Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Storm Preparations

Spent the day on Tuesday getting ready for the big snowstorm of 2011. We don't always get what they promise but this one sounded like we should be prepared. We heat our farmhouse with a wood furnace (it also uses oil so we can decide how hard we want to work). When it is really cold, wood keeps it warmer. Although The Farmer used to cut all the wood himself, he has resorted to buying it from his brother because he just doesn't have the time. At least we are keeping the money in the family. Most of the piles look like this.


Covered with snow and about to be covered with more snow. At Thanksgiving, my family helped us stack some of it so it would be dry.


I spent the day Tuesday hauling in piles of wood and kindling for the next couple days. Being the frugal person I am, I saved all the odds and ends of wood from last summer's construction project for kindling. Those big Ikea bags work great for collecting the kindling.


We're ready for what comes - axe and shovel.


The farm animals always seem to know what is coming. My chickens "helped" me with the wood and seemed particularly energetic - flying around and perching in the trees. I gave them extra grain knowing that it could be awhile until I got out the door to feed them on Wednesday. They will stay huddled together in the coop.


Julia and I will spend the day inside and The Farmer will venture out to across the mountain to feed the sheep at their winter quarters when the snow slows down. He stocked up the hay so the sheep have plenty to eat since he's not sure when he will get there. We don't bother moving too fast and going anywhere in the snow because it is plain stupid. I know. I've been in a couple of snow-induced wrecks and totaled one truck a couple of years ago - not my fault but consider Julia and I very, very lucky. Now, I just stay home. Have plenty of food and everything will be cancelled anyway.


We've got this dry pile of wood along with a few others to keep us warm. As long as the power holds, it will be a Winter Wonderland with a capital "W". I'll try to take some photos during the blizzard if I feel like going out in it.


I hope you all are home safe and warm and enjoying a snowy day. Are you knitting? or baking? or eating soup? That is our plan for the day.

p.s. This Hipstamatic camera is tough - you don't get what you see through the viewfinder. Wrap your photo-taking head around that one. Total unpredictability. It's fun though and I think it is making me think a little differently about taking "regular" photos with my DSLR.

14 comments:

Sarah said...

We are all home eating scones and drinking tea. On the Internet coming up with a craft project.

MicheleinMaine said...

Yes, it's howling and snowing here in Maine now. The plan is to do computer work till the power (satellite) goes out, then knit and eat. Woodstove is keeping things cheery and warm.

Leslie said...

We brought extra wood down to the holding area and I have a pot roast in the slow cooker. If the power goes off it will be transferred to a regular pot and put on top of the gas stove (I won't carry it down to the basement where the wood stove lives although that *is* an option). I already went out once to clear off the bird feeders as they were covered and am now stalling about going outside to use the snowblower (first snow this year with enough to make it necessary). The there will be knitting on Marc's latest sweater and a hat (based on EZ's "Very Warm Hat") requested by a friend.

I hope you're safe and powered -- with wood I know you're warm :)

NessaKnits said...

The world is a place of extremes. Brisbane and South-East Queensland, Australia experiencing their biggest flood since 1974 and you in the depths of snow. P.S. Never seen chickens in the snow ... very cute! Happy knitting.

Gramma Phyllis said...

Stay warm and think of me driving a school bus in the snow. We along the shore of Lake Ontario are having a combination storm, a regular one aided and abetted by lake effect! So far we have about 6" and it is only noon. Wish I could stay home and knit. Oh well I have a few minutes before I have to brave the weather again for the afternoon run.

Melissa Morgan-Oakes said...

One good wreck will cure you of Yankee-stubborn when it comes to snow. I've had two (slow learner) and figure that's my limit. If it even smells like snow I will do my best to stay home.

Allison said...

Good luck with the storm, and stay safe! Here in the Finger Lakes I am drinking tea, swatching for a sweater, and listening to the salt trucks. sigh.

Virginia G said...

Eh, only a few inches in NYC. Nothing like the day after Christmas.

Kelley Hart said...

Hope you are all safe and warm! I'm hunkering down here in So. Cal. crocheting with my puppy by my sided.

Lindy and Paul said...

I wondered how you prepare and how you're all faring! I got the hipstamatic app which I found fun at first but its only making me appreciate my "real" camera more! Also laying low and doing lots of knitting and felting...

bittenbyknittin said...

HA - I rarely get what I "see" when I take a photo. My mind's eye does not jive with reality. Keep warm!

Anonymous said...

Best of luck to you and your family during this up-coming snowfest!! We just got over a big one in Colorado and now the sun is shining!! Chickens in the snow are so cute - grew up on a farm. It has to be pretty bad before those guys don't venture forth to forage.
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Love your blog but not a big fan of Hipstamatic. I know it's a new thing and all but you are such a great photographer and this is dulling your beautiful images. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Barb

Sudipta Das said...

Life in a farm is always tough, specially during winter. you should try greenhouse http://www.growhouse-greenhouses.co.uk/greenhouses.php

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