beautiful. Winter can be so brutal, but also a "Winter Wonderland" for all to enjoy.
Happy New Year Martha, and a safe one for all.
Posted by: Becky Kuchefski | January 4th, 2011 at 12:33 am
Martha, all is covered with the beautiful white stuff. It looks so pretty (I can only hope for snow like that here in Arkansas). Is Ramon giving us a smile in photo 15? The horses are so beautiful!
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I'm so sorry you were delayed getting to St. Barts, but mother nature was at work! Its great the delay only lasted one day. I can certainly understand wanting to get off on vacation and can't because of weather.
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I read through 10 things you may not know about Martha Stewart today on your website. How funny you actually like/love liverwurst that's way way way funny to me. You eat caviar on one hand and liverwurst on the other - TOO FUNNY! You are FOR SURE one of the most diverse people I know.
_
I have some questions off the subject of this blog that is related to your company MSLO. What are your plans for the company in the year 3000 or even beyond that the year 4000? Have you given it great thought? Do you plan for it to still be around by then? Are there additional businesses you would like to add to the existing ones? I don't know why, but I've been thinking about these things for you or MSLO.
Posted by: KLBrown | January 4th, 2011 at 12:53 am
I forgot to say, thanks for sharing this blog. I do not want to forget my manners to always say please and thank you.
Posted by: KLBrown | January 4th, 2011 at 1:46 am
You're farm is simply beautiful no matter what is going on. Happy New Year to you Martha, Laura, and Eliad. Glad you're back safe, sound, and rested from your holiday in St. Bart's.
Posted by: Sonya | January 4th, 2011 at 2:06 am
That snowstorm was certainly bad. Friends in NYC were practically snowed in! We had a much lighter amount of snow here in Europe before the holidays but still enough to ground aeroplanes and disrupt travel. My partner only gave me a wishlist of gifts on Dec 8th. I ordered items the same day and because of the weather the delivery was only fulfilled on Christmas Eve!
I was pleased to have a little snow. Each year I send out a personalised holiday card so it was a great opportunity to take pictures for next year!
Posted by: Christian / @vfbr2001 | January 4th, 2011 at 2:45 am
oh boy, i wonder where all that snow comes from?! here in helsinki we are breaking snow records from 1915 and we still have a good 3 months of winter to survive. constant temps of below freezing point (-18C today) aren't making the snow go away, either. i like this cold and dry winter over mild and wet ones, so i'm a happy camper.
the snow does make your home and the surroundings look even prettier and the steel grey morning light makes everything look dramatic.
Posted by: liisamarja | January 4th, 2011 at 4:22 am
This is the first time I visited your blog (suggested by my friend Jo Ann). I did not realize that you owned Friesen Horses. Beautiful! Do you compete in anything with them? Carriage driving etc?
visit my blog:
http://www.jvon-behindtheeightball.blogspot.com
Posted by: Judith Von Duyke | January 4th, 2011 at 9:04 am
Beautiful! I love the snow...
Posted by: MonicaE | January 4th, 2011 at 9:24 am
I absolutely love looking at photos of your farm. I lived on a small farm (40 acres) as a child and remember the snows and the beauty of it all. I loved to read Snow-Bound by John Greenleaf Whittier as the gentle snow hit the earth. As a matter of fact, I still enjoy reading it when we have snow here in southcentral Pennsylvania.
Esther
Posted by: Esther Ells | January 4th, 2011 at 9:41 am
I am tired of winter but there is much beauty in pristine fresh snow especially in certain light and your photos are gorgeous. Dakota due Nord is known for harsh winters so we ranch in Dakota du sud and this year is much milder but still early in season. The only things that keeps me going is that hope for green grass once again..You call that a rest-St. Bart?
Posted by: ann | January 4th, 2011 at 9:46 am
So beautiful love the snow!
My Christmas dessert table was featured on Sweet tooth blog yesterday! so happy wanted to share it with you
http://tinyurl.com/26dnjxg
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | January 4th, 2011 at 10:47 am
Martha, your farm is absolutely beautiful in the snow. Actually it is beautiful in all seasons. As a child I lived on a small farm (40 acres) and loved to watch it snow. I always enjoyed reading Snowbound by John Greenleaf Whittier. As a matter of fact, when we have snow (here in southcentral Pennsylvania) I still enjoy reading it. Just seems to add something to the occasion.
