Fake Farming and Weather

I grew up around farmers - always listening to the weather and planning around it. My grandpa listened every day at 7:00 and 12:00, religiously, but he knew to watch the skies and pay attention to the wind.

Farmer Frank is a weather nut - long before we took up 'farming.' He is fascinated (and somewhat leery) of the power of wind. He is amazed by wind chill, and the last few days, it is the wind that has made everyone miserable!

Anywhoo, we grew up in different weather regions. Of course, we have wind, tornados, ice storms, and blizzards. In South Carolina, they have rain, ice storms, hurricanes, and the effects of hurricanes and they HATE the cold. I packed way wrong for my first trip to South Carolina; after all, it was winter. However, on Christmas Day, we were shooting off fireworks and drinking beer, me in a borrowed pair of shorts! Other times, I've teased them about wearing coats when it is 50 degrees out! 

One funny story: When we lived in Scott City, we experienced several outstanding blizzards (which I LOVE). I think it was Christmas, and we were coming home from my parents in Ellsworth. Frank had called the boss in SC, and he said it was just beginning to snow, but it was predicted to move fast. Frank said, "We're going home." (Way before cell phones) The trip was slow, but by the time we got to Dighton, 23 miles from home, we were fighting the windshield freezing up at 15 miles an hour while following a semi to stay in his tracks. An hour later, we pulled into our garage, and the kids and I bailed out for bathroom and cocoa. Frank was stunned, quiet, and didn't have much to say. One day the following week, I asked if he had learned his lesson. "Yes" and nothing more. 

I have digressed...

As Frank has aged, he has watched the weather with a passion (obsession) I only partially understand. If I ask if it is a cold morning, because he's already been out to do chores and I need to know which coat I'll need for recess, he opens the weather app to quote me the day's predictions. I bought him an indoor-outdoor thermometer so he could see the temps, and every time he passes the monitor, he reports. He's a planner, and on mowing week, he not only checks temperature, but humidity and dew point. Now, in the summertime especially, I respect his awareness of the heat. He knows when to work and often checks the animals' waterers. He also has lawn chairs strategically stashed in shady spots for rest and to avoid being yelled at! I supply the Gatorade and frozen treats. 

On the other hand, he uses the weather to prod my day.                            "Tomorrow is supposed to be cool until about 10:00" is code for "Are you going to work in the garden?"                    "The chickens are pretty hot," i.e., "Are you going to make ice rings for the chickens?"                                      "What are you doing in the morning?" is a warning I'm needed outside for whatever!                                        

Please don't worry about him. He is completely outfitted for all seasons: insulated bibs, Carhart insulated and uninsulated hooded coats, Carhart insulated hoodie, Carhart sherpa vest, insulated boots, stocking masks, cotton gloves, leather gloves, wet gloves, insulated wet gloves, Frog wraps, sunscreen, bug spray, tick spray, cargo shorts, ratty mowing shoes, and chicken Crocs.

Weather is Frank's thing and sometimes it makes me laugh, and, at times, it is really annoying. HOWEVER, I am grateful that he is looking out for me, the pets, the animals, and taking care of the farm.

p.s. This blog's memory has been edited!