More Stuff

I remember few things of growing up, but what I remember is Happy. There were a few bumps in the road, like the time I got so worked up about getting to have a Birthday Sleepover. I was going to get to have 3 friends overnight! This was a first, and my nerves nearly got the best of me! I got more and more excited as the week went on. Mom said I was "fit to be tied" as the old folks say. It seemed like time had stood still all week. There was going to be games, movies, sleeping on the floor, Popcorn and even a big Birthday Cake. Mom was going all out for my big day. I was going to be 10! Double digits at last! The apprehension continued to build all day. It took forever for each class to end. Then lunch....how long does it take to eat? The afternoon was crawling. Finally I could not take it anymore.....I got sick in the school Bathroom! A call to Mom, and I was home early. Mom must have understood because she still let me have the Party, even though I had to miss 2 afternoon classes and a recess. She never ever said a word to me about it, bless her Heart. She did make me take a rest on my Bed for what seemed like forever.

Storms

This has been a Summer of the Storms. So many Tornadoes, some so close. One only a few blocks from here. Our former neighbor's home in fact. Lucky that they were not home. The boys were staying with the Grandparents, the parents were away from town. I will never forget that sound of the Siren and the waiting in the basement. I heard the roar as it went by. It was only an F1, but trust me, that was large enough. I hope one never comes that close again. We have had to go to the basement before but the tornado passed about a mile south of town and I am not sure if it even did any damage. We had enough warning to get to the basement in plenty of time. I grabbed my shoes, a weather radio, a jug of water and a flashlight. I came back up quickly for a blanket and pillow. Not smart I know, but I still did it. Husband was listening to the TV and did not come to the basement. I was not happy about that, but I think next time he will behave differently. When we saw the damage that an F1 could do, we once and for all realized what the power in the Storms is. It is not really the Tornado itself although that is terrifying. It is the debris that worries me. Boards sticking out of the side of houses, having entered halfway in like an arrow. Dents, holes, scrapes, broken windows. It goes on and on. We have a basement, yet in one Tornado this summer that was an F5, being in a safe place in the basement was still not enough. Debris falling on top was the killing factor. One Tornado came only a block from my Sister In Law and her Family. Scary. I have grown up in this part of the country and never before have I felt real fear. Maybe not so much fear as total Respect. Take care folks, listen to those weather reports and prepare, it saves lives. Hugs and Hug yourselves, you deserve it.