We were warned that there would be bad weather and high winds, and they were not kidding. Harry took a muscle relaxant for his back and was knocked out. I took a Xanax so that I would not fret about the horses (they do have a shed for shelter), or Nettie. I lifted Nettie into bed with us, because she hates storms. At 10:30, the electricity went out, I fell asleep, and neither Harry nor I heard the chaos that ensued.
At 5 AM, as usual, the dogs wanted breakfast. Nettie had a light meal, but seems completely recovered. I looked out at the pasture, and the horses were grazing happily. Once the dogs were fed, we went back to bed for a while, since it was dark and gloomy. I went out to bring the horses in at 6:30, and was astonished at the mess. I have never seen so many leaves and small branches everywhere. Gradually, it became apparent that there was a lot of wind damage, including many big trees down. All animals were safe and sound, and the road was not blocked, so we felt very fortunate overall. Mid morning, we picked up Jane at the end of the driveway, where the Cuivre River Electric Company truck was parked investigating damage, and we went to Wentzville for coffee and breakfast. The damage we saw on our drive was extensive. Seventy mile per hour winds had wreaked havoc all over the area. While we were there, electricity was restored, which is a great relief, since our wells are dependent on power, without which there is no water.
This was not the only tree on a power line 
Here comes Jane 
The north pasture fence will require some work 
Harry didn’t have Wellington boots, so he was stuck 
Water was too high to get to the ring, even with boots, but we could see the mess 
Tree down on the fence 
A dramatic tree along one of the paths 
Jane’s Purple Locust tree
Later in the day, I did a little bit of clearing, which Harry documented for posterity. There is much more to do. Of course, we want to clear the path to the ring.
Harry had his own problems in the studio. The baseball player dropped his glove (and his hand). This is not unusual. Sculptures present many difficulties as they take shape, and Harry is a brilliant problem solver. Usually, the artwork is improved by trials and tribulations, as are we all.
Oh, no! 
The doctor prepares for surgery to reattach
As for the “water feature” – it has been problematic, well, always, but particularly this past week, when the pump stopped. Again. So today, the “pondless” water feature is a “streamless” pond. I am beginning to doubt that this project will be resolved before winter. It is more discouraging than the downed trees.
The rabbit is enjoying the bounty of delicious leaves all over the ground.
Weedy loved going to town with us this morning for breakfast outdoors at St. Louis Bread Company.
“I am very special!”
The white breasted nuthatch is searching for food. None of the birds around here seem sick, just hungry.
This evening, the horses are out again, though only in the south pasture, until we get the north pasture fence cleared and fixed, which will probably be at the end of the week. More rain is in the forecast. We have had three inches, which is quite enough. For the most part, though, we are counting our blessings.
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
We were without power for 14 hours, but had little tree damage. I hate losing a tree.
Happy to hear everyone is ok and no one lost any sleep.
Sorry about the trees and fence.
Peace
very happy trees didn’t hit anyone.
what is the story with the water? I’m confused, as usual.
what a mess to clean up all those trees and everything they damaged!
Life on the land can look rough but very rich-you seem to meet the challenges staunchly! Counting the blessings should keep them coming- glad you got through well.
(I’m rereading Harry’s ‘Sculptor’ book and everyone of those pieces is extraordinary!)
I love renting