After the Storm

We all survived Hurricane Irene. Sheep, llamas, goat, people - all fine here. There are even pears left on the tree. We were very lucky.

Here are a few shots of the farm yesterday afternoon:

Before the storm we had taken measures to keep the sheep well away from risky, flood-prone closest to the brook. They weathered the storm just fine. Oddly enough, they preferred standing outside in the rain, heads pointed into the wind making me really wonder what goes on inside their wooly hears. I supposefFor them last Sunday was just another very windy, rainy day.

That was not the case for many others. In case you haven't heard, this storm wreaked complete havoc on the flatlands of Franklin County, Massachusetts. Our village of Shelburne Falls took the brunt of the Deerfield River's flooding, after water was released from two dams upriver at the height of the storm. A record volume of water swept through the heart of town, washing out homes, roads and businesses.

This video tells the tale:

 

 

Ann Brauer's quilt studio is the pink building that floats towards toward the falls. Both the Iron Bridge and the Bridge of Flowers were awash and have been closed since Sunday (the Iron Bridge re-opened to pedestrian traffic yesterday).

The village is coming together for the recovery effort. Remarkably, most businesses up and operating (except for those hardest hit).

When the village was evacuated on Sunday, Holly, Chris and their cat Mikey Two Potatoes came to the farm to ride out the storm. I've been teasing Holly that she picked a heck of a reason to come back and visit the farm. Chris's restaurant, The Blue Rock, suffered flooding when the Deerfield River jumped its banks.
With help from a  big crew of volunteers, he and Holly are working hard to clean up and get back in action.

In the case of this storm, our elevation was to our advantage. We feel fortunate to have been spared the worst of it. Our hearts go out to our neighbors, friends and community - and beyond. Amazing that one storm had such widespread disaster.

Thank you everyone for your concern. Our thoughts are with those who were impacted by Irene.

 

Comments

[Tiffany]

I am a newcomer to your blog and am very glad to see that you and your farm were safe from the storm. The landscape in your photos is just so lush and beautiful! I am glad that it gets to stay that way for you. :)

[Kris]

glad to hear you faired well during the storm. that video is something else - with all the coverage of what happened in CT and in VT, I hadn't heard much about how bad it was in your area.

[Valerie]

What a relief to know that all on the farm got through the storm safely, but how sad to see all the damage to your community. I hope Holly is able to get things back to normal without too much trouble.

[Marcy]

So glad to see your brood "weathered" the storm. AT the same time I feel so bad for the community of Shelburne Falls. My heart goes out to everyone affected. If there is a recovery fund would you mind posting it on your blog?
Thanks.

[Pam B]

Is that your New Guy in the photos of the sheep in the pasture? WOW--is he handsome or what! So sorry for all the damage done in the East and thanks for letting us know how to help. Glad you are not in need of any, though.

Best, Pam B

[Torre in MD]

I'm so glad you all made out ok. My thoughts are with all of those who suffered - it was such a bad storm. thanks for sharing the video - wow -

[Ann]

The video of the quilt studio floating away just says it all! I feel so badly for all the people who suffered because of the storm. I'm glad you and your flocks are safe. They are beautiful sheep that's for sure.

[twinsetjan]

I'm glad to know you came through the storm without any major problems. We did too. I know several in Vermont not so lucky. If you have an interest, there is a new group on Ravelry called "Warm Hats, Warm Hearts" to do charity knitting to help families in the flooded areas.