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PLEASE! Call me Sandra

by Sandra Bennett
TCF

1 Nov

Hurricane Sandy has come and gone, leaving not only a total mess, but loss of life, both human and animal, total destruction of property, broken hearts and lives. On the farm, there are drifts of three to four feet and about two feet of snow. The wind has been blowing steadily so most of the snow is gone, leaving the sheep to graze the yard. In the meantime, due to snow drifts, I can’t get out of the yard gate, making it difficult to get to the barn to feed animals. Mary, my friend in Burkes Garden, had snow drifts of twenty feet and Donald, her husband, spent the better part of an hour trying to extricate himself from a twelve foot drift. He’d gone out to feed their animals, fell into a drift and it was only when Scout, their gelding, allowed Donald to grab hold of his tail, was Donald able to pull himself out. Mary said she thought Donald had gone to his workshop but when he got to the house, he was shivering and his teeth were chattering. Dangerous!

Sam, Sadie and Sophie enjoy the snow, once they don their sweaters and coats. At first, they resisted but now, they come when I sit down in the mudroom and wait patiently as I deal with sweaters, snaps, zippers and velcro. 

Drifts were brutal to plow through; generally, the dogs let me break a trail and then would follow…smart dogs, eh? smile

The sheep love this weather, at least the younger ones love this weather. The older ones just put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Right now, the sheep are in the yard and will go back in the pasture later today. Most of them are so old and have earned their right to die on this farm. Dave and I always had loyalty issues; if something came here, we wanted it to die here. That’s one reason he and I were so good together; we knew we always had each other’s back…come what may.

The monkeys love this weather as long as they’re dressed for it. Me too.

The electricity has been off for half a day and now, mostly on. Bless Dave’s memory, he had a house generator put in so we’d always have heat, lights, could cook on the stove top, televisions and computer. He was my provider and protector and still blesses my life. 
Fred, my lawyer, now calls me Hurricane Sandy and calls me cold and mean. Fred is one of the few who can get away with such foolishness; he’s been a rock since Dave died. 
But please, I just want to be called Sandra! smile.


Blessings ~ safety ~ cold weather gear ~ generator ~ Dave ~

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Comments

  1. KathyB. says

    November 5, 2012 at 5:14 am

    I am glad to read you're well in spite of the bad weather. A generator is a much appreciated machine in places like yours where power can be off for days and even weeks at a time when very bad weather strikes.

    Love the picture of your dogs running UP the snow bank.

    Reply
  2. (GBS) NewsFromTheHill says

    November 4, 2012 at 12:10 pm

    Back from my blog hiatus!!
    Look at all your snow… I had no idea! Hope you're back to normal fall weather now.
    And your new kitten!!! Such a cutie!

    Grace

    Reply
  3. dori says

    November 3, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    Thank you, dear Thistle, for all these informations and photos. I always think about you especilally in this situation!

    Reply
  4. Whimsey Creations says

    November 3, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    Oh my goodness – brrrrrrrrr! Glad you don't mind the cold. I hope things get back to normal for you quickly. Hugs!

    Reply
  5. Marydon says

    November 3, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    Spectacular pics of my favorite scenes. Sandy was a stinker tho. We were very fortunate this time, only our rental took a hit. Just glad you are safe, my precious friend.

    TY for your sweet note ~ it means a lot to me.
    TTFN ~
    Hugs, Marydon

    Reply
  6. Buttons says

    November 3, 2012 at 3:27 am

    Be safe I am so sorry you have to go through all this. Popped over from Maas blog and am now praying you stay safe in the snow with the generator. Take care.

    Reply
  7. NCmountainwoman says

    November 2, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    Glad you are safe and sound. The farm looks so beautiful in the snow.

    Reply
  8. Camille says

    November 2, 2012 at 5:44 pm

    Oh…and one more thing ~ there was once an Hurricane Camille! Dear me! 🙂

    Reply
  9. Camille says

    November 2, 2012 at 5:42 pm

    Oh how incredible this post is Sandra! (I don't think I've ever called you Sandy)! 🙂 What a blessing that you have that generator…what a provision. May the LORD bless you in the midst of this storm and keep you all safe and warm!

    Blessings to you!
    Camille

    Reply
  10. Sweet Virginia Breeze says

    November 2, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    All that snow looks so cold! Glad you are safe and have a generator.

    Reply
  11. thecrazysheeplady says

    November 2, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    Look at all that snow… I'd be sitting out with the sheep in it :-).

    Reply
  12. ~from my front porch in the mountains~ says

    November 2, 2012 at 3:44 pm

    I have not been commenting but I have been keeping up with you. I just love this post-so..YOU!
    Please stay safe and know that J and I keep you and all the *kids* in our prayers!!!
    love~
    xo, misha

    Reply
  13. Fat Dormouse says

    November 2, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    Thank God that you and your neighbours and friends are safe. It is amazing how widespread the effects of this storm has been. And how beautiful it all looks, but how deadly it can be. God bless xx

    Reply
  14. BlueShell says

    November 2, 2012 at 9:02 am

    Wow…I love snow…

    I came from "Flying"….and I read your comment: I am so sorry to know…and I can hardly Imagine what you feel.

    2012, July my husband knows he has an intestine cancer. We went trough a lot…but he is here, with me. Bur I was so afraid to loose him…
    I admire you…your strength!
    God Bless you,
    BShell

    Reply
  15. affectioknit says

    November 2, 2012 at 2:26 am

    It looks so pretty…our power came back on late yesterday evening…hoping yours does too soon…

    ~Have a lovely day!

