Standing Still in Otter Creek: A Quiet Winter Night in Rural Wisconsin
As I stepped out of the barn last night after doing chores, I paused and I’m glad I did, because I realized how much I would miss by just rushing inside for supper.
Staying Warm: Surviving a -25°F Morning at Otter Creek
It takes simple, raw hardiness to survive a -25°F (-32°Celcius) Otter Creek cold snap in January. As I walked to my car for work the other morning, I spotted these two whitetail deer bedded down under the pine trees at … Continued
Forget the Salt: Why Hay Chaff is the Ultimate Winter Traction Hack
Tired of fighting a losing battle against black ice with bags of salt and sand? I skip the hardware store and head to the barn. By using hay chaff—the fine, fibrous leftovers from hay bales—I transformed a dangerous, icy driveway into a high-traction path that’s safe for tires and paws alike. Discover why this old-school homesteading trick is the most eco-friendly (and effective) way to handle a deep freeze.
The Quiet Glow of a Foggy Night in Otter Creek
Some nights in Otter Creek don’t need stars to be interesting. Discover the quiet beauty of a single light cutting through thick fog and fresh snow in a place where silence feels alive.
Gaining Back the Daylight at Otter Creek
After the winter solstice, the days slowly start getting longer again. Over the next 60 days here in northwest Wisconsin, we gain more than two hours of daylight—and you can really feel it by February.
A Perfect Winter Solstice Sunset.
There is something special about being out in the country during the winter. Today is the Winter Solstice, which means it’s the shortest day of the whole year. While the sun wasn’t out for long, it sure made an entrance before it left!