"Out of Whack"

Once again we went to bed under Tornado and Flash Flood watches until early a.m. Need I add that this has been a fairly regular occurrence off and on for the past month?  These are not the idyllic May and June memories of my childhood in Northeast Missouri.

Severe Thunderstorms with reports of winds at 70 mph went through the region just after midnight, leaving reports of downed trees and powerlines, high water in low lying areas, widespread power outages. 

Our power went out early on and 3 flashlights were in easy reach.   I headed to the basement.  Melanie followed shortly thereafter with 2 Cats who were not happy.  The Cat Carrier was found. Where is our battery powered Radio? OK: It's over there, but we have no "C" batteries. In some ways, it was more comforting to be present with the sounds of Nature rather than those mechanical Human Voices on alert.

Richard continued to monitor the situation above.  I think that might be a guy thing and it's important As the Storm moved through the area, he was outside checking the damage with flashlight in hand.  Sadly, we lost our 4 year old Apricot Tree which was young and laden with its 1st crop of delicious Fruit ready to pick.  The Wind snapped it off.  That Apricot was next to the House. The Gala Apple, which was planted in Memory of Dad, is on its side; 2 other Apple Trees are as well.  Hopefully we can right them with little damage. 

By the time we Humans started moving this morning, lights were back on, which means Freezers are running.  We breathe a sigh of relief when that happens. 

As we have a little more light outside, Richard headed out to the Garden to check for damage.  Things are tossed around a bit with what appears to be not a lot of long term damage.  Onions are flattened, but it is their season to flatten as they are just about ready to harvest.  Our beautiful Beans and Indian Corn are laid over on their sides, but they should come back O.K.  At least, that is their habit to right themselves after a big wind.

Richard says it looks like we got 2 inches of Rain. Again, I might add. Pretty good water drainage is taking place although Richard is watching the area of the walkout basement very closely.

Speaking of Rain, we are supposed to have Rain off and on throughout the day.  More Thunderstorms are forecast for late this afternoon.  The Rain we are getting is likely to be Rain that others in Drought Stricken Areas really need and should be getting.  Weather Patterns and Climate on this Beautiful Earth that we are blessed to call our Home and blessed to "steward" are definitely "out of whack".