tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post2016349938658757901..comments2024-02-05T19:09:42.098+10:30Comments on Jembella Farm: A terrifying dayJembella Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07646075804716647311noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-55941434822779740492015-12-02T22:42:40.134+10:302015-12-02T22:42:40.134+10:30Yes, I heard that you know my neighbours :-) I'...Yes, I heard that you know my neighbours :-) I'm glad that we were all ok on our road, cows included! <br /><br />-KellyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-68151531996384579802015-12-02T10:03:53.471+10:302015-12-02T10:03:53.471+10:30Liz I've just this minute come in from re-orga...Liz I've just this minute come in from re-organizing some of the hens this morning. I opened the fence up to let them come and go as they please into the raspberry patch as it was too time consuming shepherding a few of them through the garden gates and to prevent them going into the newly planted vege patch. ALSO inside the young vege patch I moved a log, that was sheltering squillions of earwigs, over to the other side of the fence which is the chook yard. They (earwigs) have all run under that log, but their end is near as I plan to wait until they settle there and then lift the log whilst calling "chook, chook chook" to the girls who will come running. :) Devious plans for drastic times!Jembella Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07646075804716647311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-41507407502828128382015-12-01T17:17:30.268+10:302015-12-01T17:17:30.268+10:30Such a scary time for you and so sad that lives ha...Such a scary time for you and so sad that lives have been lost. Wild wires aren't something we tend to worry about in the uk (except rarely). Terrifying to think you could lose everything. <br />I'm glad you think my idea might work! Yay to making a helpful comment lol!Liznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-73433971582776889742015-11-30T19:16:03.156+10:302015-11-30T19:16:03.156+10:30Joolz, your comment gave me goose bumps all over. ...Joolz, your comment gave me goose bumps all over. Yes, another day with all of us on edge.Jembella Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07646075804716647311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-78108037630349695222015-11-30T19:14:25.540+10:302015-11-30T19:14:25.540+10:30Thanks Melanie. So glad you're enjoying my si...Thanks Melanie. So glad you're enjoying my simple little blog. :) Jembella Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07646075804716647311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-81730046527650852072015-11-30T18:07:36.040+10:302015-11-30T18:07:36.040+10:30I came across to your blog from Rhonda's, whic...I came across to your blog from Rhonda's, which I have read for a very long time. I spent all weekend reading every single one of your blog posts Sally, and have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your "simple" life! I especially loved the post about your three week shopping trip compared to another's fortnightly shop. Fabulous pictures of your way of life teamed with great words. Keep up the good work, I will come back to read regularly. Melanie in MelbourneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-20131161719582011152015-11-30T13:37:25.763+10:302015-11-30T13:37:25.763+10:30I've popped over from Rhonda's. Such a fr...I've popped over from Rhonda's. Such a frightening time for you all. Todays weather would have you on high alert again! Its going to be a long, hot summer, I reckon.<br />We had the Ash Wednesday fires in '83 and lost 16 lives in the district, harrowing for the farmers who lost farms, houses and livestock. Id just begun work at Dalgety's and had to outfit men from socks snd boots upwards who stood in the only clothes they owned. I cannot remember how many boxes of bullets we sold, used to destroy burn livestock. And tonnes and tonnes of fence posts! Horrible! <br />I look forward to having a read of your blog. Stay safe and take care of yourselves,<br /><br />Joolz xx Millicent SA Joolzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07490462580345458546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-50589702381005231642015-11-29T19:40:55.888+10:302015-11-29T19:40:55.888+10:30So right you are. There is so much food being cook...So right you are. There is so much food being cooked and delivered to families that at one stage the co-coordinators had to ask people to stop cooking! Hay is coming in from all over the country and Blaze-Aid volunteers will be arriving to build fences and help out again. Good Aussie spirit indeed.Jembella Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07646075804716647311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-16012219278176674812015-11-29T17:31:33.303+10:302015-11-29T17:31:33.303+10:30Country communities are a resilient lot they know ...Country communities are a resilient lot they know how to pitch in and get things done...As I comment here hay is being delivered to those in need and people from all walks of life are offering their services from fixing water services to just cleaning up. The Aussie spirit is certainly alive and well and the community will be stronger for it. Heather.