Six More Weeks of Winter, Somehow We Are Not Surprised

In our part of the mid-west (Indiana) as in many other areas of this country, this seems like (and is being referred to as) a good-old-fashioned winter.  Like winters were back in the 70's to early 80's.  It sure feels that way.  At this point, 6 more weeks of winter really doesn't seem like that much.  Most of us would find it hard to believe spring could be right around the corner anyway as we see a fresh covering of snow every couple days, snow piles that probably will be here well into spring.  It is funny how the body adjusts after awhile.  Layers of clothing become the normal dress each morning when heading to the barn, anything over zero degrees seems warm, even below zero isn't bad as long as you can stay out of the wind.  This winter has been exceptionally frustrating with all the tornado damage we are still dealing with from November.  It's hard to clean up and repair when everything is frozen and has a layer of snow & ice blanketing it.  Water lines that never froze before become a regular problem to keep water flowing to the barn.  Spring will come, clean up and repairs will kick into high gear along with gardening and fence building.  In the meantime, we try our best to keep the animals warm, dry, well fed and safe from the elements.  Horse blankets aren't something we normally use, but this winter it has become regular dress for the horses when the windchill falls into the -20 to -50 categories that we've been seeing. 
This weather makes me want to tuck in and craft more than ever.  It's not always possible, but when I can, what a pleasure it is to sew, weave, make candles & soaps.  I was hoping to learn knitting and spinning this winter.  I am not sure I will get to that before spring arrives (I still can hope).  If not, it will be there waiting for me later in the year.  I do look forward to spring, to cleaning the barn, starting the garden and lots of repairs, even though at this point it still seems like a distance away.  Hope everyone is staying safe & warm this winter.....finding inside tasks to bring pleasure, whether cooking warm-comfort food meals, baking, reading, or crafting......enjoy!  Spring will be here before we know it.