Blown Away

As a kid growing up in North Dakota I thought a lot about wind. Much like the Eskimos with their fifty words to describe snow, people of the plains have a special language around wind.

The descriptors one uses track closely to the mile per hour.

Manageable (10 mph).

Annoying (15 mph).

Down-right Obnoxious (20 mph).

Harrowing (30 mph).

What the hell?!? (anything over 30 mph).

I hadn’t given wind much thought the past few decades until my journey with farming started. Each morning I check the forecasted wind speeds more intently than the temperature. I fret over the veggie stand exposed to open fields and vulnerable to the invisible tyrant that upends flower arrangements and wilts tender vegetables.

Wind can be cruel. It can wear you down. And, after last week’s tornado touch-down in Irvington, we all learned, it can be dangerous.

We are blessed no one was seriously injured. We are fortunate to live in an area where these events are relatively rare.

Although I am told there are many around who live for a good wind, I’ve never found one I can appreciate. Someday, when farming comes to an end, it may be time to get in that boat and make my peace with that invisible tyrant. Until then, stay safe and keep your part to the wind.

As always, thanks for stopping by!Carolyn

Carolyn

#FarmLife