The "Totally Off Topic" Thread

[BarnGoddess]

Hi guys, I lost internet late yesterday afternoon. I have wireless, but just when we had a lull in the storm, it went out. The tower my antenna on the roof has to see may have been blocked. But it's back up and actually the weather is much worse. The wind picked up last night and is continuing today. Now it's a blizzard. Not going in to work today as roads are still closed and I have to go 5 miles down a dirt road just to get to the highway. It'll stop sometime this afternoon late. But, I brought a lot of work home so I won't feel too guilty about staying home. As for the fire, the BarnGod has to go out and clear a big drift to get to the wood.

It was really fun getting the horses fed yesterday, but the antique John Deere started right up and we fed bales into the feeders and dragged them out. It's going to be harder today with the high wind and bigger drifts, but as Charlie knows, they come first. Everything here is at a standstill. No mail will be delivered again today. It's the third day with no mail.

Thanks for thinking of me and when this storm drifts your way, you be careful too. Look on the bright side here. We really need the moisture. The longer it stays on the ground, the better the wheat crop will be. Winter wheat is planted in the fall and sprouts right away, then lies idle until spring. Good winter moisture gives it a healthy start.

Sure hope this case breaks soon. Driving me crazy.

 

[raisincharlie]

Glad you checked in Barn Goddess - have to admit I was wondering about you, glad to know all is good. Sounds like you have your work cut out for you with those drifts - not fun until the work is done. I have no doubt your babies will appreciate all the hard work as they dive into those bales ! I feel like a wimp - all we had was about 3 inches of ice and a little over 10 inches of snow - no drifts. I kinda like the drifts - sledding time !


Be careful and stay in touch - enjoy the beauty!

RC

 

[jilly]

BarnGoddess I hope your weather gets better and your power stays on!
Northwest here and we've had the worst Fall on record - tons of rain, near hurricane force wind storms and even a huge snow storm thrown in there. Thousands still without power and many many trees down and houses damaged.
I hope Winter is better, lol.

My son is coming home tonite for Christmas - I haven't seen him for a year. I won't be around much the next 10 days since the computer I use is in his bedroom.

I'd like you wish you all a very happy Christmas and/or Holiday Season and the very best of happiness and health in the New Year!!

 

[BarnGoddess]

RC, we started out with the ice on Tuesday. Nasty business. Just looked out the windows. Our older spotted drafts are romping around in their pen rearing and bucking. The youngsters are playing and their moms are huddled together butts to the wind. We're delaying feeding this morning for a bit. Since we can see them, and they're all ok (and well fed from yesterday evening) it won't hurt them to wait a bit. We'll have to chop ice on the tanks, but they'll be fine.

 

[raisincharlie]

BarnGoddess I hope your weather gets better and your power stays on!
Northwest here and we've had the worst Fall on record - tons of rain, near hurricane force wind storms and even a huge snow storm thrown in there. Thousands still without power and many many trees down and houses damaged.
I hope Winter is better, lol.

My son is coming home tonite for Christmas - I haven't seen him for a year. I won't be around much the next 10 days since the computer I use is in his bedroom.

I'd like you wish you all a very happy Christmas and/or Holiday Season and the very best of happiness and health in the New Year!!

Jilly

Wishing you and your family the best for your holiday season. Enjoy having your son home !

 

[raisincharlie]

RC, we started out with the ice on Tuesday. Nasty business. Just looked out the windows. Our older spotted drafts are romping around in their pen rearing and bucking. The youngsters are playing and their moms are huddled together butts to the wind. We're delaying feeding this morning for a bit. Since we can see them, and they're all ok (and well fed from yesterday evening) it won't hurt them to wait a bit. We'll have to chop ice on the tanks, but they'll be fine.

BG,

They do get a bit feisty with the weather change don't they ? I enjoy watching them play. Funny creatures, but they know how to have fun. I do not envy you the task of ice chopping - that is darn miserable work - no matter what you do - you freeze and an hour later it is back. Stay warm !

 

[panthera]

RC, we started out with the ice on Tuesday. Nasty business. Just looked out the windows. Our older spotted drafts are romping around in their pen rearing and bucking. The youngsters are playing and their moms are huddled together butts to the wind. We're delaying feeding this morning for a bit. Since we can see them, and they're all ok (and well fed from yesterday evening) it won't hurt them to wait a bit. We'll have to chop ice on the tanks, but they'll be fine.

