look ma! no hands

 A snow storm came on thundering in on Sunday. We lost power here at the farm about 6.00pm. Trees and power lines were snapping all over West Virginia, and Virginia. I didn't know the extent, but I knew it was going to be a a rough clean-up. Power lines that travel through the mountains, through places there are no roads to access. I thought about the line workers, out there trying to fix the broken wires and blown transformers, while customers bitched and complained.

We decided we better go get some supplies. Yes, during the storm. Also, after the electricity went off. If it was up to me all this would be done before the storm, but Rusty has a sort of fearless style. This storm was no different than the hurricanes we faced in Florida. I like to feel prepared. Just some fuel, water and canned goods. Nothing crazy. Him, Oh, just some beer, perishables and doughnuts to last us through. If the inevitable happens, then we venture into the storm. Although this is exciting and filled with heart stopping action, driving on mountain roads that have not been plowed nor will see one, does make me white knuckle the door handle, and hold of my breath, as if that will help. Maybe it does. So off we went. Snow, wet heavy snow, falling down fast, while temperatures slowly dropped. Off we went to get my water, fuel and canned goods.

We ended up stopping a few times to see if people needed a tow. Most were ok. But at the Family Dollar store a woman was having a hard time getting her car out of the steep parking lot and onto the road. I got out and talked to her while Rusty and another guy tried to find a solid place to connect the chain to her car.

When the guys hollered to have her turn the wheel so the could connect the chain, she did so with her foot. The woman had no arms.

We chatted some more, until I wished her well, jumped back into the car, and we pulled her and her car up and onto the road. Stopping traffic. Success.

She was not afraid. This woman with no arms, got into her car and drove to the store, by herself in a bad storm, to pick up a few things.

I thought of my white knuckle grasp and of my fear. she had neither.

the river

out on a main road following a plow truck

I take photos between breath

we made it home, and drove up the hill to tuck in all the animals

home sweet home, in darkness

the next day, the sun is shining and the temperature warms up

it is so beautiful, even after the melt

sling was here... now a chicken holds his place

red, white and blue

home

nestled in

the uphill barn house

I let the ducks out to stretch their legs

they think about it for awhile

the geese love it

 

happiness

the turkeys seem unaffected

penguins

the four sebastopol geese

beautiful moon

big bear, the great pyrenees after a long night

juney, the puppy

Izzy, inside the barn house, resting. good girl

inside, snug as a bug we have an american chinchilla rabbit family

The power came back on this afternoon, Tuesday. I was collecting water from rain buckets and I saw a light turn on.

All is well. But it feels weird with all this noise and light. I guess you get used to what has been taken from you. It becomes normal. You adapt.

Just like the armless lady who drives in snow storms.

~crow