We shipped cattle early this morning. The thermometer read -20 degrees as I drove to the feed yard about 5:30am. My mind held an awareness of the cold because I knew it was there. I bundled up with layers of clothing and carefully covered my face with a mask.
But really, the phenomenon of temperatures like that provides an experience much bigger than layers of clothing.
The world seems different at -20 degrees.
Silent, unrelentingly harsh and yet beautiful at the same time.
Perhaps you have experienced this before?
- The air takes the description of raw and crisp to a new level.
- Sounds of the gates, the cattle moving, and the normal night noises are more distinct.
- The hardness of the ground pounds at your feet as you herd the animals to the corral.
I, at least, seem to have a higher level of acute awareness at -20 degrees.
- My cowboy laughed at me when I pointed out the small frost formations hanging from our steel pipe corral fence. They took me back to science class as they were similar in shape to the molecular models in my high school text books.
- I had to stop myself from reacting nervously each time the Union Pacific trains passed by on the tracks about ½ mile south of our corrals. Normally, I am desensitized to the sound of the trains; but they sound unnervingly strange at -20 degrees.
- Each step on the hard and unforgiving ground felt different and I noticed a clarity of movement in my own muscles that I often overlook.
Today I found a new level of perception. A bitter cold morning with blessedly no wind opened up a new prairie experience for me.
With 8 pens still to ship, I am left wondering what I will notice next?
When the snow squeaks,as you walk,it’s cold,real cold!
Yes, it does:)
Thank you for your dedication to making steak and other delicious beef products. Your bitter cold morning with a Union Pacific express thundering through sure does taste good.
Bill,
Thank you for buying that steak in the grocery store! I appreciate your kind thoughts — thanks for sharing.
Best,
Anne
How true, how true! I could appreciate it more if my fingers weren’t frozen before I can even get chores done, especially on the mornings I have to chip the ice balls from the horses feet. 🙂
Yes, I bet you all are cold, Carol! You are north and west of us and I hear that snow and cold temperatures have been plentiful in the WY mountains. Good to hear from you — Stay warm and keep smiling 🙂
Anne
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