Robbinsville, 1917-18
That winter of the Great War froze the cattle and the hogs. Oxen couldn’t stand the ice, would fall and break their horns. Rooster combs turned black and dropped off. Fish hardened up on Snowbird Creek, you could chop them out with an axe.
—Appalachian Livin’ Winter
We’ve had some cold weather this winter, but nothing like Robbinsville in 1917-18. The town is only a county away from us, but is typically colder since it’s a higher elevation. They often get snow when we don’t here in Brasstown.
The weather we’ve had over the last several days has felt like spring of the year. Cool airish mornings with warmer day time temperatures, especially down off the hill where the sun shines better.
Our forecast shows the trend continuing for the rest of this week before cold weather returns next week. We might even hit 70 before week’s end.
Although I’d love a big snow before winter is truly over these spring like days have me dreaming about making this year’s garden.
Tipper
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Was that when the herd of cattle froze in a valley and it became known as Bone Valley?
Tipper, I just realized that the recipe from yesterday is a Pinch of Yum recipe! I LOVE her recipes! If you haven’t yet, you must try her No Knead Miracle bread! It’s so easy and always turns out so wonderful! You get a crusty, beautiful artisan loaf with next to no effort! It’s baked at a high temp in a Dutch oven. I’ve been making it for years and it’s such a hit. It does need 12-18 hours to ferment(this is the secret), but other than needing to plan ahead before making it, it takes very little time. Your family would just LOVE it, I’m sure! It’s a recipe I make on the regular. Here is the link: https://pinchofyum.com/no-knead-bread
Thank you!
I’m so ready for Spring and Summer!!
Thank you Tipper for this post. My father-in-law was born and raised in Robbinsville. This story reminded me of a recollection my mother-in-law told the family. On one visit to my father-in-laws old home place there in Robbinsville, she recalled staying at her mother-in-laws house. That night it came a big snow and she and my father-in-law woke up with snow coming through the cracks of the roof onto their bed. That had to be a cold night to remember. To add to the story, my father-in-law’s father died when he was two years old. He was the youngest of eight children. It is truly a miracle that all the children grew to adulthood and all eight had very successful lives. The old home place is long gone due to the Cherohala Skyway (NC 143) coming through. But I have photos of the old home place and cherish this memory and the humble beginnings from which my husband and our family emerged.
As I type this (around noon) it’s 72° here in central Texas. It might hit 80 before the Sun goes down.
This doesn’t bode well for the coming Summer. If it’s this warm in February, I can only shudder to think what August will be like.
Sounds like the weather we are having in Nebraska in our area this winter. Only one big snow at the end of November and none since. Should be in the 70’s today and then getting colder also.
Spring is in the air but next week it looks like Winter will be returning. It won’t be much longer though before everything will start turning green. Our power bill was through the roof, and I expect another high one before Winter is over. Tipper, I know you have your cabbage and peppers started inside. If you get time, maybe we can get a sneak peek. I always look forward to all the things you and Matt grow.
Are the ramps coming up yet in Western NC, Miss Tipper?
V.A. not in my area but it won’t be long 🙂
Oh my word , that first paragraph puts things in perspective . Thunder & pouring rain here in California this morning but that sounds like a cake walk now . Love & prayers for all .
I remember when the roosters combs turned black and fell off on Wiggins Creek. We only ever had one ox and Daddy had to sell him for cash before he was full grown. The cattle did have to struggle in deep snow and especially on ice. We tried to keep them in the barn and carry hay and water to them until the weather broke.
Morning everyone. They say 74 degrees on Thursday for us on NE Arkansas. It will be nice but warm weather brings mosquitos and wasps. I was glad when the snow finally melted. That was too much . But like you Tipper just one more small snow storm. Our Spring and Fall seasons seem so short. Were either too hot or too cold. I’ll stop complaining now. It’s nice to have you back in the mornings. I read Blind Pig with my breakfast. An enjoyable way to start the day. I’m glad everyone is doing good. Anna from Arkansas.
