The forecast for Friday afternoon was cloudy skies with a 20% chance of precipitation. Suddenly, the sky got dark, the wind picked up, and hail started pattering down. We had a torrential downpour and heavy winds for about 15 minutes, and then the storm passed. We had just experienced a microburst, or a weather system in which a small column of air sinks and pushes out, instead of in a circular rotation like a tornado. I couldn't believe how much damage was done in just a few minutes. Another large tree in the back yard fell over, taking a smaller tree with it.
Huge branches down, and lots of little ones.
A gigantic limb on our front poplar tree snapped and is hanging precariously from another branch. Sadly, the tree, already damaged, is basically in shock and unable to be saved. The whole thing is going to have to come down next week.
Birds' nests torn out of branches and eggs scattered everywhere.
Twenty-four hours without power, so lots of Scrabble by candlelight for us.
Despite the intense heat (almost two weeks of upper 90s), we've had some flowers blooming. The mimosa trees that hang over the pond are gorgeous.
Spiderwort lines a shady path...
These Rose-of-Sharon-like flowers are blooming on a side yard shrub. I prefer them after they've wilted for their beautiful blue color.
Our owls are staying busy and making regular appearances.
A heron pair is nesting nearby.
The squirrels frisk in the morning and disappear in the heat of the afternoon.
The cats have stopped begging to go outside in this heat...
...and are focused on indoor entertainment.
And those trees in the pond? We aren't worried about them. Our beaver family is making short work of that job!
I will try to get that craft post up next week. Have a good weekend!
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