We've come to know our neighbor quite well. He's an old-time farmer soon to turn 80 and not much for cold weather without pressing need. He offered months back to pay us for checking on his extensive farmland throughout winter (while the cattle are kept near the head of the pasture) but we outright refused. It's the neighborly deed and I accept any excuse to be outdoors.

Essentially the task at hand is ensuring the miles of fencing are still intact. Should high winds knock over a dead tree and it land on the wire - my neighborly duty is to help chop up the tree and mend the fence. With a couple feet of fresh know expected, I thought it a perfect day to bring out my Stormy Kromer Mackinawcoat. A quality wool jacket that stands warm against wind and weather is welcome on any winter day.

An old trail led to the first back field. Its heavy tree cover protected us from the thick snow. The snowfall picked up significantly as we entered the open pasture. Casco led us faithfully throughout the day, breaking trail from field to field.