Storm Season

It has been some time once again since I posted, this one won't be too long either.

We are finally getting things cleaned up from a storm that went through 11 days ago; the Insurance Adjuster is scheduled to be out on Monday. Even though this was a rather significant storm, many people receiving a great deal of hail damage, it could have been much worse.

[The photo on the left above is a view of the beginning of the storm while at Mom's and Dad's; still harvesting wheat. The photo on the right is what the clouds turned into shortly after I arrived home. ]

When I have posted pictures on facebook of the storm building across the road to the north of us; people react with comments such as "we don't have storms like that!". And while it is true that the pictures can be impressive; the clouds swirling, the horizon starting to lift, trees blowing, it could have been so much worse.

We had several rather large trees uprooted and tipped over, one hitting the tip of the roof by my office. Along with the clean up of the tree limbs and cutting fire wood for a day, we also have one of our wells that is down because of the lightning.

Rumor has it that there were several vehicles in town and along the Interstate that lost all the windows due to hail. North of us the hail was the size of softballs. We didn't get the hail thank God.

And still; it could have been much worse than it was. Our home is still standing, the town of Goodland was not wiped off the map, no lives were lost save for a few unfortunate birds. Jobs were created even if only for a day or two, people have wood to heat their homes for the winter, and we have moisture again for the fields and the crops.

I find myself admiring the clouds and the storms more and more. When I hear the thunder that rolls non-stop across the sky, I simply can't help but respect the power of God and how close He is to us. It makes me think of how in a simple breath everything we know could disappear and yet by His grace it remains.

The beauty that follows these kinds of storms are just as intense as the storm itself. To be able to see the beauty of a full double rainbow across the sky, and watch the lightning surround the rainbow is incredible. The shades of pink, yellow, purples, orange and gold give everything a glow like nothing else.

So I guess I have to say; I have respected as well as enjoyed the storm season thus far. And every time I hear the thunder rumble and see the clouds start to build, I thank Him for His power and praise Him for His mercy and love. So should it be each day.

From our Ranch to yours; stay safe and be ready, it is storm season after all.

So How Do You Fund A Horse Operation??

Well, today I get to take "a break" of sorts. I know it has been a while since I last posted, farm life.... We have been heavy into wheat harvest this year and it should be needless to say - we are busy! :-) That's a good thing!

It has been about 4 years since we have had a crop TO harvest so praise God; our bins are full of Organic Wheat! Yea!! There are many more stories concerning farming and the wheat that I would like to share with you, but not today.

Today I would like to get some questions out there for everyone else. Mainly, how do YOU fund YOUR horse operation?

With as tough as times are right now we all have to make some choices, and sometimes they are hard ones to make. Such as selling a horse that is near and dear to our hearts because of the lack of income.

However, there are ways to maybe prevent that from taking place. I mean, even if you do sell your top Quarter Horse Gelding right now, how do you know he will go to a home that can afford to take care of him? Hmmm. Hard choices.

So why don't we take a look at what all of us should do and be creative. Lets share some idea's of what we have done, has it worked or not, and what else can be done to improve right now. How are things changing and what must we do to be prepared for a better future.

For example; do you have extra pasture that you can offer for bored? Can you give lessons to youth in your neighborhood a couple times a week in exchange for work?

I am also talking with our Accountant. She and her daughter have horses as well and know first hand the expenses that go into having them. That's the best kind of Accountant to have isn't it?

I'm thinking that I would like to have a get together with her to find out her idea's of what works and what doesn't. And maybe some info on how the IRS looks at these things.

Would you like to be in on that conversation?? The more questions the better! That way we can all learn and grow and maybe not have to sell our "best loved mount" or kiss our dreams good-bye.

Hey, let me know your idea's and tell your friends to send theirs as well. This could be huge! :-)