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-26739555001423624812015-11-29T14:41:43.917+10:302015-11-29T14:41:43.917+10:30Your comment brings tears to my eyes Heather. The...Your comment brings tears to my eyes Heather. The small community of Freeling has been very badly affected and my heart breaks for their losses. I can't imagine the horror of some of those stories that will be told and remembered forever. Jembella Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07646075804716647311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-89884132747500701492015-11-29T13:55:06.867+10:302015-11-29T13:55:06.867+10:30I'm so glad Rhonda directed you too Dawn. Your...I'm so glad Rhonda directed you too Dawn. Your thoughtful comment is much appreciated, thank you. :) Jembella Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07646075804716647311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-4117038232246285692015-11-29T13:52:33.786+10:302015-11-29T13:52:33.786+10:30Such a thoughtful comment Rebecca and thank you. T...Such a thoughtful comment Rebecca and thank you. There were many people who were impacted far greater than me and there are many stories I have listened to in the past few days. All of them were spine chilling! Jembella Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07646075804716647311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-32563270328624213512015-11-29T13:51:52.335+10:302015-11-29T13:51:52.335+10:30I too found your wonderful blog through Rhonda. It...I too found your wonderful blog through Rhonda. It resonates with me as until 10 days ago I lived in a small country town of Freeling on the edge of the beautiful Barossa Valley. We moved to the coastal city in the south west of Victoria to be closer to family and friends as we are retired and age is catching up with us. I will miss all the goings on in the region but will be able to still live the lifestyle through your blog. Freeling was impacted terribly by the fires and many of my friends have lost their homes,shedding,crops and livestock...some are traumatized but all are safe. I will look forward reading many more of your comments on your blog that will certainly make me feel right at home. Thank you! Heather.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-26747451514692467342015-11-29T13:48:46.416+10:302015-11-29T13:48:46.416+10:30So glad to know you made it through safely Kelly. ...So glad to know you made it through safely Kelly. You were closer to the front than we were and homes in your area were burned, so I heard. I'm definitely going to one of those sessions "Firey Women" next time they have them. Thanks for your great comment.Jembella Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07646075804716647311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-50917810239585531522015-11-29T11:22:01.692+10:302015-11-29T11:22:01.692+10:30I'm so glad you and Rhonda discovered each oth...I'm so glad you and Rhonda discovered each other!<br />We too were impacted by the fires, thankfully we and our home are ok. I had my car packed early in the day before the wind changed, just in case. I am so thankful I did this while not being in a panic. I also took some comfort in knowing a few things from a CFS chat I went to earlier in the year, I felt ever so slightly more confident, whilst also being s**t scared. The CFS hold information sessions around the area targeted at women, especially those in your position where the man goes out to help and the woman and childre are at home. I believe it is called Firey Women, perhaps it's something for your readers to look into.<br /><br />KellyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-59590696550061694842015-11-29T08:37:11.300+10:302015-11-29T08:37:11.300+10:30Wow, your post really gives an insight into what i...Wow, your post really gives an insight into what it must be like to be in the line of the fire. I'm very happy to hear it ended well for you, but saddened to hear about all the others who lost lives, loved ones and their animals and property. I really like your blog and am thankful to Rhonda for directing me to you. Best wishes.Dawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-70130622555611351622015-11-29T08:31:56.696+10:302015-11-29T08:31:56.696+10:30I am so glad that you are OK. i read your blog las...I am so glad that you are OK. i read your blog last week (and have fallen totally in love with it) just before the fires flared up. And have been worried about you since. It must seem strange to you that total strangers are hoping you are OK. I am relieved that you made it through, and very saddened at the loss of human and animal lives. Hang in there!!Rebecca (Sydney)https://www.blogger.com/profile/13956048969869959399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-87598967774664045672015-11-27T20:42:52.861+10:302015-11-27T20:42:52.861+10:30Many thanks for all of your comments to express yo...Many thanks for all of your comments to express your concerns. Each and every one of them really means so much to read your empathy and caring thoughts. These last few summers have been horrible for us in South Australia, but we are not unusual as fires appear to be happening more frequently everywhere. Fran, your comment is full of good sense and I'm now determined to write up an evacuation list, as well as put important papers, passports and photo CDs into a box that is easy to grab. I would find it very difficult to leave our livestock and poultry more than losing my home. Of course the dogs would be the first to jump into the car. Jembella Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07646075804716647311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-38764331926893832472015-11-27T11:28:56.744+10:302015-11-27T11:28:56.744+10:30*worst! Not worth!*worst! Not worth!