Heritage Hill Homestead

Call 911

Not something any of us wants to have to do!  On New Years eve about 9:30 or so, I was working in the kitchen frosting some cinnamon rolls and finishing up some dishes, getting ready for the dinner at Mom's the next morning.  I happened to look out the west door and noticed the birdbath that stands at the end of the sidewalk was glowing.......what in the world is that??  I stepped out onto the deck and saw big smoke.  I hollared at hubby that the garage was on fire which is where it looked like it was coming from.  Actually it was our grainary and 10 big bales of hay next to it!  While waiting for the fire trucks to get here we got the hoses out and hooked up and started to spray it down a little.  Let me tell you my heart was racing!

Fire departments came from 3 towns and there were 9 trucks here!  Quite an exciting New Years Eve celebration we had here.  There is an open shed just a few feet from the burning hay bales that also contained hay, small bales.  They were able to keep it contained so that did not catch on fire, we are so thankful for that! 

Our garage is not far, and the siding is melted on it and the shingles have damage.  A small chicken house on another side had the siding melted as well.

So..........we have a tremendous amount of things to be thankful for in this ordeal!  If we had been gone, or in bed, or I had not looked out the door when I did.........it would have only been a few more minutes until I believe both of those buildings would have gone up and then the house is just on the other side of the garage, it would have been next along with 2 other chicken houses, and the shed containing the small hay bales too.  We could have so easily lost everything except 1 barn and 1 chicken house that are on opposite sides of the farmyard.

God's timing is always perfect!  We have no idea why he allowed this to happen, but his timing is perfect and we are giving thanks that more was not lost and no animals were hurt.

We did lose all of the feed for all of the animals, the 10 big bales of hay, feed barrels and buckets, some feed tubs, chicken feeders and waterers, the scales I weigh baby goats and feed with, catch nets, chicken leg catcher, dog chain, 3 pet carriers, fan, shop vac, some tools, cooler, electric roaster, some storage tubs..........I am sure a few other things.  I was worried about Snowball the cat that liked to sleep on a pillow in there, but the next morning he came to greet me!

Other than the shock of that night, the worst part has been keeping an eye on the hay burning.  It finally burned down enough by last night, that we could relax and go to bed without too much worry.   There was a danger of it flaring up enough to start something going again and we had to continually check on it and hose it down when we didn't feel comfortable.  The night time hours have proved to have me feeling unsettled and anxious...........it is all in God's hands, but I know human nature brings these feelings when something like this has happened.  If you would, please offer a little prayer for me to feel peace and safety, thank you!

The house a mile away that burned 3 days before was determined to be arson, however ours is listed as undetermined as far as I know now.  The hay and all the water made it difficult to tell exactly what had caused it.  It is hard not to think it may have been set as well.  Which is hard to think about too.  We have dogs and yard lights and we were home when it happened?? 

Back to being thankful!  Our friends and neighbors have been so generous and thoughtful to us. One has promised to  replace the hay we lost, another brought over a bale the next day, the man who's house burned brought up 2 bales!  Hubby went and had the folks open up the elevator so he could get a few bags of feed on New Years day.  Then today he went and picked up a mix of goat feed and to our total surprise they said it is paid for!  Wow!  A good friend from a nearby town had called and told them she would pay for the entire feed mix for our goats.  The same man who is replacing the hay is bringing his skid loader over to help clean up the mess after the insurance adjuster has been here.  Others have offered to help and come by to see if there is anything they could do.  Folks in rural America are still kind and caring people and we are blessed to live here!  Thank you to everyone who has helped in our time of need.

I had put off bloging since this happened, but am glad I finally sat down and put it on paper, or I guess on computer...........

Country Blessings,

Marilyn~at Heritage Hill Homestead

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{ 04:56, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 } { Posted by faithfarm }

That was really something to have to walk through! I am so happy you have such kindness around you in this time. Know you are in my thoughts and prayer.>Blessings>faithfarm

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{ 07:17, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 } { Posted by stitchnchick }

Oh Marilyn! I am shocked and saddened to hear this! Your neighbors fire immediately came to mind.I am thankful that your loss wasn't any greater. I can just imagine what you must have felt seeing such a thing...I will pray that the Lord will give you and your family peace and closure. I praise Him for the sweet and generous neighbors He has given you.

Hugs,
Amy

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{ 01:03, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 } { Posted by LKS }

Oh I am so sorry! Barn fires are one of my great fears, I am so glad you didn't lose any animals. Praise the Lord for that & that you caught it so quickly. And praise him for all the people who are blessing you in this. Praying for you!
LKS

Oh Marilyn

{ 03:19, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 } { Posted by cradtke }

I was wondering where you were for the last few days, this explains it. I'm sorry for your loss. Thank goodness no lives were lost. I read this and thought immediately about your neighbor's fire that happened a few days ago. You are lucky to have such wonderful and generous neighbors.
~ Carol

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{ 03:36, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 } { Posted by Schatzi }

Oh my goodness...so thankful to hear that you are all okay...I know that things can be replaced but it's still hard because animals need to be fed and they are like part of your family.... and the stress of keeping an close eye on fires restarting is probably very stressful. I will be praying for you and your family that God will give you strength, peace and rest during things next few days and weeks.

Isn't it great to have neighbours and friends who still care, and shows that when "the rubber meets the road", people still are there and care for one anothers needs.

It blows my mind how that would have started...but you are so right in saying that God's timing is perfect and great that you were home. Please keep us updated as to how everything is going.

Connie

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{ 12:26, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 } { Posted by smmagers }

I am so sorry. What an ordeal. What a blessing to have so many people help out! God is looking out for you all. God bless, mj