A SUMMER STORM

We had a real twig snapper Thursday night (8/24). Seven tornadoes hit the state setting an all time record for August in MI with several in the Central MI area as a storm system swung through. A F-2 touched down for 5 miles next to I-96 between Williamston and Webberville. 

It was a pretty muggy afternoon and Buddy was sprawled out in his furry pjs:

The storm hit around twilight with sheeting rain and such wind that made us worry about our old trees. I worried about a twister hidden in the storm as so many tornado vids have shown rain wrapped monsters lurking within.

Our neighbor related this tale to me: he had been at his grandkid's baseball game which was called off because of the approaching storms. Driving home, he was caught in it coming across his car from the right. The wind driven rain was so intense that his wipers on high couldn't move quick enough to clear. He was driving into a grey mist. "Scary" he said.

In terms of tree damage, this was the worst storm in the 13 years we have been here. It took us a combined 9 hours to clean up. Yep, things can happen in this state. Frequency can be years in-between so it's shocking when it occurs. Sometimes, it's a once in a lifetime event. Thank goodness!

Around the house:

Back deck-at least the 'maters were wrapped up nice and snug

Tithonia losses

Cup flower losses

After the big blow, the trees were talking. It had been hardest on the elders, old man birch and his younger brother.

"So many children lying lifeless on the ground, on the street, on some ape's roof. Or dying a long way from home, taken by the winds. At least those here, on some properties, they will rejoin us in the ground. Most, sadly, will be taken off to a barren plain that smells and is full of ape activity. Maybe in a couple of lifetimes, the plain will cease it's function and the area will be replanted. Who knows, that soil may be composed of 24 generations of great uncles that will flow through the veins of the new growth and the connection with their kind will be renewed".