Irma ex post facto

Okay, she's not quite gone. Like an uninvited guest who overstays her unwelcome visit, Irma's still sending winds and rains and dark, low-scudding clouds to us. Last night was a reminder of some of the worst hurricanes I've ridden out-howling wind, lashing sideways rains, flickering power, and the thud of large limbs and entire trees crashing down in the street.

Mom and I went downstairs after seeing pictures of upper story roofs ripped apart in small tornadoes generated by the storm. Paints quite a picture even if you don't have an active imagination.

What makes Irma unique was its duration. Hours and hours of howling winds that kept us going all afternoon, into the darkness of the evening, and continued late into the night. I fell asleep listening to them and awoke hours later still listening to them. Fortunately, this south side of the storm is mostly wind and dark clouds and the occasional sheet of rain.

We feel fortunate and grateful to be alive this morning after an awesome display of nature's great power. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.