Monday, January 31, 2011

A Catastrophic Ice Event? *gulp*

That’s what the weatherman said, “catastrophic ice event”. Not ice storm. Not a wintery mix. Catastrophic. My first instinct was to see how many sheep, goats and chickens I could fit into my blazer (think clown car) and head to Michelle’s or Dani’s house in the Pacific Northwest and never look back. Then I realized it was too late for that.

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We have everything we need to survive it. No problem there. Sure it will be rather inconvenient to keep water available for the animals when the power goes out.

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I have plenty of carding, spinning, knitting, sewing  and reading to keep me entertained. None of those things require power.

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It’s the men folk who live here that I’m worried about. What on Earth are they going to do without computers, internet, video games or power tools? They are going to drive me stark raving mad.

I may have to lock myself in Sheville and barricade the door.

christinesig

23 comments:

Karen Anne said...

What happens with the animals when it gets very cold? Are they comfy?

I'm gonna tell Mom! said...

I'm right there with you. Good luck.
kim

The Barn Door said...

Hope you stay safe and warm back there!!

Christine said...

The sheep, goats, chickens and Willa will all be just fine tucked away in their barns. They have plenty of wool, fur and feathers to keep them warm. The hard part will be keeping water from freezing for them.

The indoor pets, however I'm sure will be screaming like toddlers and will insist on being in the room with the fireplace with us (they're not spoiled at all).

Becca's Dirt said...

Good luck with the ice storm. Pack em all up in the truck and come down here. Just kidding. There must be all kinds of things you guys have to do to prepare for weather like this. Hope it's not too bad.

Chai Chai said...

Oil lamp, very nice. Ice is the worst Winter event, hopefully you won't lose power.

Danni said...

Oh man... use of the word "catastrophic" sounds incredibly ominous, doesn't it? Despite the concern that I am feeling all the way over here on my side of the country, I am relieved to read that you sound very prepared and very calm about the whole thing.
(But, you know, if you hurry, you might still be able to make it... I've got 2 free stalls available.
:-) )
Good luck and I'm thinking warm thoughts for you guys!!

Michelle said...

It is NOT too late! When do you arrive???

Darlene's Quilts and Stuff said...

Let's all hope it misses us all. We have the same warnings here in Ohio.

Muffy's Marks said...

Stay safe. The men ah yes... Cribbage, grilling out. Hunting for food? (Shootin' and fishin'} Good luck as your brace for this event!!

Anonymous said...

Yep....we are getting prepared for it....been out putting extra bedding down for everyone....loading up the inside firewood box to the ceiling, loaded up on groceries, gas for tractor and generator...we are near US 24, so we don't know if ice or snow here.....They are saying US 24 is the dividing line!
Keep warm and safe!

Miss Effie said...

Christine ... pick me up on the way to Michelle's. I'll just bring fiber... and chocolate.

We are getting 13-18" of snow. No ice..... I like snow better than ice.

Michelle said...

Good luck with the storm...hopefully it isn't too bad! Stay safe!

Nancy K. said...

So, how are you going to keep us informed of how you're doing if the power goes out? Do you have a generator?

I know! You send the guys to the nearest town to pick up a generator and bring it back so that you can stay on line! That would keep the guys out of your hair and get keep you connected. Gosh, I'm smart!

Seriously ~ stay safe and warm and I hope it's not as bad as they're making it sound. As for me ~ I like being stranded at home but NOT without power!

I'll say a prayer for you & yours...

Anonymous said...

We fill our bathtub anytime there is a pending snow or ice storm in the making. We have our own well, so without elec. nothing can pump to the house... OH NO!

Glad you are prepared...

Di

I'm gonna tell Mom! said...

We have a small generator for emergencies...but the boys have declared they will use it to run a TV should we lose power. Nevermind food, light, and warmth. But if it keeps them busy, then I will have my sanity. Boys!!
Bonnie Jo

krisgray said...

Let's hope the predictions are wrong! I'm in St. Louis and the governor has called out the Nat'l Guard. I'd rather be home on the farm in IN than in the sububurb but we'll see if tomorrow changes my mind on that!

chook said...

omg. i love the photo of the lamp and wreath. i grew up with kerosene lamps, and they make power outages so much nicer.

Tonia said...

Yep we are prepared here.. I have water sitting every where in the basement.. All the animlas have been made extra comfy and we are now waiting.. They are saying 10-16 inches for us with some having 20inches in some place. Along with up to 3/4 inches of ice.. Which may not seem like much but can reek some serious havoc..
Thankfully I only have ONE male to keep occupied... He usually either finds an excuse to start the big truck and drive around OR drives me insane!
Right now he is playing "Lets see How hot we can get the wood stove??" Ugh.....
Stay warm and stay safe!!

Michelle said...

Well...I hope things go well and that you and the animals fair well...extra water in buckets in the house...that is what is needed. I looked on Michelle's site and it appears that she live about an hour and half south of me and in the town that my step-father grew up in. I will enjoy reading her blog just as much as I do yours.

another Michelle in the PNW! and no snow..just rain!

Karen Anne said...

A barn roof collapsed (in Connecticut, I think) from the weight of snow/ice on the roof. Just something to keep an eye on, although I imagine you're doing that already.

Taryn said...

You should have a little carding, spinning and knitting workshop for the men. Get them busy and all your fleece will be ready to use!

Curbstone Homestead said...

We are -30 windchill today but it's too cold for snow :( Luckily we have power. Good luck and keep those critters cozy!!