Despite its intensity, the storm did little harm here. The cover crops and grasses all have a pronounced lean to the North, as though somebody passed a comb through them. And the last of the dried needles that had built up in the Monterey Pine that served as our live Christmas tree ten or twelve years ago and which now dwarfs the garage it was planted behind, make a rust colored shadow that extends well into the field it was planted beside. The house and outbuildings all appear as if someone has washed off the last of the dust and cobwebs, which inevitably build up over the course of our long dry summers, with a pressure washer.
At this stage of winter the farm is well-prepared and can take such abusive weather in stride. The cover crops are established to the point that erosion is no longer a serious risk. And all of the tractors, implements and tools that would be harmed by prolonged moisture have been safely stowed away in our sheds and other outbuildings. It is the window of time when we can actually enjoy such dramatic weather that is a welcome change from the monotonously dry days of summer and fall—after we have done all of the necessary work in preparation for it and before we start to get anxious about delays to our spring planting schedule.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
