Tempest again

"It can't rain forever, can it?"

Those words that were sent to me a couple of weeks ago seem now as a plea to nature. Another round of storms last night with multiple tornado sightings in the county, including damage and at least one injury.

There's been plenty of unrest and tears from the clouds. Let's hope it ends soon.

Weekend damage update

Weather has obviously hindered any work on the pond deck, or rather the cleanup of the debris from the pond. On Sunday, with the water nearly topping the dam, I was able to drag some of it out. Using a pole saw to reach out to cut the deck into manageable pieces and looping a rope around a couple of the poles to mostly drag them out as well. Some of it still remains floating

Some debris remains and it concerns me but time, weather...

For instance, Monday I had to be elsewhere during the morning, like at the homestead when the power went out. Someone needed to be on sump pump duty.

And it was raining anyway.

Monday evening, I stood on the dam looking east with the wind at my back. The damage behind me could not be ignored. The storms of the past week (some of which not weather related) reminding me of the power of our actions and, in some cases, inaction. The storms affected more than a few.

If I had taken better precautions and braced for storms...

If I had paid attention to predict what could have happened...

Still looking east, a few hundred yards down the hill, the Mrs.was weeding around the buckeye tree, our legacy tree for Buck. She didn't notice the doe that bounded out behind the cedar trees and headed south. I couldn't tell if this was Triumph, but I hoped it was.

The damage can be repaired but unfortunately it will take time.

Tuesday Triumph

After nearly a month's absence, we began to worry about our one-legged three-legged* deer and our thoughts naturally progressed to something tragic.

We were relieved to see her return to graze just east of the apple trees. She's still with us and somewhat healthy.

The neighbors have yet to see her as she seems to be comfortable here.We don't mind as it seems we are handicapped accessible.

*Updated - Apparently I can't count

Monday Mom

This little guy must not be more than a day old

"It can't rain forever, can it?" (Again)

Another example of a sad day here:

Our Three-Legged Deer

In March, an unusual visitor was captured on one of the trail cameras.

We speculated how this injury occurred and the resulting scars. Perhaps impact from a vehicle or maybe the leg was caught in a fence and eventually twisted free. It's possible a slug from a hunter could only damage the leg. Whatever the case, it seems like she is doing her best to make it at our acreage.

We're going to call her Triumph:

We're all damaged in some way and through perseverance, persistence or blind luck we make it through life. Sometimes we get a little help along the way but it looks like she is going to be on her own. She's going to have to work harder than others and be smarter to avoid the troubles that are bound to come her way. She's going to need more oomph umph than others to make it.

My hope is that she heals enough and overcome. I'd like her to keep coming back and maybe let us know how she's doing from time to time.

She was damaged.

She is a survivor.

She will be triumphant.

Rest among the walnuts

Since it's been raining pretty much every day, I thought this might be a good change. After several hours of trimming walnuts last year, I took a break and recorded the wind, the birds and the shade. The shade provided welcomed relief.

With my poor hearing, I can't identify the bird calls. Any help is appreciated.

Weekend damage report

The storms that came through the county on Saturday evening caused some damage. Neighbors to the north lost their roof off of a machine shed as it was peeled off and thrown across the road. Pines splintered as they twisted in the winds. High water nearly reached the county road I use to reach the acreage. That creek was the highest I've seen since getting the place.

I came on Sunday to find this box elder finally topped off. It was a problem as its base was hollowed out and I was nervous to take it down and risk it coming back on me. You can see the rot common with these trees and I have a few others in the fence row to take down.

 
Part of it now is in the neighbor's field and I'll have to clean it up. Luckily none of the branches mashed the fence. A little work with the chainsaw should drop the rest without too much issue.

Looking at the pond, I found this:

It looks like the winds lifted the deck and turned it over like a flipping a pancake, only with 80mph winds. Debris floated throughout the pond which gives me another project to work on.

With it too wet to plant this year's crops I will have plenty of time (unless it rains this coming weekend, of course.)

Luckily, there was no damage to the shed and cabin.

The homestead was another matter. Winds from the north drove into the low pitched roof of the bay window area. The roof had held up well for several years but now it needed some help to keep the next rains out due Monday night. A couple of days work and I hope it's enough.

Deep breath --- and get back to work.

"It can't rain forever, can it?"

It sure seems like it:

The question from a friend yesterday is hopeful but we're looking at 9 of 10 days predicting rain. If we count Thursday, that would make it 10 of 11. I'm getting the boat ready as showers continue.

I haven't been able to turn ground yet but looking forward to a dry (maybe) June?

Friday Flowers - Lily of the Valley

From the homestead, these tiny fragrant bell-shaped flowers fill any room with a reminder of spring. These, along with the tulips, have stuck around a little longer than usual.

But then, it seems like this has been an unusual spring.

With more rain on the way, may these brighten up everyone's weekend.