Good morning Tipper and everyone. It seems like many on here are getting a return of winter after a bit of a respite with springlike temps. Mother Nature likes to tease us! We here on the B.C coast in Canada are also getting a rain mixed with snow – not the snow that is flakes, but more like mini-ice pellets that are soft-ish – ‘sleet’ – and below freezing temps with added wind and gusting, to make it feel even colder. Two days ago, while on a walk, spring was really ‘springing’ all around me with all the birds singing, the sun was shining, and it was so mild. Now today we have this! Guess we all can take heart though, in knowing such weather will soon be behind us. Have a good day everyone, no matter what weather you’re experiencing.
Despite the mental images tourism promoters have invented for Maine, much of this state, particularly the rural communities situated in our Appalachian spine, have far more in common with “Appalachia” than the rest of “New England”. At first our colder temps and deeper snow may seem to prove that our geographies are strikingly different, but many of my neighbors and friends would find your folkways and ways of speaking more familiar than most of the folks “from away” who vacation here. I suspect, because you receive less snow in your part of these old mountains, that you don’t have quite as long a “mud season” as we do.
First of all, every person requesting prayer, you’ve got one more praying for you in Jesus’ Holy Name! When the rest of the world is a big letdown (which it will be) you’ve got to cling to the ROCK 24/7 and with every breath or thought. That’s the only way to make it that I’ve ever known to actually work! Amen!!! I myself am praying for the END of this dreadful winter. The “s” word is now a dirty four letter word and after what I read about that winter long ago, it was like the worst scary nightmare! Oh my goodness wasn’t it awful? Snow is one thing but ice is something nobody can navigate! I’m with you, Tipper! Let’s get that seed growing and some dirt flying about in the greenhouse (or basement in my case!) I’ll see yall in the garden!!!! All of us barely scooting along, in wheelchairs, slow pokes, on walkers, leaning on canes, crawling and toddlin’ -yall come on now ya hear and meet us in the sunshine for a beautiful day in the garden! ALL hillbillies are welcome here in God’s country garden!!!!
Morning Tipper…
It’s a cold, frosty morning here in Amelia, OH. I went out to stand on my small backyard deck, to breathe in the cold, crisp air and watch the sunrise. There’s a farm directly behind my house with cows and other farm beasts. My family hail from Ingle, KY. I was blessed to grow up spending lots of time with my Granny Pearlie on her the farm they had on Tick Ridge. I love starting my day on my deck, listening to the cows and roosters hailing the new day. I, too, am feeling the pull of Spring and working in the dirt. You’ve inspired me to try a few new things in my small garden areas. I can’t wait to get started. Wishing y’all a blessed day. In Love and Light- Lois
I enjoyed the live last night. I pray for everyone on the ever expanding list of folks needing prayer. Lord please help these folks and keep all from harm and wrong.
We still have snow here and there…in our yard and in the woods. It’s 34 right now with a heavy frost covering everything, but it’s going to be 57 today. Spring is teasing us for sure. Hubby trimmed our apple trees this past weekend. As I was helping gather the branches, I noticed daffodils popping up beside an old tree stump. A couple of them had leaves that looked mushy from being frozen. I saw buds coming on our dogwood tree and forsythia bushes. I always start looking forward to spring in February…but I am sure we will have more snow coming before winter is through with us. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, and I am looking forward to this season of Lent and the joy of Easter to follow! But I will still enjoy any snow we may have in between. I hope everyone has a wonderful day!
Spring-like weather is hitting us, too, and the older students are begging to be allowed to go outside at the end of class. It’s amazing to me how that incentive can motivate them to get their work done on time! Yesterday I opened the windows at home and left them open all day.
We still have a lot of snow and ice here in Virginia. My Grandpa Reed said he remembered the year when new River froze over and you could drive a horse and wagon over it new River is about 1/4 miles wide.
Thanks Mrs Tipper
good morning Tipper, looks like I’m going to have to get my gallbladder removed, thank you for praying for me, lots of decisions to be made, dental extractions included, the scary part is having to stop my blood thinner medication, Lord please help please comfort me and keep me safe and well in Jesus name, I think we’re going to have some more cold weather soon, thank you for praying for me God bless you
Norman, I will keep praying for you!
