fortunate

Yesterday's 100 degree temperatures invited a ferocious lightening storm later that evening...  

It just so happened that Rissi was staying the night.    

At around nine o'clock the winds howled and lightening struck repeatedly here... then there... then everywhere.  

Trees bowed down, touching the ground...

"Grammy, I'm afraid.."  Rissi said.  She held my hand tightly and Gary gave her a flashlight to hold since the lights were off... then on... then off... then on.

I grabbed Gracie and put her harness and leash on...  Just in case we had to make a run for it.  I was going nowhere without my dog.  So there I was. ..  clutching my dogs leash tightly in my right hand and Rissi's hand held tight to my other one. 

Gary did what men do...  at least all the men I've ever known... he went out in the storm to see what was happening.

"Look at that!" He yelled.  I peeked out the window and the neighborhood was lit up like the fourth of July.  The sub station a few blocks away was hit and we could smell the smoke.

It looked like the end of the world.  Just like in the movies.  

Rissi and I started to pray.  

Then there was a calm...

The internet was down.  But our lights stayed on.  Many others lost electricity.  

Today we thought we'd go to a movie but the mall was closed.  

The traffic lights were down.

All stores were closed.

Tonight, many are still without electricity.   

It was a terrible storm!

And I feel badly for those who were affected by it..  

And fortunate that our home did not receive damage like so many of our surrounding neighbors.  And we have electricity.

Dear Diary,  What a nut house I live in.  Last night, instead of letting me hide under the bed from the booms and bangs, mom decided it was best to take me for a mock walk.  When she put the harness and leash on me I'm like...  "No way woman!  It's doing some crazy stuff out there."  so she just walked me through the house saying something about maybe putting us all in the bathtub since we don't have a basement.  What? No bath for me, thank you.  And I especially don't wish to take a bath with you and the cupcake. Oh.. and Then tonight she  and Dad took me in the Buick so we could drive around the neighborhood and see how many peoples had lights on.  Duh. Is that stupid or what?  Gracie.  

Good Day turned Bad

 Today we decided to take Gracie with us to Heritage Days in downtown Cumberland.  She was excited to be around different smells.

I filled her new doggie canteen with plenty of cold water and we stopped and sat on the downtown mall a few minutes while she drank...  then we were on our way up the big hill to visit the different booths.

But our good day turned bad quickly...

 A thunderstorm sent a torrential downpour soaking us within seconds and causing us to run for cover under the nearest tent, while the winds threatented to take the very tents we were standing under.  Gracie was forced to share an 8 X 10 space with two other big dogs and one was black.  YIKES!  Their noses touched.  The winds whooshed.  The rains pounded.  "Get in here!" Gary yelled.  I was halfheartedly standing underneath the tents edge, trying to keep Gracie away from the other canines that I was pretty sure she'd pick a fight with if she were forced to be close.  "Wait!" I said.  "I'm going over there!" And at that I ran through the downpour, as my scared wet dog ran with me, to a doorway where a gentleman was standing and he was kind enough to share his space.  Gary was not far behind...  

The days festivities were  cut short.  

And Gracie was left wondering ...  what was that all about?

And how was your Sunday?

Take It Easy

Recap of a Do-Nothing Weekend:

Weekends void of plans do not happen often.  This one I played by ear... left the chips fall where they may... did what I wanted when I wanted to.  Above, my beautiful Marissa stands clutching a handful of flowers to take home to her mommy after spending the night.  Ok.  So I played Barbies and watched Sponge Bob Friday night and Saturday till five.  The good news is I was able to organize all of Barbie's accessories i.e. shoes, purses, earrings, etc. while pretending to be going on a date with Prince Charming :) That's productive.

I did a quick yard sale on Saturday morning just up the street. Bought a Melissa and Doug easel for just $3 JUST LIKE NEW!

Said a quick prayer for rain.  It would be nice to be able to wear a little make-up again...  too Hot! Hot! Hot!

Sunday - first came the winds.  

  Looks like God was listening.  Of course He was.

Down came the rain.

And we had nothing to do. 

 Nothing but sit on the patio and savor the moment.

Not much was accomplished this weekend.  But I feel rested.