Esther
Posted by: Esther Ells | January 4th, 2011 at 10:55 am
WOW! That sure was a huge blizzard there at your beautiful farm and looking at these fantastic photos certainly makes me shiver! I haven't seen snow that deep for a long time. Thank heavens that you have guys like Dominick to clear out paths for you and the dogs to go outside! Being in a snowstorm like that sure makes a person feel confined and that's not fun. All 5 of your handsome horses looked so shiny and beautiful! I'll bet they were very frisky once they got to go outside again. Blue skies sure help us deal with such a snow covered landscape that is so beautiful. Really enjoyed watching Marc Morrone on the Hallmark Channel Home yesterday. When will your new show 'Martha Bakes' be on?! Anxious to see that, too! Have another great day, Martha and have fun on your next trip! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 4th, 2011 at 11:31 am
Hi Martha,
The outdoor pictures are so impressive looking in gray and brown tones and then you captured big splashes of color with that bright green jacket and the Christmas tree with red bulbs. They all make a nice display and of course the horses always look great in their beautiful stalls.
~
Speaking of looking great – I think St. Bart’s agreed with you and that fantastic sweater with all of ‘your’ autumn colors complements you perfectly. Have a great day! Trish
Posted by: Trish | January 4th, 2011 at 11:51 am
First, let me say I love your blog! You always post such beautiful pics and tell lovely, interesting stories with it. Your home seems like paradise to me. Even in winter.... the snow and all, what a marvelous place.
"I must admit that sitting out the storm, with its raging winds, was rather unnerving", however, is really nothing compared to our odyssee over the Christmas holidays. Trying to make it to Germany (where I'm from) on Christmas Eve morning, we stranded in Dublin, Ireland for four entire days! How much would I have loved to 'sit out the storm' at your place instead!
Looking forward to many many more posts this year!
Posted by: Regina | January 4th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Image for next year's Christmas card is in the bag!
Posted by: Lisa in San Diego | January 4th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
.
After The Blizzard
.
Snow lying quiet, trees in stress relief,
Precipitation drifted causing no grief;
On the surface calm, turbulence overhead;
A Christmas tree that lost a ball instead.
A familiar sight across the rails,
Anxious hearts that long for trails.
Cool white everywhere not a picture of warm.
Little tent city leads to the enchanted barn.
Inside the stable some friendly faces pose,
Me first, me first, before the lenses close.
Leaving the friendly atmosphere to venture outside,
Behold a patch of blue that gives comfort to the ride.
Four snow covered coops, chickens just a hoppin',
Busy on the nests with eggs just a poppin'.
Sky still growly, woods look barren and bare,
Trees swaying gently glad they're still there.
.
Posted by: celia stock | January 4th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Thanks for posting these. I really wanted to see your farm in the snow and of course always the horses!
Posted by: Frances | January 4th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Martha, I thought of you today and I prayed for you today. Hope your day is going well. I also responded to your tweets, I hope you got my responses.
Posted by: KLBrown | January 4th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Beautiful, as always! A real inspiration also, I'm in the process of "remodeling" my little farm here in Québec and wish I could have something has wonderful as Bedford! Winter has been gentle so far with us but we can expect a great deal of snow, we always do have at least 2-3 feet every winter... Glad to know your trip went well! What are your plans for the new year?
Please, if french is not a problem for you, visit my blog!
Ciao!
Posted by: Martine Paré | January 4th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
We had the same in our lovely village of Appleby in North Lincolnshire, UK. It was all very pretty for photographs, but terribly cold and difficult when you have horses to keep them warm and watered. We had 18 inches at one time. Thankfully it has gone now.
Posted by: pru veall | January 4th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
Love the pics. Gorgeous horses! And I particularly love the decorated tree. Question - what type of ornaments do you use on the outdoor trees? I have tried using using ball ornaments before, but they never seem to hold up to the elements.
Thanks, Mavis
Posted by: Mavis | January 4th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
So glad you captured the patch of blue in the sky! Those were wondrous photos of that bit of blue. I must say, that poem is quite sweet and appropo that an earlier commenter left for you. It's fun to read the comments as well as enjoy the photos on your blog.
