Posted on January 3, 2010 - by Hubba

Let it Stop, Let it Stop, Let it STOP

This is the sixth major winter storm we’ve had in 20 months.  Before the May 4, 2008 blizzard we had several open winters, interrupted occasionally by very uncomfortable winter fronts, but no blizzards.  We of course were in a drought, and I can’t say that anyone wanted a blizzard, but at that time we wouldn’t have minded a good snowstorm.

We remembered what bad winters were like.  I myself remember ‘96-’97 and vaguely remember ‘85-’86.  The old timers remember the blizzard of ‘49 the way you would remember an old adversary you have since come to admire.  We empathized with the people of Colorado in ‘07 and the people of Kansas/Nebraska in ‘06.

And then it was our turn and Mother Nature has been taking kidney shots at us ever since.

The May 4th, ‘08 blizzard was an unpleasant surprise for a day or two, but it broke the drought, and relatively speaking didn’t kill many calves.  The November blizzard caught many of us with our pants down, or perhaps a more appropriat expression would be, without our long johns on, stranding thousands of cattle in summer pastures.  It further served to weaken pregnant cows heading into the winter and leave every draw in western South Dakota filled with snow.  And then the late March/early April Triple Blizzard Spectacular served as the right cross to November’s left hook, leaving us on our knees with blood in our eyes.

Ok, there might have been a touch of fancy in that last sentence, but it was pretty bad.  And now we’ve had the Christmas ‘09 blizzard, and while our cows for the most part were in positions to take it, it’s left our draws full again.

And as I slog through knee deep snowdrifts to walk across the yard, I can’t help but snarl.  I am sick of winter and sick of major storms.

So I offer this prayer-

Dear Lord;

You can stop now.

Love,

Matthew