The weather in Kansas has been wacky.
So, what’s new?!?
Seriously.
Yes, it is winter.
Yes, I expect snow.
Yes, I expect ice.
Yes, I expect nostril-freezing wind chills.
But, eighty degree temps?!?
EIGHTY DEGREES!
I’ll take it…I guess.
As I sadly stare out my window from my classroom after fielding requests from students all day long to have classes outside.
ALL. DAY. LONG.
The problem is we’ve had some really, really freezing temperatures lately followed by warm, crazy-like weather.
It’s confusing.
One week ago it was literally freezing.
Today, I’m overhearing kids say they should’ve worn shorts to school.
Zero to eighty in a week.
Goodness.
I don’t think the wheat likes it either.
The snow that came with the below-freezing temps has helped the wheat by insulating it.
The problem is that when the temps rise, the snow melts, and then another front blows in with freezing temperatures which leaves the wheat vulnerable.
Adam and Dwight scouted fields on Friday.
All I can say is that we’re hoping the wheat bounces back after this last cold, freezing spell…
…And that the temperatures stay above freezing.
Although the wheat can’t seem to get away from the crazy, inconsistent weather, Adam and I were able to get away for a few days and go to Del Mar, California, for some meetings.
Dwight and Cindy were able to go as well.
For a farm family, getting everyone off the farm at the same time is a nearly impossible feat.
But we did it, and enjoyed our time in sunny Del Mar.
The time change left us waking up long before the sunrises.
I found it funny to see the birds, the surfers, and the Kansas farmers out on the beach every morning before the rest of the coast was awake.
Since we’ve been home, Banks and I have been anxiously awaiting calving season during the below freezing/freezing/above freezing temperatures.
Today we hit above 80 degrees.
I suppose this warm-up has its positives.
We finally had our first calf of the 2014 calving season late last week.
Two more calves have shown up in the last 24 hours and I’m guessing they’re going to keep on coming.
Hopefully the temperatures stay nice and warm for these little guys to keep showing up and to give the wheat a chance to break dormancy and begin to grow.
After all, drastic temperature changes can shock our plants and animals.
We don’t want sick calves and we don’t want dead wheat.
I say bring on spring!
And for heaven’s sake, let’s keep the temperatures consistent.
Alive & Well in Kansas 
Loved the pictures! Surely Spring is on it’s way! Grandma Irene
I hope it’ll be here soon!
Thank you for including me in distribution. 82 degrees in March is pretty special! My yard thinks it is spring here, too. So far it exceeds expectations for this time of year. I do hope that the wheat and your animals stay warm enough to enjoy the spring. Most animals and plants want to live. Banks is such a cute little boy. I appreciate seeing how he has grown. I am glad the sun was out in California for you two and Dwight and Cindy. Lois
Lois,
Thanks for the comments. It is warming up. In fact, we spent all day yesterday outside. I even opened the windows in the house. It’s a good thing I closed the windows, because it was SNOWING when we woke up this morning!
Wow wonderful photos. Love the pictures very much. Thank you!
Thank you for the nice comment and visiting the blog 🙂