Tornadoes in the Area

The tornadoes that blew through our region in the still dark hours of yesterday morning were devastating for lots of folks.   Our weather radio got us up about 4:30am with the warning.  (A weather radio is a really good thing to have if you live in Tornado Alley.)  We watched the storms approach on our local news station.  It is an ominous feeling to look outside and see only darkness and know that tornadoes are racing towards you.  I couldn't help but think about the destruction left behind after a tornado actually hit our home in 2003.  Yesterday's line of storms was fast-moving.  We stood around watching the television, ready to head to the basement if we needed to, wondering when the power would go out.  What would happen to the kennel? What about our "shelter" dogs?  Would we be able to round up all of the cats and get them to the basement in time?  (We had the dogs down there - they are easier to scoop.) 

When the severe winds hit, it sounded bad.  But almost as soon as the horizontal rain hit the south AND west sides of the house, it was over.  The news was reporting BIG damage in the region.  The reports were chaotic and unconfirmed because it was still dark.

The minute the sun brought a sliver of light, we checked the outside world.  Some things were blown around, the pen Arnold the pig stays in during sunny afternoons was collapsed, and there was lots of water.  Nothing else amiss.  With that reassurance, we all relaxed.  I got my coffee and headed to the computer.  We had not even lost power during the storm.  However, I had no internet.  I would have to do the day's brick post a little later.  I sat with Husband to drink my coffee and watch the news.  And that's when we found out about the devastation all around us.  South of us, a tornado had landed on the ground.  And north of us, an EF-4 tornado with 170-mph winds had flattened sections of a town we know well.  And there were fatalities.  We were shocked.

There was a death to the south of us, and so far six confirmed deaths in the northern town.  Entire strip malls and neighborhoods are flattened there.  Tornadoes hit all around us, including in our own county and in the next county over, where my parents live.  We are not taking for granted the place we find ourselves in.  Not only is everyone safe, but we aren't even dealing with damage.  I sopped up water in the kennel and in the basement yesterday.  Husband rebuilt Arnold's sunning pen.  Because a tower was blown down just south of us, we did not have internet until about 7pm last night (which is why that brick story never got posted).

My heart goes out to all of the families who were affected by these storms.  In 2003, our neighbor lost his life.  We spent months bringing order back to our world after that tornado, but we were able to keep things in perspective because our family was intact.  However, for the people who are now in the midst of cleanup and rebuilding, there is a long road ahead.  And of course that pales in comparison to the grief some are dealing with having lost family members.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

I am thankful to have my family, my home, and all of our animals safe and sound.

 

Tomorrow, I need to do a post about a leukemia cat that Older Daughter has asked me to write about.  I've never had her ask me to post about any specific animal, so I definitely want to do this for her.  I hope you'll stop by and read.  You might be the one who knows someone who can help.

Next week I will finish up the remaining (wonderful) brick stories.  What I would like to do next week in conjunction with the last of the second-round bricks is to invite you to celebrate my Second Blogoversary with me by helping me out.  Now that just seems rude, doesn't it?  I'm throwing a celebration and asking YOU to help ME when I should be passing out cake and punch.  Since I know that most of you are just as crazy about animals as I am, I'm not too worried that you will be offended by my request.

PLEASE STOP BY TOMORROW AND NEXT WEEK. 

Comments

[Random Felines]

I admit I was worried when I didn't see a post yesterday...if there wasn't anything today I was going to email you. :) I am SO glad you are all safe - and yet heartbroken for the destruction and loss around you. I live in fear of something like that or fire here - I just don't think I could get all the cats in time. Purrs to you all......

[Cat's Cats]

Soooo relieved to hear that all of you are safe!!

[candace nagle]

Being so close to tragedy is always a sober reminder of how truly precious our mundane world really is. I am sorry for the folks whose lives have been forever altered. And I am very grateful that you are all safe. Out here it is earthquakes that may indiscriminately and heartlessly deal out the fate. I guess the best insurance is still to trust in a higher power and hold on tight to those we love.

[Brian]

I sure am glad you are all safe and sound,

[Jan (Milo and Alfie's mom)]

I saw the storms on the television last night; I had no idea they were so near you all. Thank goodness you are all safe ~ and my heart goes out to those who have suffered during this terrible weather. xx

[Andrea and the Celestial Kitties]

I'm so very very glad you came through with so little damage! Considering what could have happened, you were truely blessed!
Looking forward to the rest of the brick stories!
You know, Chrystal, I think we're all behind you and what you do. Asking us to help you for your blogoversary gives us a chance to help in the rescue of kitties and doggies so I'm sure whatever it is, a lot of us will be on board!

Speaking of helping, a huge help will be finding homes for the cat house cats! Let's empty the cathouse so when the spring kittens start coming, they'll have a place to go! The more we help, the more she can save!! Tell everyone you know, it's time to get a, or another, kitty! And these ones are great kitties!

[Pam and the Califurrrrrnia5]

Thank heavens you are ok!!! What a scary situation. I'm looking forward to helping you celebrate Blogoversary #2. Let's make it a BIG bash and get lots of kitties adopted! Hope-hope-hope!

[Lana]

My friend's family lives in the town that was severely damaged. Her mother's whole neighborhood is flattened. I'm SO thankful that y'all are okay. I hate having people I care about living in that area (tornadoes terrify me). I have family in Southern Missouri, so it's a constant scare for my scaredy cat west coast self. I don't know how all of you do it! So SO glad you and the fuzzies are all safe.

[ginny& the Fur Family]

The Fur Family didn't know about you all being struck in 2003. You set high on a ridge and are in the Toronado alley as people call it and we were so glad to see you back on the blog last night. Those winds are something that can not be controlled and when they set down what ever is there is not there anymore. Even if a mansion is in their path it is ripped to shreds -. Having a basement is a big plus. We are glad none of the out side animals were hurt. I am sure prayers were coming to you from all over the bloggs. I am anxious to hear about the cat with feline Leukemia tomorrow and also the see the start of a new order of bricks. At my age- I have enough animals gone over, to fill a space forever. I remember them well and still love them all - Andrea is right if the cat house can get empty through adoptions you can help many others which will come your way this kitten and puppy season. So glad you and your family are alright - Ginny & The Fur Family

[Deb & The Taylor CatSSSSS]

I have been so worried about you, your family and...the babies. I'm so glad that all is well and you are all safe.

Love, Deb