Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Bucket Brigade

It's been weeks since we've had a decent rain and there is no rain in the forecast until Friday and then there's only a 30% chance with piddly hopes of more Saturday and Sunday.  And, it's hot.  99 degrees hot.  The grass is brown (as in crunchy brown).  Our rainwater tanks were full and we'd been watering some from those, but just as I was watering the last garden "batch" of water, the electric pump (that pumps the water out of the tanks) stopped working.

Out came the bucket brigade.  Using the cistern at the back of the house, Sam hand pumped water into 5 gallon buckets.  Jamey carried the buckets out to me in the garden.  I carefully watered, not wanting to waste a drop.  Sadie carried the empty buckets back to Sam.  (Miriam was already in bed.)

Nothing in our garden looks worse for wear.  The straw seems to really be working to hold in what little moisture there still is in the ground.  But, even so, we don't want to take chances.  I have a long list of vegetables to can and freeze yet this year. 

While I was out watering, I couldn't help but think of the people in this world who grow their own food for their very survival and what it must feel like to them when no rain comes.  When they have no cistern or well to draw water from.  No clean water to bathe with or cook with.  No water to drink and give to their children.

The next time I complain about the dry weather or anything else for that matter, will you remind me to buck up and be thankful?  Also remind me to pray for those less fortunate.  You'd think we wouldn't need to be reminded, but boy, I do.

I have really have nothing to complain about.  Lesson learned. Pin It

5 comments:

  1. It does stop you and make you go, 'ok, i get it'. Praying for showers for you.

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  2. I can't even begin to imagine life without fresh water at my ready. We are very fortunate to live where we do , thanks for what should be an un-neaded reminder!

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  3. You could have some of our rain... We do need it, but it's been raining EVERY day... And I live in a place where, when my garden is wet, I cannot get into it, because I will sink to my ankles. :) So the weeds are taking over! But I am thankful because for the past few years we have been where you are now, and this rain is helping us get our water tables all back to where it needs to be!

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  4. Being from Arizona... it seems so foreign to me that anyone can just plan on rain for watering anything! Nothing would survive around here if it weren't for expensive drip systems and irrigation!

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  5. You are such an inspiration! Wow, we take so much for granted with the prosperity we all enjoy in this country. Thank you for the reminder to always be grateful...praying for rain for you!
    ~Mary

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Just a friendly reminder, if you know me personally please try to refrain from using my name. There are those who may try to locate me, break into my pantry and steal my pickled beets. Thanks:-).

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