Storm Clouds

They said the winds reached 80 MPH! All afternoon there were storm watches and warnings. Several areas were hit a lot worse than others with multiple trees down and electricity out. That’s one of the few things I liked about living on Capitol Hill. The power lines were underground so the only time power went off was man made. We usually sit outside on the balcony in the early evening but this time only for a few minutes. Having a western exposure in our northern Virginia condo allows a view of what is to come. And it looked really eerie and creepy. There was a plane flying overhead. I can only imagine how nauseating that would feel. I have never liked thunder storms or rain or hurricanes. I used to hide under the sheets from fear. So my husband and I watched the clouds progress to what would become an almost hellish rain storm. We lasted outside until the drops came and they came in a torrent after a huge wind gust. I don’t remember seeing such an angry sky since we moved here two years ago. I suppose it’s good to have rain once in a while, but this was more like a hurricane. And that’s why I don’t like living in Florida. This was a great reminder. 

A Very Sunny & Windy Day in the Neighborhood

When we drove home last night after dinner we made sure we found a parking spot far away from a tree. The winds were gusting to 45 mph. That also made morning walking a bit of a trick. But at least today the strange object we call the sun was out after hiding most of this year. So we took our chances and ventured out wearing our warmest jackets and lumberjack hats. The Midwest is faring far worse, which is one of the main reasons we left. Rather than go to the National Mall, we walked north and south adjacent to any barricade. So we strolled through the NE neighborhood past Union Station. We usually go that way during the summer months to stay under tree coverage to avoid the uniquely hot and humid environment. When it’s really bad we walk in the air conditioned Union Station. There is always something interesting about the architecture - and spring - that make the views interesting. Although now we are much less enamored by the typical Capitol Hill vibe. The congestion of the streets and the hazards that come with living in 1890’s buildings is taking a toll. So until we decide to do anything about it I will have a lot of photos to look at whenever I get nostalgic. I’m hoping it happens soon. 

Spooky Safeway

It was just weird! Having experienced high winds for the last day and more, a lot of northern Virginia lost power. And after being cooped up inside we were desperate to get out of the house. So we drove to our usual haunt in McLean for breakfast, but the line was so long we decided to skip it and go get groceries at the Safeway across the street. It looked okay from the outside, but when we stepped in, only a few lights were on. The place was really dark and I couldn’t see. But my husband wanted to forge ahead to pick up some basic necessities. Obviously the power was out because none of the items that required refrigeration were in sight. No meat, eggs, orange juice... it was a really odd experience watching the few people wheeling their carts through the dark and spooky place. There was one register open and just a handful of staff on hand. We were happy to get out of there and were reminded that just that little ordeal is the usual for a lot of people. Thank goodness we have underground power lines in our neighborhood. It’s one of the few things that usually works. That’s almost too good to be true! 

Storms, Hail, and Downed Trees

It started last night around eleven o'clock in the evening. The lightning just wouldn't stop. Then the wind gusts started and the torrential rains followed. The rain turned to hail the size of marbles and golf balls - I thought they would break our tiny glass patio table. It was scary enough. I don't like that sort of thing, although I know a lot of people who thrive on it! Then all the phones rang out with emergency flash flood warnings. You just knew there had to be some collateral damage, and this morning's walk showcased the outcome. It was thankfully a bit cooler than usual these last several days. Rather than being near 90 at 9:30, it was only in the 80's with lower humidity - one nice side effect? Our house sustained a broken downspout, and someone said their kitchen flooded. Near our house were a couple of downed very large trees - one of them smashing a car and both closing the streets. The sidewalks were filled with plant debris that will eventually clutter up the sewer system. I don't remember the weather being this horrible in Milwaukee where we lived for thirty years. And I don't ever recall hearing about DC having such storms, and earthquakes, and blizzards - only since we've been here the last ten years. I'm sure it could have been worse. But at night especially, it's just not my cup of tea. 

The Washington Monument in Snow and Wind

I'm usually not out and about in the middle of the week. But today I needed to accompany my husband to an appointment and neither one of us knew exactly where the place was located. We always try to take independence Avenue rather than the freeway. For whatever reason, I interrupted google maps to hastily snap a photo of the Washington Monument as we passed by it. I didn't know it at the time, but when I saw the photo I was surprised to see how perfectly centered it was from all angles. I always edit and crop most of my photos but this one didn't need any of that. Since it was exceedingly ugly out today with the frigid temps and wind chills it looked even better. The flags standing completely unfurled gives away the real story. We left Milwaukee partly because of the snow and ice. Maybe once a year I can stand a blanket of snow if I can stay inside. Since that wasn't the case because i had to go to work and join in on an adventure across town, at least it looked nice enough - from the warm car.