In and Around the Garden

What a storm. Pouring down rain and strong winds practically all day, and then sun–beautiful sunshine kissed by blue skies and frothy white clouds. I hope those without power have it soon, but I know from listening to the news many won’t for two to five days.

In the past, I’ve lived powerless longer than five days, had rain fall through the ceiling, attic pipes burst, and power surges execute most of my appliances. I always feel blessed when my lights work and I can use the computer, cook a hot meal, and look through the windows and see all the trees standing tall after a storm. Out here in the sticks, we don’t have neighborly buildings as windbreaks, just a barn or shed. Limbs and debris fly like paper but never beyond my landscape where clean up is a day’s work.

I took advantage of today’s lock-in and became a domestic diva with duster and mop in hand. Knowing there’s a mess outdoors it feels good to be in a pristine environment. The fireplace is roaring, hubby and Ralphie are playing indoor catch, the storm has calmed, the clothes dryer is humming, and I feel like baking a cake. This country estate is still standing—rubbish littered, muddy and wet—but safe and warm. So cake it is. After all, there’ll be plenty to do outdoors, tomorrow, to work it off.