Beautiful Snowy Day!

We were only suppose to get a couple of inches but have 6 inches of snow and now its sleeting like crazy so will have ice on top of that tomorrow. Spent the day giving all the animals warm water to drink and clearing snow away so they could get out of their stalls, houses, etc. None of them wanted to walk in the snow for some reason. Made sure to feed extra grain, hay, greens, and extra bedding so they would stay warm tonight. Also helped William split and load 2 loads of wood. People afraid their power might go off with this ice and wanted wood for their fireplaces. I have kept the woodstove here humming along and the house is nice and toasty. Made vegetable beef soup, toss salad, and zucchini patties for supper. The zucchini patties are made like a potato cake but instead of using mashed potatoes I used shredded zukes. They were yummy. I have had several questions about my grocery bill and shopping once a month so will try to answer. Our bill can be kept so low because there is only two of us. We had 3 big gardens this past summer that gave me plenty to can, freeze and dehydrate. I also have a friend that gives me things all the time from the produce stand. So I don't ever have to purchase veggies or fruit. We also don't have to buy eggs or milk since we have chickens and goats.  Yes, we still get fresh fruit and veggies in our diet (friend with produce stand) and  we have 3 meals a day plus a snack when we feel like it. The pantry, freezers, and cabinets are filled to where if we had to we could eat just from them for at least 6 months. I would love to have a years supply just incase but have to work on it. A couple of you have ask for menus and recipes. I will try over the next few days to work on a post with those listed.  Thank you for your interest and concerns that we might not be getting balanced diets. Believe me, we aren't doing without just because the grocery bill is low. Like I said we eat 3 hot meals a day which includes veggies, meat, and bread. There is always a bowl on the table filled with oranges, apples, tangerines, grapes, and bananas that I seemed to snack on more than I should. I am very blessed to have the friend with the produce and with having the gardens last summer. Would love to put my own beef and pork in the freezer. Hopefully by next fall is the plan.
H went home Saturday evening and it sure has been quiet around here! Seems strange not to have a toddler on a stool by me helping wash dishes or little feet running along beside me while I am feeding or a little voice talking a mile a minute about such important little boy things. I didn't realize how much energy it took having a child around 24-7 until he left and I sat down to rest. Looking forward to summertime and more visits from grands!
I hope each of you are warm and enjoying the beautiful winter weather wherever you are. I wish each of you a very blessed evening and hope you take time to count those blessings.... no matter how small. Night everyone.