Serious Storm

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If aged memory serves me correctly, the severe storm visited here Saturday evening.  Strong winds from the south pelted huge raindrops against the windows with attention getting force.  Our power remained on and we retired by 10:30PM as usual.  Anxiety got the better of me by 2:30AM and I ventured out to see just how much of our driveway remained.  There were deep ruts but we were lucky!   I also checked to see if any of the house siding had been dislodged.  None had moved.

The reported rainfall of four inches in little more than one hour must have been a somewhat limited local event.  Our Unadilla River is unusually brown and full but did not appear to have spilled over into farmer's fields near here.  Storm damage likely occurred but fortunately we were spared.

Early Sunday morning I ventured out with a shovel, rake and the lawn tractor with trailer.  Thirty shovels full made a manageable load and it was dumped in the deepest section of the new ravine.  The uniform spreading of the fill hints at my Irish ancestry but many more loads will be needed to finish this job.  As it was, three loads were followed by a break then three more loads finished me for the day.  No chest pain was felt but it was definitely time to quit after the sixth load.

All that rain may have dampened my spirits, but the daylily flowers loved it.  Spiritual Corridor is the name of this variety.  The fern like leaves of Sweet Cicely behind it identifies this plant's placement inside of the stone square.

Sunday Gloves is pictured here along with the messy remains of yesterday's flower and an insect.  Removing the disgusting mess of old flowers usually precedes taking the picture but no sticky hands could touch the camera.

 

Swallowtail Kite has an unusual series of perhaps four colors as the petals open outward.

Aurora Raspberry features the much favored ruffled edge.

Huckleberry Candy is intensely colored as is the pollen load.

 

Big Bird has a somewhat disheveled general appearance as did the Sesame Street character.

 

Frosted Vintage Ruffles has been with us for many years.  It appears to find its placement next to the stone path at least satisfactory