Observation 1: I have seen more lightening in the past six months of Ohio living than in 23 years of Texas living. When we get storms here (which seems to be often) we are almost always treated to some pretty nifty lightening shows as well – sometimes between 3-5 strikes per minute. The intensity and frequency can be alarming at times, and often it’s rapid and bright enough to keep me awake at night, but it can be really beautiful too.
Observation 2: Mother Nature seems to be pissed at us lately. I mean really hacked off. Yesterday we had a pretty massive severe thunderstorm cell sitting directly above our house in Anderson Township for a good hour and a half. The wind was blowing, the sky was dark, the rain was hard and relentless, the thunder was deafening, and the lightning strikes were right on top of us. In a mere 45 minutes we accumulated enough rain to A) terrify me and B) have a serious flash flood that created a deep, rushing river with whirlpool across our driveway and backyard that was so powerful it came pouring through our neighbor’s fence, carried debris, covered the tires and nearly reached the base of Ted’s trailer, and left a nice pool of several inches of water in our basement and garage. It closed several major highways and roads and called for a few high-water rescues in our area. All of that in only 45 minutes. If it had kept up I’m confident that the trailer would have moved at least several inches if not altogether washed away and our basement would have outright flooded. Our comical weather radio thought it a good idea to inform us that it was “mostly sunny” out. My friend Kelley graciously offered to ship me fresh tortillas if I ship her water in 5 gallon pails. They’re as desperate for water in Texas as I am to get rid of it! I do, of course, have proof:
Observation 3: Our trees, too, seem to be supremely pissed at us for some unknown reason. Last night around 12:30 Ted and I both bolted awake when we heard a suspicious snapping sound that we both immediately knew was the sound of a tree falling. I’ve never heard a tree snap before, but it’s one of those sounds that wakes you instantly out of a sound slumber and you just instinctively know what happened. If you’re keeping track, this is our 3rd tree in three weeks. Yes, third. The first two branches were so large we haven’t been able to clear them yet. I wonder if we’ll have any trees left at the end of August? Our landlord has a lot of work coming his way.
Observation 4: I’ve decided I like the administrative side of the arts more than I previously thought. I attended a fantastic workshop yesterday morning about fundraising and development for non-profit arts organizations and I loved everything I learned. There’s a few more coming up on board development and strategic planning, etc. It’s good stuff!
Observation 5: Ice Road Truckers is an addicting show. Ice Road Truckers and Deadliest Catch should both be on your “must watch” list. Do it.
Observation 6: It is indeed raspberry season and they. are. delicious.
Observation 7: We’ve been married for 8 months today and honeymoonin’ time is fast approaching. Excited!