You're a wonderful person to be caring for your animals and hang in there! I heard today that mail will even be delivered on Sunday!!!

 

[Taximom]

I'm glad everyone is managing well in these extreme weather conditions. Don't smack me, but we'd like a little of that snow just for Christmas!

I'm glad mail will be delivered on Sunday, but definitely feel for the mail delivery people. They deserve something a little extra in their stockings!

jilly, enjoy the time with your son!

 

[panthera]

I'm glad everyone is managing well in these extreme weather conditions. Don't smack me, but we'd like a little of that snow just for Christmas!

Where are you? I'm sure that Barn Goddess will share with you!!

 

[BarnGoddess]

Want some snow? Come and get all you want. Horses fed, chickens have warm water, wood brought in for the wood stove. Prime rib in the oven. Tons of work done for my job. Drinking hot apple cider (with a side of Glenlivet and soda).

Young man who farms our farm ground came by in his big 1 ton diesel. Had a bale of hay on and his 4 wheeler. About a half an hour later, he drove in on the 4 wheeler. Got stuck south of us on the corner. It was a blessing for us as we got the big tractor started and the BarnGod was trying to feed in the pasture when a group of yearlings and two year olds escaped and headed for the stack. He rounded them up for us and helped get them back. A friend came for him and we loaded his 4 wheeler on his truck. I guess that means I can get to the highway tomorrow. The BarnGod will go in with me as his truck is getting 2 injectors. I'll feel better not going alone, even though I have 4 wheel drive.

The big tractor has a blade on the back, so he dug a path from my Explorer to the road and plowed the driveway. We figure we had 12 inches. Measured the fender of the tractor. It piled up there and wasn't affected by the wind.

It's moving east now, looks bad over Kansas. So if you're near there, be careful.

Oh, we lost power for about an hour. I was ready to go out and melt snow on the stove (we have propane), but our submersable well pump is electric. No power, no running water. We have plenty of oil lamps and tons of wood, so we'd be fine if it continued. Was really glad to have it come back on though.

 

[raisincharlie]

Want some snow? Come and get all you want. Horses fed, chickens have warm water, wood brought in for the wood stove. Prime rib in the oven. Tons of work done for my job. Drinking hot apple cider (with a side of Glenlivet and soda).

Young man who farms our farm ground came by in his big 1 ton diesel. Had a bale of hay on and his 4 wheeler. About a half an hour later, he drove in on the 4 wheeler. Got stuck south of us on the corner. It was a blessing for us as we got the big tractor started and the BarnGod was trying to feed in the pasture when a group of yearlings and two year olds escaped and headed for the stack. He rounded them up for us and helped get them back. A friend came for him and we loaded his 4 wheeler on his truck. I guess that means I can get to the highway tomorrow. The BarnGod will go in with me as his truck is getting 2 injectors. I'll feel better not going alone, even though I have 4 wheel drive.

The big tractor has a blade on the back, so he dug a path from my Explorer to the road and plowed the driveway. We figure we had 12 inches. Measured the fender of the tractor. It piled up there and wasn't affected by the wind.

It's moving east now, looks bad over Kansas. So if you're near there, be careful.

Oh, we lost power for about an hour. I was ready to go out and melt snow on the stove (we have propane), but our submersable well pump is electric. No power, no running water. We have plenty of oil lamps and tons of wood, so we'd be fine if it continued. Was really glad to have it come back on though.

Seems you both have weathered the storm well without too much loss of power and water. Where I live - that much snow, let alone the drifts would shut things down for quite a while - we actually don't get much here for the most part so local cities and towns are not exactly well versed in how to remove it. Good to know you are doing okay - thanks for letting us know ! Give the ponies an extra pat from us !

 

[BarnGoddess]

Barely made it down the dirt road. Bad drifts, but we had some ruts to follow and managed to get to the highway. The BarnGod picked up his truck here and is going to drive one of our neighbers to the south home. She and her husband both work for the State Highway Dept (CDOT) and have been out since Tuesday morning. She drives a small car and will never make it home. He may even need to get the tractor out and go over and plow her drive as the way they face it always drifts badly. But that's what neighbors are for, helping each other. She was the one who plowed the state highway next to I-70 which got me to work.

