We made it through the Polar Vortex! (And am I the only one who had never heard of that word till a couple of years ago? Where did that come from?!)
When I woke up, the temperature was a balmy 22 below and the windchill was even colder. I thought it was probably a good day for me to stay inside.
I did feel a wee-bit guilty as I was snuggled up in my warm jammies in my warm house sipping my hot coffee. So, I did what any good sister would do. I text my brothers to see if they needed any help. I mean, the kids didn’t have school and I would gladly volunteer them. I felt it was my motherly duty to teach my sweet children, that, on the ranch, livestock come first. (Never mind the fact that they already have that figured out.) And what better way to exemplify that than by sending them out in the bitter cold to ensure all the cattle had feed and water?
However, much to my relief, we were not needed. So we got to enjoy the warmth and comfort of the house a while longer.
I will fill you in on a few of the cold-related issues we had, though. (And I use the term “we” here very loosely.) To start the morning, the loader tractor wouldn’t start. It was plugged in, of course, and it is one of our newest tractors, but to no avail.
Then, Dad shut the door on the feed wagon tractor and due to the extreme cold, the windshield shattered. As in, there was now a large, gaping hole where the windshield should be. Not a good thing when you have to drive a mile into the wind to feed the cattle at the feedlot.
Joe’s pickup was next on the list of things that were hard to start. But after much persuasion, he was able to get it going and take hay around.
And finally, the water at the feed efficiency center froze up. And not just one waterer. No. Both barns were out of water as the pipe froze just underground.
And can I just take this moment to thank all the farmers and ranchers out there, who, unlike me, did not have the choice to stay out of the brutal weather. I mean, you guys are truly amazing. The guys worked tirelessly to get all the necessary equipment working so they could ensure all the cattle got fed and watered. It took a lot longer than usual and was no doubt uncomfortable, but they pulled through and weathered the storm.
I am so thankful to live in a family and community full of these hard-working ranchers and farmers who are always ready to tackle the hardships of this lifestyle. God bless you all!
(And thank you for letting me stay in the house:)
Have a great day!