I am riding the fence this morning, wanting to plant onions, radishes, peas, carrots and lettuce but being doubtful of the wisdom of it. Back into the 20’s for lows next week and 2″ soil temperature equalizes with the air about daylight. I am reminded of ECC11:06 “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” That’s it. I don’t know nor won’t. We just have to do something and see how it turns out. Wonder when they were able to plant in the spring of 1918. With WWI going on it must have been a real trying time. I have it so much easier in comparison.
Ron, I have got some grocery store taters that have good eyes on them, I have an itch to plant some of them out and see what happens. I have known some of my neighbors to plant potatoes during last week of February. What is that old saying “ nothing ventured, nothing gained?”
My Granddaddy and Grandmother Kirby were both born two months apart in 1888, Grandmother died in 1968 and Grandaddy in 1971. They raised 6 children farming 40 acres of land with mules. I often think of the wars and the Depression they lived through in their lifetime.
Prayers coming to you from Maine, Norman…….may all be well! God bless you!
Prayers being sent your way, Norman. God bless you.
We’re enjoying the warmer temps here, but the snow is still on the ground in our hollar. I’m betting by the end of today it will be gone. When we have our February warm up, spring fever hits me pretty hard and I’m ready for winter to be over with even though I do enjoy the season. This year our garden is going to get a break, so I’m thinking about planting flowers around our house and property. I do have some seeds that I need to scatter in a couple of beds while we have this warm weather this week.
I love weather history like that. Here they try to scare us with an inch or two. Everyone runs for bread and milk. I’m not sure why. Now scary weather for me is tornado weather and it’s upon us. They’re giving bad storms coming in this week. I’ve learned to not watch it this time of year.
I especially love to hear about Robbinsville as many of our dear friends came from there. They all came for work. We lost one of those precious gems before Christmas. His laughter was as big as the room he was in. Full of joy and a big jokester and yet a very humble man. His son is my husband’s best friend since childhood. He told many a story of y’all’s area down there, Tipper. He is missed!
Debbie, it is mandatory (maybe even a law) for us true blue blood Southerners to run to the store and get milk and bread at the first mention or hint of snow. I had 5 family members (Thompsons) killed in a tornado on May 5, 1933. Anyone interested can Google Belton, SC tornado along with the date and read about it. At one time it was considered in the worst 5 or 10 SC tornados. Mother was 6 years old and saw it coming toward her and her mother before it turned. She was always afraid of tornadoes and bad thunderstorms for the rest of her life.
Good morning Tipper, Matt, Paul and Acorns. TY for the lovely video last night. I hear Ed digging around in the kitchen so I’ll go see he has a proper breakfast.
I enjoyed the live last night,even though I watched I when it wasn’t live. I got so sick and 5 o’clock but the fever broke and I got a good bit better. I didn’t sleep last night though.
I know I have asked before, but could you put me on your prayer list. I’m trying so hard not to get infection and keep my foot. I go to the doctor this morning, and I feel like it’s still doing well. It will take months for it to heal up.
I’m praying for all the others who’ve requested prayers. Mine seems so small compared to most. God is the great physician.
One more thing. Every February there’s about a week of spring like weather. It’s teasing us and letting us know it’s coming. Winter’s not over but it gives us hope. Remember every February.
Prayers for you, Kourtni. I hope you get relief from the lingering issue. It’s truly exhausting.
Kourtni, I will keep you in my prayers!
Praying for you, Kourtni. God bless you.
The weather around here is spring like this week, yesterday I even saw a daffodil that had already bloomed with the yellow flowers. At 8 o’clock yesterday morning my deck and cars had ice on them from Sunday’s rain freezing overnight despite the temperature at Greenville being in the mid 30’s before warming up in the afternoon to sunny shirt sleeve weather. I live in southern Greenville county and the night time temperatures will always be a few degrees colder than the city. I am ready for spring but not the extreme hot summertime temperatures. We are going into the growing season already in a stage two drought about 6 inches behind in rainfall. My light/power bill reflected the cold January temperatures. I had about 5-6 inches of snow a few weeks ago. It has been on the news that 17 people died in SC from the cold January temperatures and the ice and then snow storms, my reason for not enjoying any of it.