Go find your mittens
so your fingers don’t freeze
slip on your big boots
pull your socks to your knees
Dig out your best scarf
wrap it round yourself tight
the snow has arrived here
it came in with the night.
Ā I’ll put the roast in the oven
and heat the milk on the stove
they’ll be right here waiting
when you come in from the cold
Knocking ice from the branches
and stringing Christmas tree lights
yes the snow has arrived dear
it came in with the night.
So squeeze on your knit cap
over wild wooly hair
watch your breath float and drift
in the crisp morning air
Break the ice for the cattle
put the saddles away
yes the snow has arrived here…
and I think it might stay.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch... 
Lovely!
Very beautiful!
Oh my, loved this post!!!
Beautiful!
miss it here in Tunis š¦ but you made my day as every time when I have the chance to read your lovely stories and see beatiful pictures š don’t forget to keep up the vitamines, so cold is only outside and not within š
Absolutely beautiful. I will send a copy to my California grandkids so they see what life is like on THE RANCH.
BRRRR ! We’re having warm Santa Ana winds here in No Cal and clear skies. I think I’d like a taste of your country for now…and just a taste! Love the photos, especially the old house.
I just love this post so much. -kate
Lovely! From a former South Dakotan who still misses the Hills. I’m a photographer too and love your images.
Yes, lovely!
…. mmmmaahh that’s me with my tongue out, waiting for a snowflake here in West MI. š MJ
Your blog always brings a smile to my face. Thank you!
Old farmhouses make me sad. I think of all the families raised in them and the wonderful times they must have shared. But, your roast sounds delicious. I’d like to say “I’ll be right over”, but, I’m too far away.
How ironic! I woke up this morning 17 minutes AFTER I was supposed to leave for work 50 miles away. To top it all off there was not snow but a very heavy layer of frost that coated the highways with ice. It was all gone on the way home where upon arrival I curled up to the computer and there you are Jesse once again reading my mind. The truth of it is that winter isnt really so bad……..
Jesse,
Your pictures and message make you rather long for winter. It’s a cozy time of year, when it’s okay to curl up by the fire with your beverage of choice, a good book and maybe some Chopin piano concertos for background. Thank you for your delightful writings. I just heard you read your work on PPTV occasionally. Haven’t gotten that on my radar yet—–when might one tune you in???
Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year,
Gen
Hi Gen, so great to hear from you. I do read my essays for ND Prairie Public Radio. They will be playing a few of them with a Christmas theme in the coming weeks. You can listen online at http://www.prairiepublic.org/. In the “Hear it Now” section they have some programs archived. They don’t play them on a regular schedule, but they are usually in the afternoon, like 3:45 and then again at 7:45…have a great holiday season!
Sometimes I wish we had that kind of snow. Sure is a lot of work though…you keep it.
I love love love this. Almost makes me not hate snow so much.
the snow arrived, and your post is so poetic, amazing…
the snow arrived and you share it with us, i like it, really !!
thanks for your words and photos !
have a nice and good day !
smile
xox
Playful and beautiful! I especially like the shot of the paint horse and the wind-bent grasses.
I’m late coming in on this post–having been away from home–but I love it. Can’t live without “Back at the Ranch.”
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