Western Oklahoma has been without rain for many weeks. So, when these dark clouds formed we all got excited. Yes the radar said strong winds and small hail, but rain is the magic word.
When the storms passed we went out and check everybody (this is our animal head-count) to make everybody is alright. Much to our dismay we couldn't find one of Troy's bottle calves (which are now weaned).
The pictures may not show the black streak, but lightening hit this tree that Troy is standing next to. We had never seen bark stripped off of a tree like this. Some of the bark was 5 feet away. Usually when a streak of lightening hits, the tree is split in two but this one was different. Just so happened that one of his calves was laying next to it thinking it would give some shelter from the pounding rain.
This last tree-picture shows where the lightening went clear-thru the tree and exited out. This is where the calf was laying when we found her. No, she didn't make it thru the storm and had a big black mark where she was struck by the lightening bolt. I've preached and preached to everybody that lightening is like fire--you gotta respect it. Stay out of it's way! Also sad that one of God's creatures was taken and also (sad to admit) that the monetary loss is also there...raising bottles calves is Troy's way of gaining an allowance on the farm. He does the work and receives the check when the calves are sold in the spring.
This picture is of Dean and one of our neighbors and also shows just how close this tree is to our house. The lightening could've hit our house just as easy.
Dark clouds rolled in again last night and we received another drink. We'll now have enough moisture to plant this fall's wheat crop. When you farm with the elements and know you can't control them, you just do what you have with what you have.
7 comments:
Yay- we're wet over here too. The cooler day yesterday was nice too.
Oh how scary those storms must be for you all. The first picture gave me goosebumps and just reading about the lightning made me nervous for you. I am so glad that you got some much needed rain and I'm sorry about the loss of Troy's calf. (((HUGS)))
It sounds so bittersweet that the much needed rain would also bring the destruction of the tree and hit the calf. As you said it could have hit the house, the barns just as easily. The photos are lovely in their own way, you know.
I was struck again at how flat parts of the Midwest are on our recent trip towards the Missouri Ozarks
The pictures are amazing...I've never been to that part of the country and the pictures of storms rolling in are incredible. I'm sorry for the loss of your calf, but am grateful that your home was spared.
So sorry about the calf. Poor fella!!
The sky pics are awesome! I sent a link to my son, he will love the pics as well. I am sorry about the calf, and thankful your house was not hit.
We finally got some rain Saturday night by way of a few storms, but it wasn't near enough. We had a few showers Sunday and yesterday, too. If only it would do it for a week straight!
Those pictures are awesome! The only thing our storm did was blow the kids' pool across the field and knock down a few limbs. If only it had taken the trampoline...I hate that thing. :)
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