Victoria Day Weekend 2022 was one for the history books. As I write this we are now on Day 6 without power and I can hear the hum of the generator. We know that countless hydro workers and many others are working hard to restore power. For that we are grateful!
We are also grateful that no animals were hurt or buildings were damaged. Sadly we lost some beautiful shade trees that have been on the farm for many years. The storm that hit our farm and many others on Saturday afternoon is being described as one of the most destructive and deadliest wind events in Canada’s history.
A derecho is a widespread, long lived, straight line wind storm that is associated with a fast-moving group of severe thunderstorms. I was outside when the storm hit. It was fast and furious. We had very little warning. I witnessed trees forced down to touch their roots, some snapping along the way as I raced back to the house.
I am grateful for a husband who knows how to use a chainsaw, the rainwater collection system we installed last summer, a natural pond that hasn’t dried up yet and a generator that fired up after 8 years of no use. When you live on a farm and the power supply is disrupted, it creates a whole new level of worry around keeping your animals hydrated. So far, everyone seems to be managing. Minutes after the storm hit, the horses went back to grazing. If only we could be so calm and collected after a significant weather event. Trying to remain equally calm and cool as we face a full week without hydro.
About the Author
Jennifer Garland is the founder of The Mane Intent Inc. offering individual and group equine-assisted psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and equine-assisted learning programs including Health and Wellness Workshops, Individual and Team Effectiveness Coaching and Leadership Development. Jennifer provides coaching, counsel and support to individuals and groups from all walks of life to create opportunities to build productive relationships, facilitate learning and to embrace change. Learn more about Jennifer’s professional experience, lectures, awards and publications here.
For more information or to book a private virtual session with Jennifer, please call 705-295-6618 or email jgarland@themaneintent.ca