Our salesman and one of our mechanics both are volunteer firemen and have already been out on 5 calls for rollovers on I-70. People just won't slow down. It maybe cleared, but it's still icy. Said when they were going out people were passing them. Dumb, plain dumb.

 

[Taximom]

I'm in Ohio. Yes, I'll be there for dinner (prime rib, yum!) and some snow!

So far it's just been lightly raining here.

I feel so badly for all the people trying to get places via the airlines. Especially any that have children. Good heavens, what a mess.

 

[panthera]

Barely made it down the dirt road. Bad drifts, but we had some ruts to follow and managed to get to the highway. The BarnGod picked up his truck here and is going to drive one of our neighbers to the south home. She and her husband both work for the State Highway Dept (CDOT) and have been out since Tuesday morning. She drives a small car and will never make it home. He may even need to get the tractor out and go over and plow her drive as the way they face it always drifts badly. But that's what neighbors are for, helping each other. She was the one who plowed the state highway next to I-70 which got me to work.

Our salesman and one of our mechanics both are volunteer firemen and have already been out on 5 calls for rollovers on I-70. People just won't slow down. It maybe cleared, but it's still icy. Said when they were going out people were passing them. Dumb, plain dumb.

Thanks so much for keeping us updated and I love reading your story! And thanks to the Explorer that you could get out and not stuck like your poor neighbor with the small car!! Glad to hear all the animals are o.k. also!

 

[panthera]

I'm in Ohio. Yes, I'll be there for dinner (prime rib, yum!) and some snow!

So far it's just been lightly raining here.

I feel so badly for all the people trying to get places via the airlines. Especially any that have children. Good heavens, what a mess.

Oh I know about the closed airports and cancelled flights have just wreaked havoc on holiday travelers. Even as far away as London people were stranded in the fog ~ can you believe?

 

[BarnGoddess]

I stayed in town after work and got some groceries. We had a Christmas party at the livestock sale barn with a gift exchange. The one where you pick a package, then the next person can steal it or pick a new one. Lots of fun. It seems that the county maintainer did plow our road during the day so I followed the BarnGod home instead of leaving my Explorer in town. The BarnGod did clear the neighbor's drive for her as it was drifted badly. She's two miles away from us.

Oh, we came home from the party with another dog !!! Yep, just what we needed !!! One of the guys that works with the BarnGod on Thursdays and who has done our chores when the BarnGod was laid up with his hip, is moving into town and can't keep his dogs. We told him we'd take his Corgi. He was going to take them to a shop in town to see if they could find a home for them. So, now we're up to 5 dogs. Two adopted. New dog likes to curl up with you on the couch or even in bed. Last night was truly a "Three Dog Night".

 

[raisincharlie]

BG

"Charlie, we dug out just fine. See the chit chat thread. We did make it to town today for a couple of things I forgot at the store. I-70 is dry as a bone now, but the two lane highway is still a little dicey. The BarnGod found some grain today. The co-ops were closed, but a friend who has race horses had some rolled feed with soy beans and molasses mixed in and sold him four bags. That'll get us through until we can get our own. We find the soy beans an outstanding source of protein when you have to skimp on alfalfa and mix it with hybrid grasses. The BarnGod got a gift certificate to our local "western" and feed store, so we stopped by and he put it toward a new pair of Justin lace up work boots. Couldn't find a pair of Ariat's in his size. Geez, they're expensive. Oh, when I couldn't let go of a new purse and a Cruel Girl shirt, he let me have them also. He just doesn't know I had already been there and bought him a new Montana Silversmith watch. His big present is a trip to Cabela's in Sidney, Nebraska. The trip was interuppted when we lost power in the truck last Sunday on our way there. (That was the replacement of 2 injectors, plus changing oil, and all filters, at my 10% over cost, total bill of $900.00.)"


BG - I drug this over here to respond - hope that is okay ?

Sounds like things are getting better - glad you got out and about. Holy cow that is a good sized bill on the truck. If I recall correctly you have Fords correct? Knock on wood my Fords have just been great trucks - no problems here with injectors or anything else really. Had one that had a power steering pump problem but easy enough to take care of - certainly not 900$ worth - ouch.

We are lucky here - our winters aren't really bad enough to warrant special feeds except we do suppliment with Omalene but when we add that with alfalfa these horses are so high they can hardly keep their skin on - usually have to cut them back to bermuda hay - that alfalfa makes them plumb stupid!

