It was 5 degrees below zero last night here at Walnut Springs Farm.  Our chickens survived in their cozy coop, but were sure hungry this morning.  Instead of wishing the snow and cold away - let's make some snow ice cream!  That will solve one big case of cabin fever in our family.
Here's the recipe for you:
Spoon into a big bowl - 1/2 gallon of fresh snow.  Stir in 1/2 cup white sugar and 1/2 TB vanilla.  Add 1 cup of milk or cream and stir lightly.  Serve at once!  Feeds four happy kids.

Frog Hunting by Sophia (George & Jan's daughter)

Well it's about the time of year to go frog hunting... if you like frog legs then you better be outside catching lots and lots of frogs! They're good for you and tasty but if you want some you've got to catch them! What you do is you go where there's a pond or swampy area, and bring a bright flashlight, a net and some waders optional if you have a deep pond) and then wait till it's almost pitch black, and sneak up on frogs like you're not trying to wake anybody up and look around. If you see one you stop, shine your light in their eyes, and it almost blinds them for a second. Then you use your net to scoop him up. You can use one of those gigs just for frog hunting but I like using the net (it's more fun that way). Then you bring them home and eat 'em for dinner. Hope you had fun frog hunting and have a good meal:)

Babler State Park

Joined with other hardy campers for a weekend in the lovely 6,000 acre Meramec State Park, near Sullivan, Missouri. We had rain and temps in the 40's but overall a lovely place. Hike the Walking Fern Trail near the entrance to Fischer's Cave and discover Indian Cave along the way. We saw several bats and lots of crickets and spiders in there. Tent kept the rain out mostly, only had to move once to empty it out! Recommend Babler when nearby Meramec River is in low flow so you can take advantage of another awesome Missouri float stream!
See you on the river!

Farewell to Frost?

Frost decorated our yellow-brown field this morning with sparkles! Both of our cats, Mo and Snowball were leaning on the front door at sunrise, licking frosty paws and meowing for entrance. Contrast that with the weather this weekend where we got out the fishing poles and yellow-green power bait and caught our limit of rainbow trout at McKay park in Jefferson City. February in Missouri always guarantees a few days that remind you spring is a light at the end of the winter tunnel.

Our spring schedule is filling up fast, and we're excited to re-visit some of our favorite spots - like Springfield Conservation Nature Center - and head to some brand new venues - like Republic Kindergarten! Can you imagine the energy of 300+ kindergartners in the same room? We can't wait!

Maybe we'll see you at Interface A at Tan-tar-a, Osage Beach, MO next week. We'll be in the exhibitor space, strumming the guitar and singing some wild tunes and visiting with folks. Come by on February 19 or 20 and "set a spell."

WildHeart on the Road

Well, we made the big decision to go full-time in the conservation education/entertainment field! We are very excited about reaching out to our community and state with the conservation message. It is a dream come true! It's a busy time - marketing, scheduling and preparing for a full-time tour schedule...but we're also savoring this new start and new chance.
Next on the schedule is the Kansas City area November 19-21 and Sedalia November 24-25. Hope to be in your area soon.
Naturally,
Jan

Eastern Gray Tree Frog in the Window

We spotted a wee tree frog on the glass of our front window this morning...clinging with his toes to a bit of warmth from the house. There's a cold front settling in, and he must know it! We're all getting ready for winter. George is out putting up a new fence for the horse's wintering grounds, I gathered all the fresh basil before the last freeze and made pesto. Yum! We have a gigantic basket of green bell peppers we harvested...trying to save them from a melting frost. Everybody that comes to visit us gets a pile of peppers to take home.