Yesterday after Thanksgiving dinner I rallied the troops and we went out to the barn to practice a storm drill. When a storm comes in, often we do not have a lot of time to get all the animals into the barn. 
And depending on where they are outside and where their designated pens are inside, there is an order that needs to be decided and acted on. They need to be stacked into their pens in that order with gates going this way and that way and people being gates. 
I know that this seems complicated but the barn is small and my needs are great and blizzards are not nice. Do you see that door leaning? That is one of the mobile gates I get my asssistants to hold.
All the animals came in like good boys and girls, came in and looked mystified as we began to close all the doors, checking that all the latches still worked and that their seating pan worked. Except for the two little sheep, Minty and Meadow, who have not been in the barn since they were newborns they proceeded to jump the short fence, on one side of their pen, raced through the bins of feed, out the slowly closing front doors and were away off down the drive. Bleating in a delighted fashion.
So back to the drawing board. They may need to go into one of the back sheep pens, which are so dark, but it would only be for a few days at a time. Do you see that red thing in the water there? That is an heating element. All the waters will need to be heated for the winter or the buckets freeze solid. I have to get these sorted and into the new pens and given a test run too. 
In Ten days you and I are off on my adventures. I need to make sure that everyone can do everything in my absence. In any weather. I am really hoping that the weather is kind to everyone while I am away and that they have no runaways.
I can just stand in the doorway and call the little sheep back but it does not work like that for the others so it is imperative that they have NO escapes and are ready for any emergency while I am gone. 
Look at that lovely Daily View and as I write we are just above freezing with a screaming gale. Cold. I already have my hattie on. 
Have a lovely day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
56 responses to “Storm Drill”
Look at you, Madame Generale! You had quite the interesting holiday 🙂
Stay warm on your rounds today, and dream of that NZ summer!
It really is going to be a chilly day.. but I have my clown suit! c
What a change in the weather huh? It had been like Spring. I prefer that over this. Boy time flies..soon you will be on your trip, taking us all along to see your homeland, family and friends…can’t wait. Stay warm during your morning rounds..I think our warm days are done.
Oh NO.. so sad to see the end of our nice warm weather, still it is only the thirties, not the twenties or god help us the tens.. hopefully the really nasty weather holds off until I am back, I can’t bear the thought of everyone struggling in the bad weather to feed my animals for me. And they will never let me out again!!
calling in the troops! They will all have to manage and struggle through without you while you are off gallivanting! Good to prepare them as much as you can though!
Oh for a good galliivant!! morning joss.. c
I love what you’ve written on one of the holding pens “Hug A Pig”. Too cute for words. 😀 Happy day to you, c, and all your farmy!
I am lucky enough to have very huggable pigs too! c
Always better to be prepared! Have missed you. Trying to catch up on a few posts with what little internet we have out here in the sticks while we camp in Pennsylvania for a couple more days. Have a lovely Friday ~ April
How exciting, i hope you get sorted before it gets too cold.. c
That sounds lie a food way to burn off some Turkey dinner! I’m looking forward to “our” trip. Okay, 10 days and counting.
YUP.. the count down commences.. c
It always looks so warm and cosy in the barm, I’m expecting the lanuage will change while you are away and the stand-ins do the round.
very excited about going to NZ, I need a holiday with some warmth
So do i Claire! and winter has only just begun.. lucky me! c
Oh my, only ten days till we are on our holiday – shew but that came quickly – how very exciting. It is incredible how much you need to think of on a daily basis C – I am quite exhausted at the mere thought of it all. I am sure all the animals will keep Big John and the Tall Teenager in line for you while we are away.
Have a beautiful weekend.
🙂 Mandy
I shall have to leave a list is three different genres of language, cow (Daisy) Sheep (Mama) and English ( for all the others as the pigs can read human too!) .. too scary.. c
I need to develop friendships with some families near me, but, I can’t think of anyone who would be willing to look after my little gaggle of geese. They are simply too intimidated by them. 😦 Lucky you! Getting away to see your homeland! Will there be lots of pictures and stories from the home front, or will we have to wait for your return? Have a blessed and safe journey!
~Lynda
Oh No darling, you are all coming. As much as humanly possible I will be keeping my regular blog routine.. every morning. Such a shame you are not down the road, i would look after the gaggle!! c
A neighbor like you is a rare find. Glad to know we are all coming along. I have never been to NZ before. (Unless you count the Hobbit movies. 😉 ) Thanks, Celi! ~L
So much to think of but I´m looking forward to our travels!
I think that’s a great idea to have a storm drill. I can imagine you have a touch of anxiety about leaving. I feel the same way when we leave the kids. I know they’ll be in good hands, but it’s just never quite the same as your own hands. I’m looking forward to your travels though. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
yes, a touch of anxiety is an understatement too! and my animals can’t talk so i need to teach their minders to read sign.. c
Only 10 days?! This follower is ready for her arm chair travels!
Wow, so many things you have to think about with that many animals and quite severe weather. Too sweet that the sheep come when they are called – how cute.
I love it when a woman runs a good drill. Congratulations! And I’m sure you’ll get those two sheep figured out.
They are like goats these two, far too spoilt! As long as they don;t get near the ram I pretty much let them hang out anywhere they like.. sheep without discipline.. terrible! c
I used to “farm sit” for a neighbor. I loved the experience (suburban me) even with fingers stinging on frigid winter mornings. No incidents. Have a wonderful time away, and I look forward to your new round of adventures.