The ranch in January

This past December was the coldest and snowiest month I can ever remember since moving to New Mexico, 

which makes this January seem not so bad.

Most of the snow has melted, the mud has dried up, the sun has made daily appearances, 

and I continue to kid myself that spring is just around the corner. 

I've finally caught up on scooping all the poop that collected under the snow, and in the process, I started collecting these:

Hank's hoofprints, cast in mud. I have no idea what I'll do with them, but they're too perfect to throw away.

Smooch: Imagine how much more mud I could track inside the house if my feet were as big as Hank's.

The hay barn is still more than half full, no thanks to Bouncer and his extended family.

The few piles of snow that remain are an endless source of entertainment for the chickens.

Remember Amelia, the wayward pigeon? Of course you do. I heard from her owner this week. 

She still hasn't shown up at her home in Arizona. Perhaps she's taking an extended vacation. On Howland Island.

Lucy and George are saving their energy for spring. 

Lord only knows what Alan is doing.

Hank, as usual, is large and in charge.

I still don't know what Alan is doing. Wait...I take that back.

He's keeping me smiling, which is ever so important this time of year.