HalleluYah! NO Ice for a Week

Then, the freezing rain began!  I am so thankful that I've not chopped ice on Shabbat since praying about that matter.

I've got a bit of advice for those who are considering homesteading.  No matter how prepared you think you are for things to unfold, there always will be a few inconveniences.  For instance, there are solar panels and a wind turbine here, but shortened overcast daylight hours with no wind blowing still leaves one in the dark, unless there are candles or oil lamps.  Really, even city dwellers need an emergency basket of some sort with candles, matches, an oil lamp, something.

My first recommendation regarding homesteading involves clearing the land for the house.  I now, more fully understand the term "clearing the land."  Those cute little homes in the woods with snow on the roof and a light glowing from the front window look quite cozy and inviting, but icy limbs break and damage whatever they fall on.. . . I like the timber and I certainly am not advocating removal of all the trees, but clear the land for buildings.   Fence repair is not usually too involved, where as roof repair on houses and barns can be quite involved and expensive, even dangerous!  In ice storms, even the animals are usually tucked in, and humans are as much as they can be, so make sure the the nice warm shelter for all is also safe.

The second item on my list this week-end is ice melt.  I use rock salt on the steps.  It melts the ice immediately and provides a bit of traction.  Rock salt also serves purpose in my life in the summer, and it's natural.  Note of caution, it will prevent vegetation growth where it lands, so don't use it everywhere, but I prefer no weeds under my steps, anyway.  I use rock salt in making home made ice cream in the summer, so it's always on the place.   Don't wait til you need it, to have it on hand.

I always walk with a walking stick, which is really handy for extra traction in the winter.  I recommend walking sticks for all homesteaders.  Also, take note of the lay of the land.  Most of us do get to know the place we work, and homesteads are no different.  Scripture tells us to cover holes of course, for safety, but little inconsistencies that are no big deal when the ground is showing can be quite hazardous if water collects in a slight dip.  Even a quarter inch of standing water can freeze and be treacherous.

I don't sweep all the leaves off my back deck until spring, because they add extra traction.  My front deck collects no leaves, and the least bit of ice, it becomes an ice rink . . . I don't skate!  Just steppin out the front door to snap a photo of the ice on the branches yesterday, I slipped.  I didn't fall, Thank Adonai, but it made enough of an impression I locked the front door, so I wouldn't accidently walk out!


I'm not as prepared as I'd like to be, but I am very thankful for the fact our Creator does provide.  Interestingly, that was the Shabbat Service this week.  YHWH Yireh.  He does see and know what we need.