Would I drive through a heavy snow shower for miles on icy roads to get to Covered Bridge Bread Co. and pick up the fresh focaccia bread I mistakenly left behind yesterday?

Sure. Driving through country roads is always an adventure, especially in the winter. I got the bread, and it’s right here in the farmhouse, waiting for breakfast and the freezer.

Zip was ready to roll when I got home.

When the snow got heavy, Zip came up on the porch and invited me to come outside and walk with him and take photos with him – he knows the drill. It’s a ritual with us. Zinnia comes too, but I can’t see her in the snow.

I said sure, and out we went; I wanted to take what may be some of the last Winture Pasture photos.

Zip loves the snow and rarely comes inside his barn when it’s snowing; he rolls in it, chases his tail, visits the animals in the Pole Barn, and catches the occasional mouse, mole, or rat who sneaks under the sun looking for food. Many a rodent has surrendered his life for that.

My cat loves to walk alongside me as I walk through the back, taking pictures of the snow landscape, which is one of my favorites. I bought a monochrome camera for the winter pasture and used it all the time.

Zip was hiding under the car when I finally came out, waiting to pounce and swat at my legs and shoes. We have a lot of fun; I’ve never had company on these cold and wet walks and snow, none of which he seems to notice. This is a snowcat, for sure. I love his sense of freedom.

The raised beds will come to life in a month, and the pasture and swamp are beautiful. The frogs have gone down deeper and are quiet. No peeping.

Zip is seen urging me to come out and play. I did, and we did.

The winter pasture is haunting. There are fewer things sweeter than sitting in front of a wood stove with a mug of hot chocolate, a good book, Maria and a fire in the furnace, and three dogs sleeping. Sweet, sweet, sweet. I would never be happy in Florida.

I drove to Shushan in the snow and ice to collect my fresh focaccia bread. It was worth the trip. I’ve learned that whole-grain focaccia is one of the best foods for diabetics, which is okay by me.

St. Thomas in the storm. I always go out and pat his head when it snows. He is the godfather of the weather around here. If it snows, he wants it to. I’m cold and heading for the fire and a book, maybe a mystery, later tonight.