We FINALLY caught a somewhat normal weekend with no arctic fronts or snowstorms….which meant we were able to drive to my parents’ house for our Christmas celebration! What a relief to see the new addition in their backyard! Yep, a fraidy hole.
For those of you who were not around in May, here are links to the related storm posts. Tornado and Pieces of the Heart. While our hope is that this shelter will never need to be used for anything other than a root cellar, it is certainly a comfort to know it is right outside their backdoor.
What a Merry Christmas!
Have a super week. Be nice to people, you never know what they may be going through. ♥
stuff i tell my sister 
It pays to be prepared. I enjoyed the photos too.
Russ
Yes it does….:) Have a great week, Russ! paula
Now that brings a smile to my face 🙂
🙂 Mine too, sister!
That is a really good idea when you live in tornado country!
Oh YES!
I’ve seen the devastation tornadoes leave behind, this is most definitely a good idea 🙂
Amen!
Good for them. You know that generation could teach us a thing or two about being prepared!
Such a relief! And yes you are RIGHT! 🙂
That’s awesome, especially the fact that it will give everyone some peace of mind. Just out of curiosity, how big is it inside?
Well….I don’t recall the exact dimensions, but in the event of a storm….a lot of folks could pile in there! 🙂 (I’ll ask!)
So, they can help others too. That’s great :).
Like the Wizard of Oz. I, like you, hope it only needs to be used as a root cellar!
Come on tater crop!
I can’t tell you how happy this makes me to see your post today, Paula. That was so terrible and frightening for your parents last year. Will definitely be praying it need only be a root cellar.
Thanks, Maddie. My folks were very fortunate in comparison to others….but it was still such a fright and a mess! This is such a welcomed addition! ♥
And a fine fraidy hole it is, too. I’m so pleased they have it, my prayer is they never have to use it.
🙂 Thank you! Me too!
I grew up in tornado alley. My heart goes out to them. Oh boy, I hope their vegatables like their new place. 😀
I think their veggies will be extra happy! 🙂 Thank you ♥
Me too!! 😀
Just a few more months and I’ll be worried about my Nebraska family, as the stormy season starts. I kinda have a love hate relationship with it.
I love the smell before the storm, how green everything looks and mostly the calmness it creates.
The rest? Terrible and vicious, I think. Blessings!
I know…..there is beauty in all….but the devastation is horrible.
How thoughtful of your parents to do this for their own safety, and maybe some neighbors too. Now you and Renae can rest a little easier during tornado season.
A HUGE relief, Delores. You nailed it!!
I would not be able to live in a tornado prone area without a safety hole nearby. Tornados scare me silly!
Not that many folks have them where we live, two hours from my folks. But we are thinking have having one installed ourselves. 🙂 ya never know!
Wow, just wow… this is amazing.
Will it have solar panels too?
http://livinginthefreeworld.com
Sounds good to me – it is a terrific idea. Actually although I do not live in a tornado prone area I would love one to camouflage so I could hide for a few days without anyone finding me!! ;_
Too funny, Patty! A Hidey Hole for you then!
🙂
Hoping and praying that this year’s storms stay away from everyone! Especially those in BC, NC and Moore.
Would be a good year for recovery, that’s for certain!
For sure. Each storm that comes through here gets a little closer to my house. Yikes
You and Moore….seem to be hot spots. 😦
Yup, but don’t want to move! 😛
Understand 🙂
It is better to be safe than sorry… good to see … must give you a little relief…
BIG time relief! 🙂 Spring it is a coming….
I have always been amazed by the people that a couple of times per year have to live through those storms .. and year after year – to risk to lose everything they own. Your parents has their safe haven now. Lovely post …
It is amazing, Viveka….and we’ve lived it our entire life. The rush, the fear, the shaking our heads and wondering how God allows this to happen. So relieved that they have this safe place now! ♥
Fantastic … I don’t understand how you do it – and people how lose nearly everything are able to start all over.
My hat is of for you all. I would only take it once.
Was in a tropical storm the year before Katrina – Isidore I think it was called … scared me for sure.
Hard to explain….that’s for sure ♥
We’re glad for them as well. We have one that looks just like theirs but it has not served us well as a root cellar, even with dirt brought to the top all around but the door area. Our vent is in that same spot as well. Tim says it’s because there is so much top exposed. Our potatoes will last no longer than two months 😦 With your dad as resourceful as he is – he may be able to figure this out! It’s great shelter though.
That’s interesting, Connie. I guess it would still be a good place to store canned goods, maybe? As long as it’s there for the storm…that’s what really matters. Glad you and Tim have one as well! Now…NEVER need it!! ♥
What a great idea! I’ve never heard of a “fraidy hole” before. Love the name. 🙂 I hope your parents won’t need to use it, but at least you now won’t be so worried about them if a tornado should strike.
My Grandpa always called cellars fraidy holes…. 🙂
I’m with you…I hope this thing is just in their way!
That must help you sleep better at night 😀
Especially when spring time approaches! For sure!!!
Seems a good scheme in tornado alley.
Here, in Northern England, such places were called ‘funk holes’ – from funk = fright. Some towns were called funk holes if the rich fled there to be safer from enemy action – the gentile spa town of Harrogate was one such place during WW1. The rich from the coast fled to Harrogate after an aggressive visit by a squadron of German battle cruisers. My grandmother did not flee – she stood on the sea front in her shawl and watched the bombardment.
Anyway – I ramble on too much . . .
SO interesting!!! I can actually picture your grandmother….like in a move. Thanks for painting that! ♥ paula
I bet it would be pretty nice down there with a recliner and a pool table 😉
Oh now don’t give my dad any ideas….he’ll want to enlarge it! ha