Enough of these thunderstorms

My little lambs with my house, that sits alone in a large field, in the background.

I have enjoyed nearly every aspect of my new house. It’s in a great location, there are some amazing neighbors, however they are not too close, and there is plenty of grass for my little lambs to eat. Despite not being finished, I love the house itself. There is one thing, however, that I vehemently despise. I am so over these strong thunderstorms in the middle of the night or the afternoon for that matte

I have never been a fan of thunderstorms, but I have never been terrified until this summer. Last week I was awakened by a loud boom. I sat up in bed. What happened next, I will never forget. I am pretty sure that a bolt of lightning struck a metal cage that I have around one of my young trees just outside my house. The cage, which was previously standing up, was on the ground with the wire severely bent. As the lightning struck the thunder was as loud I’ve ever heard and there sounded like an explosion. My house literally shook.

It was awful. My house sits as the lone structure in a big field with a metal roof. I was all alone in my house, like I usually am, and was shaking like crazy. Was the next bolt going to strike my house or my sheep shed? I called my Mom at 3:30 a.m. I must say she was a pretty good sport about the wake-up call.

I was also terrified that my poor little lambs were outside in the storm. I’m often reminded by people that “they are just farm animals,” but to me, they are so much more. They are my little pets and I love them dearly. I wanted so much to go out and check on them but knew that was not a smart idea. I would have loved to bring them inside to protect them.

Last night, again, I was awakened by thunder around midnight. I immediately looked at the radar and a big red blob was headed directly towards Unity. It was bad but not nearly as bad as the week before. I think that I just missed the worst part. I like to turn on the radio to distract me, but that only helped until the power went out.

I continue to sit directly on the fence about a dog. I really want one, but don’t know if I should just stick with the lambs for now. I often work long hours and like to take day trips. However, I’d really like some company on some of these stormy summer nights.

Here’s to hoping that we can make it through a few nights without any thunderstorms.

Laura Reed

About Laura Reed

After 15 years in college athletics, the last seven as an assistant athletics director, I was burned out with 70-hour work weeks and extensive travel. I resigned my position and accepted a position in marketing at a small, vibrant college in my hometown of Unity, Maine. In the process I wanted to go back to my childhood where we raised polled Herefords, had a Christmas Tree Farm and spent many hours outside. I decided I wanted to build my own home on beautiful farmland that my family owns. With help from my Dad, the most talented person I’ve ever met, we are building my home together. I have decided to blog my experience – the ups and downs, the joys and frustrations. What was once an open field will one day be my home! The dream in my head is becoming reality. I can just see the lambs frolicking in the field, chickens in the barnyard and going running with my Alaskan Malamute!