Posted by: Penny | January 4th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Martha,
Some of your photos are pretty nice. You should consider taking some long exposure photos at night. This would give your photos an interesting effect. I have been experimenting with this myself. Good info on this here:
http://www.pixiq.com/article/embracing-the-future-as-present-joins-past
Posted by: Jennifer Benick Bellve | January 4th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Thank You for sharing that Martha! Down south here, we did not get very much snow. I would love to live in an area that got a lot of snow! My husband, not so much. What beautiful pictures! It makes me want to make a big pot of "wicked" hot chocolate! L
Posted by: Linda | January 4th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Beautiful pictures! The snow reminded me of when we lived on Griffiss AFB in Rome, NY. The first winter there we had 140 in of snow, a 9 month old and in Feb a cracked picture window. Welcome to NY!
I would like to know what you would suggest for plant protection here in the Phoenix area. We bought new paint cloths -the beige ones- for the lantanas--most of them still froze, with green underneath the dead. I really thought the cloth would protect better! They are much cheaper to replace than the lemon and lime trees so I am happy we were able to save them. Any help would be appreciated from anyone on your staff! Thanks so much.
Posted by: Marilyn McCall | January 4th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
Which one is prettier? The farm in full bloom or the farm covered in snow? Tough choice. I guess we could say both but if we had to choose one...gosh, that would be hard.
Beautiful pictures Martha!
Posted by: Mona C. | January 4th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Nice photos Martha. I enjoyed the tour and fondly remembered just why I live in California! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Mia | January 4th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
My horse was NOT patient during our 12"....he could not wait to go roll n the mud when it melted!!!!! BEAUTIFUL horses you have!
Posted by: Tessa | January 4th, 2011 at 11:03 pm
I feel so sorry for the creatures trying to survive through this, and though winter can present brutal days and nights, these gorgeous photos capture the beauty of the "Winter Wonderland."
Fabulous shots Martha.
Posted by: Becky Kuchefski | January 4th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
Martha, Las Vegas got snow too! I live on the western side of the Spring mountain range, on the California border. We got 7 inches, which is a record breaker for the Mojave high desert! Since I do not burlap my small evergreens, I just shook them free of snow to prevent limb breakage! Thankfully they perked right back up, and will enjoy the moisture once it melts. Happy winter from a desert gardener.
Posted by: Louise | January 5th, 2011 at 2:59 am
Thank you for great pictures, Looking forward to another year
with you.
Posted by: Debbie | January 5th, 2011 at 10:41 am
Martha, too funny just watched your show about the regifting of Joey! Hope your day is going well. Thanks, KB
Posted by: KLBrown | January 5th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Just think if you had to muck out stalls, clear snow, groom and feed horses, etc. etc. etc. it wouldn't be like this...you'd have a lot of hard work on your hands. Not that working hard and making the money to pay for it is a bad thing. But, just sayin'...it's not as beautiful if YOU have to be up first light to take care of business.
Posted by: karen | January 6th, 2011 at 12:24 am
Wow you look like you are in the high plains here!
No Amtrak service our way because they had no toilet service because they were frozen on the train!
Martha I live close to this Lefsa production facility. I have no connection to it but after watching a recent Scandinavian coffee table episode from the past I thought you might be interested, they are seasonal.
http://www.lefseshack.com/
Posted by: robin ball | January 6th, 2011 at 10:56 am
Always love seeing your farm Martha, looks beautiful!
Best Regards,
Brian Deniz
http://www.PacificCoastPlants.com
Interior Plant Service
Posted by: Brian Deniz | January 6th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Come to Florida Martha and drive those boys at the Florida Carriage Museum. Gloria will make
room for you!! and of course your team!!
Posted by: peg belvin | January 7th, 2011 at 11:41 am
merry christmas martha
Posted by: betty may | January 7th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
I'm remembering Martyn...
Posted by: sickitten | January 11th, 2011 at 2:18 am
I was listening to the evening news and there was a segment about the risk to the historic azaleas in DC...thousands will be destroyed unless $150K is raised by spring. I would hope that your Omnimedia would contribute funding to this important cause as you are such an ardent gardener and flower lover. Hope my suggestion becomes a news story!!
Posted by: Nancy S. Elwell | January 17th, 2011 at 7:20 pm