The Windmill.. or a dying cow

When we moved into our new house, the windmill was one of the things that gave it such amazing curb appeal and drew us into the beautiful spot we call home.  We noticed over the few weeks of visiting prior to our move that it never really spun.  We asked Jim (the previous owner) "How come the windmill doesn't turn?"  He explained that he had the brake set on it.  Adam and I were content with the response, but deep down thought "what good is a windmill that doesn't turn?"  The second weekend that we lived here, a big windstorm/thunderstorm blew threw overnight.  The next day as we were out running around the pond assessing how much the water level had rose, we noticed the windmill was turning!! "She's ALIVE" we proclaimed. Adam excitedly recorded the windmill in all it's glory, sending the video to my parents to share the exciting news.  But… why was it spinning? We had not removed any brake or touched the windmill.  But due to our excitement, we didn't really investigate and just counted our blessings instead.

Our excitement quickly began to dissipate as the giant metal monstrosity began to groan, and grind, and whine with every turn.  The damn wind just wouldn't quit, and the windmill only got angrier.  Adam attempted to climb the windmill and add some oil, but with the high winds all he managed to get was backspray in the face, and risked losing limbs from the flying blades. Upon closer inspection, Adam could see that due to rust and possible lack of earlier maintenance the windmill had completely busted and was in a free spin. Day after day I became more annoyed with the hideous NOISE.  I began to think "oh no, the neighbors are going to hate us! Surely they can hear the windmill too"  I texted Adam- "you HAVE to do something about that windmill!"  So at 2:00 AM one night, Adam had noticed that the wind had died down to a calm breeze.  He climbed the tower in the pitch black night , marching to the top of the slow groaning beast (which at this point sounded like a cow dying.. I don't know if I really know what a cow dying would sound like… but anyhow) and in his usual ingenious manner Adam managed to rig the windmill up with wire, bungy cords, and I don't know what else.  All I know, is the noise stopped!!! Our windmill has returned to its stately, beautiful, and awe inspiring self.  Adding art to our scenery, and beauty to our hillside.  Let's just hope this solution can last!