Summer Storm

A strong summer thunderstorm moved through the greater Welch area this afternoon. We received an astounding 2.4” of rain in about an hour. Along with the rain came hail that did some damage to the garden and piled on the back deck as if we were living in the Rockies. The winds that accompanied the storm knocked over two of the Bodines – no simple task given the stability for which the Bodines are famed. Problem with a Bodine being blown over is that it takes the tomato with it. Several of the precious fruits are damaged and will have to stage a dramatic comeback to survive. In addition, several of the peppers were denuded by the hail. The rows stand about a foot high. At one point, though, the tops of the rows were barely visible due to the surge of water that drained across the garden. I watched in horror, knowing there was nothing I could do. After assessing the damage a few minutes ago, I concluded that in a couple of days I will replant a number of things, even a few new tomatoes and peppers. The beans and peas are pretty hardy and should recapture their energy and begin climbing the sticks, again. The potatoes are about to come out so I am not too worried about them. The cabbages, corn, melons, okra and onions seem fine. The squash and zucchini washed away so replanting is on the calendar for Thursday. All the flowers need replanting with the exception of the volunteer zinnias and the breath-taking daisies that are absolutely showing out and survived the storm still in bloom. Even though it was disheartening to see the garden ripped and drowned, the storm was magnificent! During the height of the storm, poor ol’ Daisy whined about the rain, thunder and lighting. I let her in and she laid down in the living room. Then, when the storm moved away, she was ready to return to the front porch. Likewise, as I was surveying the damage, all the cats joined in the inspection tour. It was funny to see the kittens playing in the rain run-off. I checked on the chickens and they were smart enough to take shelter in their houses. After the storm passed, they were out scratching and pecking the ground. So, there you have it. A summer storm passes through and, temporarily, all of our behaviors change. And, our schedule changes for the rest of the week. What a welcomed change of pace.