Friday, December 12, 2008

Worrisome weather

We're experiencing a typical-for-here winter storm. Rain, wind; no real big deal. Since it hasn't been raining lately the ground isn't saturated, so it is not as likely that branches and trees will blow down, taking power lines with them. Possible, but not as likely.

However, THIS is what is coming! How is it that a nasty change in the weather corresponds perfectly with our scheduled holiday trip to see family in the midwest? We may not even be able to GET to the airport on Sunday morning. (Is it really morning if it's still pitch dark?) Rick thinks we should spend Saturday night at a hotel at the airport; I think we should stay home. (The tickets Rick's sister gave us ARE fully refundable.) It's not that I don't have full faith in our friend who will be doing our chores; I do. But faith won't help her much if there is a power failure to deal with on top of the cold, wind, and snow and/or freezing rain. She lives a few miles away, up another hill. That's down her hill and up our hill to do chores, then back down our hill and up her hill to go home, twice a day. We will be installing all the tank/bucket heaters we have; the chickens are my biggest concern.

Staying busy to keep my mind off the forecast at . . .

9 comments:

Karen said...

It is hard to leave someone else in charge, even though they're totally competent and trustworthy. But remember that all will be fine, your plane will not be delayed, and your chore-person will not be inconvenienced by nasty weather. Safe travels!

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

I don't know about y'all but we don't get out much, very rarely. Your plans are made and your chore-person will do fine. Mike and I hate to go anywhere because we think that nobody can take care of our critters like we can, however, the critters will be fine for a few days even if they don't have your touch. They'll miss ya though. Have safe trip and have fun! GO!

Gone2theDawgs said...

We're getting ready up here for the same system I think....our temps are supposed to be 14 degrees Mon/Tues for a low and only high 20s to low 30s.

I don't have power down to our barn so it's lots of hauling hot buckets of water and breaking ice. sigh.

Next summer I hope to get power in. At least all the animal sheds are bedded nice and deep for them to snuggle in to.

I am the same way about worrying about my animals but I'm sure they will be fine. Have a safe trip!

Deb said...

We prepare as much as possible when miserable weather is predicted and that's all we can do. You pray that all will be well and go on your trip.
I do know it's hard to go away and leave everything for someone else to deal with. I do it rarely and my help lives right here :)
Try to have fun and relax!

melanie said...

Don't worry - the chickens will be fine. If they are draft-free, and can get up somewhere to roost (their breasts keep their feet from freezing) they will be OK. We've never had a problem, and all we have is a warming bulb hanging over the waterer in an unheated barn.

Enjoy!

It's me said...

I'm hoping that the tip of the cascades will bear the brunt of it and leave your side relatively unscathed, and dump a TON of snow on my side ;)

If you decide to go, then definitely go the airport the night before. One less thing to stress about!

Robbyn said...

Hi! Hope it goes well with you, whichever plan you decide to go with. Stay safe, my friend :)

MiniKat said...

Good heavens. I hope whatever happens that you and all your critters stay warm, fed, and watered. Good luck!

thecrazysheeplady said...

Every time we try to leave the farm.... But then it always works out just fine. Doesn't make that drive out to the road any easier though.