Is This The New Norm?

Storm damage from a few weeks ago

As I sit writing to you, dear reader, I am watching the wind blow, the rain fall, and the oak trees bend in the wind. This spring's weather has been unlike anything I have seen in my fifty-plus years. For the first time, I am actually fearful of the weather. After the storm that blew through a few weeks ago, taking down trees that were too close for comfort and knocking out the power grid for days, I view a thunderstorm with apprehension. There was a time I would sit on the porch and watch a good summer storm. Now, I feel like at any moment the weather could take an unpredictable turn for the worse, and it is unnerving.

Is this wild weather going to be our new norm? Will I need to worry about trees blowing down onto the house or barn every spring, or is this year just an anomaly? I certainly hope it isn't the new norm. As I plan my garden/landscaping, I am reluctant to plant any trees near the house or barn. I love trees. I enjoy the birds that make trees their home, the pollinators that come, and the beauty and shade they provide. However, after the close call we experienced a few weeks ago, with five trees coming down and fortunately not hitting any buildings, I feel that planting trees near buildings is a gamble.

As farmers, we are directly impacted by the weather. Now, we don't have the added pressure of weather affecting crops. We lease our land to a local farmer who plants our farm in corn, soybeans, and hay. The farmer trades us hay for the use of our land, and it is a beneficial agreement. However, our animals are affected if the hay fields are damaged or the weather impacts the growth. We have been fortunate not to have had to purchase hay for our animals in the years we have had them. Purchasing quality hay would have a significant financial impact. Two years ago, when the weather was so dry, we did not get a second cutting of hay. The second cutting has more nutrients and is better quality than the first cutting. Even that small, seemingly insignificant situation impacted our animals and their care. Farming is a precarious balance. We are at the mercy of Mother Nature, and she can be temperamental.

If the weather is too wet, our herd suffers from foot issues. If the weather is too dry, the pasture fields don't replenish. If the weather is too hot, the girls drop in milk production. So much of our livelihood relies upon the weather; it can be very stressful. Conditions must be just right to maintain the balance and ensure a successful year. Aside from the wind, this spring has maintained a lovely balance. We have enough rain to replenish the fields, the hay is growing nicely, the pastures have an opportunity to dry out between showers, and the temperatures have been a bit cool but pleasant. It's the violent storms that have been troublesome.

After the storm passed yesterday, yet another tree was down across Tonkin Road. The Bibbed Wonder made an impromptu trip to town and was forced to turn around and go the long way over back roads. I knew there were significant wind gusts, but I didn't think they were strong enough to fall trees. This spring has been plagued by downed trees, which often lead to power outages. My latest campaign is to install a natural gas generator that will automatically kick in when the power goes out. It's just my opinion that we have too much riding on electricity not to have a generator. If we had had a generator when the power was out for days a few weeks ago, I would have had a few more baby goslings. Hatching more baby geese is not at the top of The Bibbed Wonder's priority list, but it makes me sad because the little lovies were so close to hatching. More significantly, we have a business to run. When the power is out, everything comes to a halt. Even the barn chores are more difficult to complete when the power is out. Concerningly, water is the issue. When you have animals who rely on you for all their basic needs, it becomes worrisome not to be able to provide for them easily. I am also campaigning for an old-fashioned hand pump at the springhouse to provide water when the power is out.

My husband grouchily points out that my list of wants continues to grow. I, however, believe this want is rational and needed. I mean, I would also like a floating duck house, an extensive chicken coop for my chicken obsession, a stone root cellar, an orchard with at least sixteen trees, a berry patch, and a raised bed garden, but I know those will all come with time. It takes time to wear down a stubborn and obstinate man who would be responsible for doing most of the work. I have no idea why he is such a grump; it's a conundrum. (Written with complete sarcasm.)

As I sit writing to you, watching the wind bend the mighty oak branches this way and that, I hope that there is no damage. I also hope this weather we have been experiencing is a fluke and not the new norm. On this blustery, rainy day, stay safe, be smart, do what you can to prepare for emergencies, use planning and forethought, and keep washing your hands. Allow me to point out to one bib overall wearing a nay-sayer that it is impossible if you don't have water. I'm just saying...