Windy City

Today we survived a terrible wind storm in our valley. We were lucky at our house, because although power flickered periodically, we did not lose power or water. Our neighbors just a block or two away, were not so lucky. Many were without power for a day or more. The wind blew down trees, ripped off roof shingles, and sent anything outside for a ride. The trees took out power lines, smashed homes and blocked roads. The shingles were flying around the streets, and one friend even had car damage from the shingles scraping her van. One neighbor was wandering the streets looking for their missing trash can. Schools, stores and businesses were closed early, but Clint had to stay at work since he is so essential. :)

My neighbor came to help me evaluate the roof shingles in my front yard, and he discovered they were off of the very top of our roof. He helped me gather them, and when Clint came home he discovered I had all of them and they weren't damaged. He climbed up although it was nearly dark, and put them back on before night. Reports had rain in the forecast which would not be good.

Earlier in the day, some friends were out of power but had already started a crockpot in the morning. They brought it over, dodging powerlines and trees, and later came back for supper at our place. Their power did come back on which is great. Ethan is a good friend we don't get to see enough, and the kids were up to their usual silliness.

Since we've lived in various parts of the country, we couldn't help feel like we were in a hurricane. Becky and kids decided not to venture outside. The winds were sustained at over 50 mph, with gusts at hurricane force at over 80 mph. We're thankful we had a warm house and with lights.