Summer Storms

Looks like we're in for a storm. The sky to the west is dark and murky, and lightening over there is getting more prominent. The forecast calls for 90% chance of precipitation, but not severe thunderstorms--meaning there should be rumblings and rain, but not hail or tornados. I hope we don't have to clean up broken trees again.

(The rain last week was clearly too much for the rain gutters to handle.)

Last week a short but dramatic storm blew through. When Uchenna and I were driving home, a few fat raindrops started hitting the windshield, and a few minutes after we pulled in, it all seemed to break loose. It's been a while since I've seen rain come down in sheets like that. Between all that water and the wind tossing our trees about, it looked like a hurricane. We were mildly concerned that the small hail clattering against our windows, blowing in sideways with some force behind it, might break the glass. But it was fine. And it was over in about a half an hour.

(That tree left the back yard a mess)

It did leave branches scattered all over town, though, including in our own backyard. I don't think cottonwood trees are very strong. And who would plant cottonwood anyway, with all that annoying fluffiness they blow around? But we've got one. And it dropped a couple of branches in the backyard.

(This branch fell outside the fence, into the school field, and took a bite out of the fence on the way. I'm really glad nothing fell on the house.)

We thought about investing in loppers or some other yard implement to clean it up, but actually it's amazing how much you can get done with brute strength: Uchenna just pulled down that one that was still partly attached, and we both pulled off twigs or broke sticks over our knees. Oh, and we did have our small bypass shears. The kind made for roses, yes, those ones. Besides, the house we're going to won't need loppers or anythings for several years. The trees are tiny, and no bushes to speak of.


(After work the next day, Uchenna and I gathered all the smallish pieces into neat, bushy piles.)


(Almost done.)

So we bundled it up and set it out with the trash. Except for a few larger pieces. Our neighbor and fellow church-member came over with his chain saw and made short work of whatever was left. I have to say chainsaws scare me, I don't really want to own one, but I appreciate people who do.

(Our neighbor's chainsaw chewed through the bigger pieces in short order. He came prepared with his ear protection and everything, but somehow the headphones never made it to his ears. You can see them sitting around his neck.)

Anyway, it has started to rain now, and the thunder rumblings are constant, but I don't think it's going to get much more interesting. Which is fine with me. Besides, what about all the people and horses and bulls that are gathering for the big 50th anniversary 101 Ranch Rodeo? We pass the rodeo grounds on the way to work, and they're all camped out there with their trailers. I don't think a big, blowing storm would be a good thing for them.