Cows and Clouds

Night before last we had a bad lightning storm, but not much rain. Our neighbors to the north didn't fare so well; with golf-ball size hail and high winds--resulting in lots of damage. So yesterday afternoon when the local weather channel warned our area of approaching inclement weather with possible high winds and large hail, we took the warning seriously and scurried about protecting all we could. All vehicles in the barn or garage; yard furniture secured; flashlights and candles at the ready; computers shut off,etc.
Well the rain and wind came, but as usual--since we were prepared--no large hail appeared (for which we are very grateful!)
The greatest damage came in the form of the loss of one cow--we thought at first that lightning struck her, but discovered later that she died trying to birth a calf. The storm probably had something to do with it, but since there was so much lightning, no one ventured out into the storm as usually happens. We probably couldn't have done anything in this case, anyway, but that doesn't make the loss any less.
Those of you in the family know how much the cattle mean to us, so the death of a mother cow (and any resulting offspring) amounts to a substantial loss. Kregg always takes it hard because he keeps a close eye on the herd and pretty well knows every bovine by sight!
These things do happen in the life of a farm, and we are VERY grateful for the rainfall! BUT, we are keeping a close eye on both the cows and the clouds for now!