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12874273438983052621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-78673743624508163642015-11-27T11:22:01.807+10:302015-11-27T11:22:01.807+10:30That is my worth nightmare Sally, so glad you are ...That is my worth nightmare Sally, so glad you are safe. I just read Fran's comment and I'm thinking I should write a list. We are not in a high risk area, but you never know. I do keep the ute packed with water, first aid kit and spare clothing anyway. I just don't know what we can do for all the cattle and chickens that can't come with us, some would surely get burned :(Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12874273438983052621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-60124631400776191652015-11-27T09:34:42.352+10:302015-11-27T09:34:42.352+10:30Sally, we too have been through the fire terror bu...Sally, we too have been through the fire terror but we have had to evacuate and that is when we found out how important a list can be. <br /><br />For years I've read prepper/survivalist sites for the self sufficiency information many include. We also watched in horror after the early 2000s Canberra fires where 500 houses were burned and where people had known about the fires coming for hours but then had to leave in a hurry and later discovered that they didn't even have their purse or any ID. <br /><br />We wondered how that could happen and what had occupied them in all the hours before the fire finally reached them. With those poor people as an object lesson of how ineffective and frozen we humans become in an emergency, we decided that a good list solves most problems and set about formulating an "Evacuation List". <br /><br />The "Evacuation List" now lives on our kitchen notice board in plain sight and it made life a LOT easier when we did have to evacuate. When we got the message to leave ASAP, the first thing I did was grab the passports and put them in my handbag. So ID sorted, I then set about the rest of the list. My husbands first job was to grab the insurance documents and our bank account details. So money sorted. From there it was 3 days clothes for both of us. And yes, I did list how many pairs of knickers, how many pairs of socks and which particular shoes had to be put in the bag. That was especially important I found in that situation. The mind becomes frozen and largely unable to function well in an emergency. With the list the mind just focuses on the list and it becomes easy to work your way down it just like a robot, doing one task and then moving onto the next one on the list. <br /><br />Since doing the list, I've heard a long interview with a mental health expert on ABC radio and he explained exactly what we had concluded. Humans do frequently freeze and become dysfunctional in an emergency. His talk really resonated with me.<br /><br />Anyhow, back to that list: I also included some hugely important family and personal mementos. A few old photo albums, the hard drive from the computer with more recent photos, an antique family clock. My sewing machine. My favourite spinning wheel and some fibre to work on. A few books, some Sudoku books since we do those before going to sleep each night. My current knitting projects. My best sewing tools that I know I can't replace easily. And of course the pets. Complete with bedding, food, leads etc. And food! 3 days food and some treats (both human and animal) and lots of water (at least 20 litres) and of course, being in Australia and the horrifying possibility of needing to shelter in a car surrounded by a fire, pure wool blankets to shelter under to buffer radiant heat. I have lots of old pure wool blankets and they are purely for fire and evacuation purposes.<br /><br />After having to evacuate, we revised the list and added a few more things. Nothing was taken off the existing list. Most of our possessions we had already left out on the basis that it was just "stuff", and stuff can be replaced. Only the precious and important: we defined that as being us, our animals and a few prized things and survival for food and clothes for 3 days. That was (and remains) our criteria.<br /><br />I hope you don't have to face the situation again, but I do strongly recommend formulating an evacuation list. An Emergency plan is not complete without one in my opinion. <br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Fran<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-16676817178406912862015-11-27T06:07:02.452+10:302015-11-27T06:07:02.452+10:30I found you through Rhonda too and so glad I did. ...I found you through Rhonda too and so glad I did. I really like your blog. Your explanation of why you live the way you do (on your homepage) is great reading and so true...what many accept as the "norm" (antibiotics fed to livestock and so on) truly shouldn't be that way. <br /><br />The fires you describe sound terrifying...so sad that some have lost their homes and stock. Very sad for those who have lost their homes, can't imagine how that would feel. Stay safe!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-33827120237471549222015-11-27T05:57:28.238+10:302015-11-27T05:57:28.238+10:30Thinking of you at this scary time. I hope you ar...Thinking of you at this scary time. I hope you are still safe and well. xxSuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04177854521955532744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-76694608782183899742015-11-27T01:58:11.088+10:302015-11-27T01:58:11.088+10:30I came here through Rhonda too. How sad to read ab...I came here through Rhonda too. How sad to read about the los of lives and livestock. We now sadly what that is, to have fire.<br />If I think it is summer there and we have now -22!<br />Wilmawilmanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402585807064573190.post-16317210390355349512015-11-26T22:49:45.893+10:302015-11-26T22:49:45.893+10:30glad you made it through safe, so sad about lives ...glad you made it through safe, so sad about lives & livestock lost, i remember the horrific firestorms in victoria they showed on tv, couldn't sleep for weeks after that, never seen anything like it. hope they got it all under control<br />thanx for sharingselinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10173172460099566314noreply@blogger.com