    Reply
  16. LindaSue says

    November 2, 2012 at 1:40 am

    oh Sandra – the story of your friend's husband falling into the drift – that is the stuff country folk nightmares can be made of. Praise God for that horse Scout – earned an extra ration of oats with that "save". Hooray for generator and husbands who cared for us in ways we continue to find. Safe and warm and staying that way – that's what I like to hear from your piece of the world!

    Reply
  17. Laurie says

    November 2, 2012 at 1:36 am

    Just love your blog- so nice!Looks like you got a slightly different version of "Sandy" then we did here on Long Island. Sounds like lots of snow! Brrrrr. Also wanted to Thank you for stopping by my blog and commenting!
    Farmgirl Hugs,
    Laurie

    Reply
  18. Alice says

    November 2, 2012 at 12:51 am

    glad to see your ok. That is one mean storm. we had a little snow but it melted and now maybe a little on Saturday. The doggies look happy.

    Reply
  19. Mary Ann says

    November 2, 2012 at 12:08 am

    I am cold just looking at those pictures!!

    Reply
  20. NanaNor's says

    November 1, 2012 at 10:23 pm

    Dear Sandra, I just came by from Farm Girl's and so glad I did. After reading this post I felt an immediate kinship, not because we have snow currently but because of your love for your animals. I am going to follow you and can't wait to get to know you. I hope the snow leaves quickly; stay safe and warm.
    Hugs, Noreen

    Reply
  21. myletterstoemily says

    November 1, 2012 at 10:11 pm

    i would never call you sandy but think
    you have much of her strength! i had
    to squint my eyes to tell if that was a
    real monkey or you are teasing about
    the dogs. ?

    Reply
  22. Tombstone Livestock says

    November 1, 2012 at 8:47 pm

    Stay safe and warm best you can. Hopefully neighbors are keeping an eye on you … don't get lost in a snow drift.

    Reply
  23. Val says

    November 1, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    I'm glad you're faring okay. xox♥

    Reply
  24. Midlo Mom says

    November 1, 2012 at 8:32 pm

    So so glad you are safe and kept warm!

    Reply
  25. Lynne says

    November 1, 2012 at 8:11 pm

    Great post, SANDRA! But WOWSIE . . . you got dumped with the white stuff.

    I love and prefer the white stuff . . . but don't want me or any friends or family stuck inside one of those drifts.

    Be careful out there girl!

    Reply
  26. Anonymous says

    November 1, 2012 at 8:01 pm

    I'm also glad you're safe. so sorry you lost your life companion, but greatful you have good friends along the way. xxo

    Reply
  27. Jen Chandler says

    November 1, 2012 at 7:15 pm

    I haven't been by in so long but YOU have been in my thoughts and prayers! Please forgive my absence.

    Wow. I can't believe all the snow! We've had quite the cold October in the South and all we've dealt with from Sandy (ahem…Sandra) is gusts of wind.

    Stay safe and Godspeed!
    Hugs,
    Jen

    Reply
  28. Michelle says

    November 1, 2012 at 5:51 pm

    So glad to hear you're safe and warm, SanDRA! 😉

    Reply
  29. M.K. says

    November 1, 2012 at 5:48 pm

    Goodness! What a winter wonderland! It's very lovely, Sandra but it doesn't look much like October (whoops! November), does it? Glad you're okay, and the animals are okay. May you get some warm sunshine soon.

    Reply
  30. quinn says

    November 1, 2012 at 4:37 pm

    Glad to hear all is well 🙂

    Reply
  31. Star says

    November 1, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    Yes it is an unfortunate name just now. I'm sorry to hear about all the hardship. Some storm eh! You seem to be coping so well with it and keeping your spirits up too. Well done.

    Reply
  32. Down On The Farm says

    November 1, 2012 at 4:08 pm

    So glad to know you are safe and warm. Beautiful pictures!!! But such devastation as well for so many. Take care my friend.

    Reply
  33. Timi says

    November 1, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    I am glad you are safe, but take care!!!♥

    Reply
  34. Sparky says

    November 1, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    GOLLY!! Now that is some snow! That's worthy of western Pennsylvania. Y'all stay safe up there. I'm glad your neighbor came through unscathed. That is deadly. Down here in SE Georgia, all we've had is brisk cold wind. Thank goodness.
    We live way out in the country and also have an all house generator. Can't live without it now!
    Holler if you need us 'Sandra'. [grin] And all our prayers and thoughts to everyone that came through Hurricane [uh] Sandy.
    Sparky ~:)))

    Reply
  35. Farm Girl says

    November 1, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    I am glad you have that generator. I wondered how you had power to get on the computer. It looks so cold. I am glad you are safe.

    Reply
  36. Vicki W says

    November 1, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    Sandy was one impressive storm. At least you got some beauty from it.

    Reply
  37. Splenderosa says

    November 1, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    Oh, what a wonderful post, Sandra. I love how you love your animals and take such good care of all of them. And that little story about the gelding allowing your friend to hold on to his tail is wonderful. Around here we know hurricane's destruction all to well, but we don't have the snow on top of it!! Stay warm, darling woman…

    Reply
  38. Jane and Lance Hattatt says

    November 1, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    Hello Sandra:
    This all looks to be fairly terrible but we know you to be thankful for small mercies, one of which is to have a generator. Take the greatest of care. Love, thoughts and prayers.

    Reply

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