A Very Stormy Day

We had an almighty storm blow over 'Buttercup Farm'. Any minute I was expecting the witch on her bicycle with 'Toto' in the basket going past the window (Wizard from Oz).

It started with a gentle breeze in the morning but then picked up strength very quickly and by lunch time it was so bad that I decided not to go outside (which is rare!).

While trying to concentrate on my work I heard all kinds of banging and rattling sounds. I hoped that the horses were smart enough not to stand under a tree! I had stocked up with candles anyway so if the electricity would go, at least I had light and heat from the log burner.

I haven't experienced winds quite this strong yet.

Surprisingly, there was not much damage to report the next day. The building and sheds (some of which are held together by history!) were all intact still. The only structure that suffered was the garage who was now missing a few roof tiles.

In the fields where the girls are, there is a big, quite old tree. As I went to check on them in the morning, I noticed one very big branch had broken off but luckily the girls weren't hurt. Perhaps they hid inside the stable over night.

But it was a different story just behind 'Buttercup Farm'. The fields where I go riding with 'Mr F' are very exposed and as I went up there in the morning to walk the dog I discovered that two of my favourite trees had fallen victim to the strong winds.

It does not look big here on the photograph but the size of the base of this tree is more than my height and I am 5" (155cm). This big tree on it's way down took along with it its smaller neighbour. There is a good 2 year's supply of firewood lying there on the floor. Unfortunately, the tree is not on 'Buttercup Farm' land, so 'hands off!'