Hazard-ous

Normally there are nine heavy paint drums positioned out in our back field. These were not housing fighting chickens (as our neighbors originally feared ;-), but were a driving "hazard", or obstacle, we used to practice with our carriage horses. We have found all nine barrels, strewn over the 10 acre field, along with roofing and siding from several neighbor's houses and barns.

Connersville, the area of Harrison County we call home, was hit by a tornado two nights ago. It's a part of the county that rises and falls in a series of slight ridges. Our farm sits a bit lower than some of our neighbors and we can only guess that's what saved us. I've often wished for their views of the beautiful rolling hillside, but not today.


Amazingly no one was hurt, but the devastation to barns and houses in the area was extensive. Our only damage, other than some minor fence repair, was to our bee hive. Saint Tim donned the bee gear and re-set it upright, as there were still bees inside, and we are hopeful they'll pull through. They were a very angry group though, I can promise you that. They are still angry.

I believe the rest of the neighborhood is mostly just thankful. Within minutes after touchdown, the phones started ringing to check on everyone, and you can see (click to enlarge) by the number of cars and people just at this one house how well we all come together to try to help get everyone back on their feet.


Most of the tin roofing we found all over our farm came from this barn we believe.


With hay in as short supply as it is this year, every bale is precious. Our normally quiet road has carried hay convoys all afternoon, trying to get every last bale back under cover.


We are heading into the second night without electricity, but the temperatures are not so things are dire. Dinner by candlelight and spinning by the fire is really kind of nice...for awhile.