Their Harsh Winters

[HerNameIsBuffy]

As a kid I was so struck by her descriptive powers, especially of the winters.

On days like this where I am trying to drag myself out of the house to go to work with slushy, terrible roads I always think of how Almanzo traveled 12 miles each way to get her in the brutal cold when she was teaching, so she wouldn't have to stay with those horrible people over the weekend.

There is a lot of idealization in the books, but one thing that it did honestly showcase is the struggle for basic survival.  Just the daily grind to keep a family warm, fed, and clothed in brutal weather...no wonder sping was such a time of celebration.

Yes, I am writing this when I should be leaving for work but the roads suck and my house is so warm.   

Welcome to all our new members!   

[smittykins]

Especially that one weekend when Almanzo had to keep breaking the ice off the horses’ noses and they could’ve easily frozen to death. ?