Severe Weather

We had terrible storms here Thursday and again last night. Many roads were destroyed, schools were canceled, state and municipal offices closed, and businesses shut down. Many roads and highways have been washed out and Montpelier, the capitol, is flooded. Click on this link to see photos of the aftermath. We had over six inches of rain Thursday night with one inch hail and more thunderstorms last night and again at 4 this morning. More thunderstorms are moving through the area again this evening as I write this post. We had over 6" of rain within a few hours and 1" hail. I spent all day yesterday repairing washed out roads here on the farm and cutting up toppled trees on the trail in our woods. Some of the lightening was very close and intense so I was worried about going out and counting noses. We haven't lost any horses yet from lightening but have had cattle killed. Fortunately all of the horses were OK but the two year olds had broken three fence posts and the fencing was down but they stayed in the pasture. They were joined by a three year old gelding from a neighboring pasture whose fence was also damaged and a post broken. It took us all morning to repair all of the damage and get everyone back where they belonged. A portion of our front lawn was under water and I have included a photo of our Jack Russell terriers investigating the new pond.
   On a lighter note, all of the mares and babies are doing well despite the weather. They are so cute at this age and very curious. We work with them in the stall when we bring them in each day. They are learning whoa, to yield to pressure, go forward, stand to be sprayed for flies, and to feel and hear the sound of the clippers, and to pick up all four feet. Much easier at this age than when they are older and much bigger. They even come right up to us in the pasture to investigate and say hello.