Prepping Fail

Tuesday into Wednesday 

we had an ice storm.

It was gorgeous

except for the snapping tree branches that sounded like gunfire,

the exploding transformers

that rendered the area electricity free,

and the fact that the ice prevented the water from draining away from the barn

requiring us to dig a drainage ditch.

 In addition,

I did not prepare at all for the lack of electricity.

We had no water

and no heat.

I had not bothered to fill the tubs,

did not have a store of water

and all the wood was wet and outside.

Note to self: start stocking up on water and wood.

Corn

This year, our corn is looking pretty good.

We used to try growing corn when we first moved here,

but every time there was a strong wind it blew over.

Eventually, we stopped bothering to grow it.

This year, however, my son was insistent that we try it again

(because corn is one of the few veggies he eats).

I researched some ideas and decided to make the rows of corn perpendicular 

to the other rows in the garden.

This would leave the widest opening facing the area of the prevailing winds

with the hope that the corn wouldn't blow over as the wind had less resistance. 

It worked until the day we had back to back storms

which blew over a large section of the corn.

But with some ingenuity,

we think we've overcome the problem.

I came up with the idea of creating a windbreak out of garden stakes and burlap.

We've had a couple of strong storms since then

and the corn is still growing tall.

Next year, I think I'll get thicker stakes

as the weight of wet burlap bows the ones I have now

and even snapped off one of them.

Still, I think we might actually managed some corn this year!

Storms

Today we had some crazy weather. Two storms back to back that knocked down tomatoes, beans, squash and corn. 

I wasn't happy. But then the sun broke and out front was an amazing rainbow.

The tomatoes were saved, the beans and squash will bounce back and tomorrow I'll come up with an idea about the corn- some sort of windbreak (any suggestions??)

Tonight I'm grilling the first squash from the garden and eating some steak.

Life is good

Emergency Preparedness

There's a storm bearing down on the East Coast bringing with a 90% chance of gale force winds, heavy rains, flooding and possibly snow.  Make sure you remember to take care of your furry friends!  Here's a few tips:

• Make sure water troughs are filled
• Fill any extra buckets with water
• Make sure you muck those stalls and clean out those coops before the storm hits. Who knows if you'll need to lock your livestock in or how long they might be "cooped up"
• Make sure you protect livestock from the weather. I plan on using plastic sheeting to offer a wind and rain buffer for my chickens. 
• Remove or tie up any loose items- buckets, toys, etc
• Make sure you have plenty of food- SPCA states 5 days worth per animal
• Make note of emergency shelter rules and know which shelters allow pets. Plan accordingly!
• Have current photos of your animals in the event they become lost.
• Have first aid kit on hand for animals.
• Have leashes, collars, pet carriers, halters, lead lines, etc on hand
• Make sure fences, gates, etc are secure  

 Stay safe!