Good insulation

By Christine Tailer
HCP columnist 

I was so excited to wake up and see the creek valley covered in snow. The sky was a just brightening grey and everywhere I looked, everything was blanketed in white. I could hardly wait to get outside, but after checking the temperature gauge, I knew the importance of proper attire.

I am sure that I looked as though I was heading out for a walk on the moon when I stepped out the basement door. My midsection was quite barrel-shaped due to multiple layers of clothing. My legs were thickly covered by my quilted coveralls, and I could hardly pick up my egg basket with my thickly gloved fingers, but before I had put on my gloves, I pulled my warm woven hat down low over my ears. Once outside, I really did feel toasty warm. 

I have learned that when spending time outside in the creek valley winter, it can be perfectly enjoyable as long as I am properly dressed, though it never ceases to amaze me that my bottom stays quite comfortable when I sit down on the snow-covered hay wagon to simply relax and take it all in. It is simply a matter of good insulation

The sheep absolutely agree. Snow and ice pile up on their backs causing them to look more like four-footed snowballs than domesticated ruminants. They trot over to the feeder completely content, no matter how cold the temperature might be, or how deep the snow has accumulated, either underfoot or across their backs. They certainly know the warmth provided by a thick wool blanket or tightly woven wool sweater.

The cattle also concur that wintertime insulation is a must. When I get down to the pasture, I see that snow has gathered across their broad shoulders and ice hangs from the thick fur on their ears. The cattle seem oblivious. As they saunter over toward me, I am struck by the stark contrast of the white wintry adornment atop their rotund jet-black bellies. I take off my glove and reach over the fence to offer them their biscuit treat, and their breath steams warmly on my hand. I rub their ears and they shake their heads and the snow falls from their thick necks. I can clearly see that they are well insulated, both by their thick fur and their stout hides.

The little horses would also agree that proper insulation is a very important thing. They run right up to the paddock fence. I open the gate and let them in from the pasture. I restock their hay bin, the whole time fending off their inquisitive nuzzles. They seem glued to my side, well knowing that a treat lies waiting for them inside my pocket. Once again, I take off my glove to retrieve their treats, and while they contentedly munch away, I dig my fingers down through their thick winter coats. The skin underneath feels wonderfully warm to my touch. Yes, it really is a matter of good insulation.

I then go over to the hay wagon to sit down and enjoy this snow-covered world. The lightly falling snow gathers on my hat and shoulders. It is peaceful, but I do not stay long. I slide off the wagon and walk across the snow field that covers my garden and head back up the hill to the cabin. I know that there is a fire burning in the woodstove. As I head up the hill, I can see heated wisps of wavy air rising from the chimney, yet the roof and gables are blanketed in snow. I know that six inches of insulation lie between the inside ceiling boards and the board over which we lay our metal roof. Yes indeed. We certainly concur with the sheep, cattle and horses.  

There really is nothing quite like proper insulation, but I still hope to beat Greg back inside so I can sit in the swinging chair beside the woodstove. I might just linger there for a while.

Christine Tailer is an attorney and former city dweller who moved several years ago, with her husband, Greg, to an off-grid farm in Ohio south-central Ohio. Visit them on the web at straightcreekvalleyfarm.com.