Week #27 - Prairie Skies

We have had a lot of active weather this summer. Storms have rolled through across the prairies bringing heavy rain, winds and hail (thankfully we have been spared the latter). 

As a farmer, you always have one eye to they sky, watching for... often wishing for the various conditions that you need for your current crop. 

This stormy weather can bring grief but it also brings beauty of a extraordinary kind! 

As a prairie girl, I think our skies are beautiful no matter what the weather, but throw in some building storms and you have some awesome scenes. 

I can hear your whisper & distant mutter. I can smell your damp on breeze and in the sky. I see the halo of your violence. Storm, I know you are coming. ~ Robert Fanney

Snow... glorious snow!

FFF Photo a Day - Day 351

We are finally getting some snow... and while driving is terrible and there will likely be school closures and chaos tomorrow... everyone, both two and four legged, on the farm seems to have an extra spring in their step! 

Avery particularly was almost purring with contentment as she rolls in the snow! 

After the storm...

FFF Photo a Day - Day 219

We had some wild weather roll through southern Manitoba this evening. 

Tornado warnings buzzed regularly on the radio and the clouds swirled and rain fell hard east of us. 

Alas our little piece of heaven stayed dry and intact. Feeling grateful...

Garden of surprises!

FFF Photo a Day - Day 187

Went for a meander up and down the rows in the garden today to see how things were faring given the heavy rain and light hail we got on Saturday night. 

I was pleased to find that the water seemed to be quickly being absorbed and most of the veggies were looking really good. 

Found a few surprises as well... like this pumpkin... already a good size for the beginning of July!

Undercover...

FFF Photo a Day - Day 141

Our peppers and eggplants have done well under our cold frames despite the storm on the weekend. 

The cold frames are made with reclaimed lumber boxes with old windows on top. 

We cover the windows with shade cloth or row covers to diffuse the sunlight so the seedlings don't burn. So far, so good! 

Looking on the bright side...

FFF Photo a Day - Day 139

While the rain, wind and cold on the weekend was not celebrated by many, there is always a bright side on which to ponder. 

The tree that we lost in the windstorm fell neatly beside the tomatoes instead of on top and the pond is looking full and lush again so we won't have to worry about irrigation this summer!