So my free time has been exceptionally limited the past few days. As I said last week, work is…tenuous right now (we actually had another small set of layoffs this afternoon) and I’d really rather not be counted among those being hastened toward the exit.

As such, little things like “breaks” aren’t being factored into my day. This is why things have gotten sporadic here.

I did, however, brave the ice and go outside for a little while to check on the chickens today.

In order to traverse a “path” such as this, you really should be wearing crampons.

Yes, crampon.

These things:

The red elastic bit wraps around the toe and heel of your boot while the chains/spikes go underneath the tread. All this so you don’t flip ass over teakettle when you’re out trying to do a wellness check on your flock.

Jen actually wore hers this morning when she let the girls out of the coop, however I am not nearly so bright…

So I slid and spun and wobbled my way across the driveway, Brian Boitano meets Mack truck style, until I made it to the “safety” of the snowpack.

This too, however, has started to melt in places…

And for idiots like myself, who are in too much of a hurry for both the noble crampon and for socks…

things get real vivid real fast.

Fortunately the chickens were fine.

Today was one of the first days since December that I’ve seen all of them outside the coop at once.

And while we’re on the subject of snow removal, I just want to take a moment to discuss this stuff:

The “Pet Friendly Ice Melter.“

Not only does this cost $40 for a 50lb. bag, it is absolutely useless.

I mean, I suppose if I fed it to my dog, who subsequently took a dump on the snow, it could be construed as an “ice melter.” Otherwise it had about the same effect as if I’d scattered 40 dollar bills on the sidewalk.

Seriously. Don’t bother with this stuff.

Okay, see you tomorrow.

j.s.