We Survived Three Winter Storms In Eight Days

Beginning February 11th, early in the morning, we had the first of three winter storms.  We woke up on the 11th with ice all over everything.  The good news was we were not hit as bad as nearby communities where the ice was so heavy it broke tree limbs which then fell on the power lines.  We had electricity and water.  Two-three days later we were hit by our second storm.  It was blowing snow and temperatures into the single digits.  Again, not pleasant but tolerable.  We had electricity and water.  But we were now experiencing random losses of power.  Monday into Tuesday the temperatures hit 0 and we lost water outside.  Now the "fun" began.  We could no longer water the cows who had been moved up to the pasture by the house so we could watch for any birthing problems.  We now had to fill buckets and bottles with water to fill the water troughs.  Not an easy task for thirsty nursing mamas, but doable. 

Then the third storm came in with lots of ice and we lost water and electricity.  Thirsty cows now a major issue.  TJ's group with us by now so they went home and filled buckets, etc with water because they had water just no electricity.  That was not a long term solution especially when they needed to go somewhere where there was heat.  They left and vowed to return with water but roads so bad, they said they couldn't make it back.  At this point we were in crisis and decided to move the cows back in with Valentino where there was water available.  A tough call because of the five heifers.  Valentino was thrilled!  He never skipped a beat and went right after the heifers.  In all, we had around 205 hours of below freezing temperatures.  We got our electricity back late Thursday and Friday the water came back on, tho there was a boil requirement.  No pipes burst but we lost the tankless water heaters.  Have a plumber who's ordered new ones.  It's March first and we have electricity, water (which we just learned no longer needs to be boiled), and no hot water.  We are showering at TJ's, eating off paper plates, avoiding cooking (grilling outside instead and microwaving), and doing the laundry at the laundry mat.  The cows are fine, tho Maude lost her baby during the worst of the storms.

 We feel pretty lucky and we know it could have been a lot worse in so many ways.  I feel like we've learned a lot and will be better prepared if there is ever a repeat.