I know the Ariats are expensive but that is all we wear here, wife, my boys, and myself. Hard to beat. I use to wear Justins but after the Ariats its hard to go back. Justin's aren't much cheaper really, at least not here, and they are a very good boot as well. My wife is crazy about Cruel Girl stuff - she goes into a shop with Cruel Girl I know I'm getting soaked - never fails! So enjoy - secretly he likes it.

Well, glad to know all is well and getting better !

 

[BarnGoddess]

Well Charlie, we'd all get along just fine. I love my Ariats, all three pair. My stepdaughter just had to have everything "Fat Babies". She takes my computer and the first thing she does is goes on E-Bay looking for more "Fat Babies". She has learned not to wear them at the sale barn, though. Can't get on and off horses all that well. They have been banned for Little Britches Rodeos. Too many injuries to the kids. Love that Cruel Girl too. Gave step-daughter a nice size gift certificate for the store so she can buy some shirts she likes. Now, the problems is where to find some milk.........stores won't get anything in until tomorrow late. Shows everyone's taste here. What's left on the shelves? Goat's milk. Lactose free milk. Soy milk. We'll do without until after Christmas. Sitting tight and enjoying the holiday right here. Prime Rib, my special glazed baby carrots, deep dish apple pie and Paula Deen's Twice Baked Potato Caserole (why I needed to go back and get Cream Cheese). Don't have an appetite for turkey this year. Keep thinking about Naomi and TomTom out in the chicken house.

How close are you to Rogersville? The BarnGod has a sister that lives there. She works for a lighting company in Springfield.

 

[raisincharlie]

Well Charlie, we'd all get along just fine. I love my Ariats, all three pair. My stepdaughter just had to have everything "Fat Babies". She takes my computer and the first thing she does is goes on E-Bay looking for more "Fat Babies". She has learned not to wear them at the sale barn, though. Can't get on and off horses all that well. They have been banned for Little Britches Rodeos. Too many injuries to the kids. Love that Cruel Girl too. Gave step-daughter a nice size gift certificate for the store so she can buy some shirts she likes. Now, the problems is where to find some milk.........stores won't get anything in until tomorrow late. Shows everyone's taste here. What's left on the shelves? Goat's milk. Lactose free milk. Soy milk. We'll do without until after Christmas. Sitting tight and enjoying the holiday right here. Prime Rib, my special glazed baby carrots, deep dish apple pie and Paula Deen's Twice Baked Potato Caserole (why I needed to go back and get Cream Cheese). Don't have an appetite for turkey this year. Keep thinking about Naomi and TomTom out in the chicken house.

How close are you to Rogersville? The BarnGod has a sister that lives there. She works for a lighting company in Springfield.

Not much for food ! Darn I hadn't thought about that side of it ! Goat's milk I can handle but that soy stuff - no way!!!

That's funny about the Fat Babies - my wife has very strict rules about foot wear for the riders she instructs - one of those rules is NO Fat Babies period !

Rogersville - my Mom and Dad lived near Rogersville - closer to Linden Lure which is only about 6 maybe 7 miles from Rogersville. Your husband's sister will know all about Linden Lure! My wife and I are located southwest of Nixa probably 25 to 30 miles from Rogersville but not that far from Springfield. A good friend of my wife is an electrician - I bet she probably knows your husband's sister ! I'm thinking it is a small world !

 

[BarnGoddess]

I totally agree with your wife. Fat Babies are only for walking around looking "hip", (not really that good looking in my opinion). I like my boots comfortable and going up high in the calf for riding. Used to have a pair of English boots with steel toes. My favorites. Got them from a teacher of mine who wore them for 20 years. Lasted me another 20 years. For the last week, the BarnGod and I wore the brand Muck Boots. Ours are the English Rider model. Again, go up to the knees. They even have spur rests. I have ridden in them. So toasty and practical. Tomorrow is supposed to be cold and windy. If Christmas day is a little warmer, I'm thinking about at least putting on a bareback pad (Parelli model) and at least exploring a little south of us to see how bad the drifts are. Or, we may hook up one of the Suffolks and go for a buggy ride and blade out the road a bit while we're at it. Have a forecart that you can attach implements to for farming. We bought a blade with it. It comes in handy. Use the horses as they did ages ago. In fact we took back our 60 acres of farm land from the fellow who has rented it and we'll farm this Spring with horses.