East Wind

One upon a time, long, long ago, I was on a cotton farm in Arizona, staying with friends.  I didn't understand at that time why they turned on the weather channel even before starting the coffee.  Now I do.  I may not know what's going on elsewhere in the outside world, but, by golly, I try not to miss a weather report every morning.  Regardless of the season, hot or cold, dry or wet, weather significantly affects daily life here.  Rain had been predicted for the next week, but I didn't hear the part about the wind.  The storm hit about 1 a.m., and I mean hit like a freight train.

Trying to stay ahead of the game, Bess and I went to Mt. Aukum yesterday to fill the truck's gas tank and stock up on feed.  Later, I brought load after load of firewood up to the porch.  The wind is out of the east, so perhaps the rain won't get blown onto the wood rack on the west side.  Wind chimes on the east deck are almost straight out, clanging, not tinkling.

Bessie Anne normally makes a potty run while I'm at the computer and began whining on the bed; her signal request to go outside.  I got up and Celeste immediately jumped onto my chair.  Great.  I turned on the porch light and opened the door for Bess.  "No, thanks, but I'm not going out in that."  She led the way to the front door.  Repeat:  light, door, "No."  Okay, so we went to the covered-deck door in the dining room.  Semi-repeat:  light, door, "No," and I pushed her out.  Two steps into the wind and she came back and barked, "Let me in!  I can hold it!"  I relented.  Back to the computer and I pushed Celeste off the chair.  Ask my Kids about the Mean Mother Of The Year award.  When they were too young to know better, I used to tell them I had to say no to some requests because I needed points and I wanted to win that award.  (Hey, it's my story and I'm sticking to it.)  Bess and Celeste are going to nominate me, for sure.

Rain is pounding against the windows and I can hear the east wind pushing lawn furniture around outside.  It's going to be one of those days.