Change of Weather Coming

 

Rainrainrain

As of 5 pm yesterday, we'd had over five inches of rain but no real problems. More rain is headed our way, and the French Broad River is rising. There is flooding in Asheville.

Folks in Marshall and Hot Springs who are near the river have to told to evacuate. It's quite possible that this event will be as bad or worse than the Great Flood of 1916. 

I had Josie all morning so her folks could go to work but around noon Claui had a call from a friend who had to evacuate and was looking for a place to go. Josie was thrilled as this was one of her best friend's mom and a mega-sleepover was about to happen.

We're safe from floods here at Wool Branch--unless it's one of biblical proportions. There's always the worry of falling trees or mudslides and the ever possibility of a power outage. But, so far, so good. 

I have a big pot of chili simmering on the stove--a kind of primordial response to drastic weather. What's more, I just bought a huge package of toilet tissue yesterday, possibly another primordial thing. And we have wine. And dog and cat food.

May all stay safe!

                                                  

 

 

Time to Hunker Down

The rain began around 4, as predicted. Schools are to be closed today and tomorrow as we face a lot of rain, possible power outages, flooding, and road closing.

John has renewed the waterbreaks on our road and we have a store of water in case we lose power. And, of course, kerosene lamps and a gas stove top. 

So we're pretty much set.

If you don't hear from me tomorrow, it will mean we've lost power. 

Stay safe, everyone in the storm path. 

 Update Thursday morning: We lost power last night, but it was back in a few hours. Hurrah for the crews from French Broad Electric! Of course, it may happen again...

Foggy, Foggy

                                                                           

                                Rain and fog and more rain. 

These pictures were taken at noon, as I returned from the grocery store. But it's not cold!

                                                                                     

Heading to the Single Digits

Big deal, my Canadian friends are saying. But weather this cold tests all our systems and keeps us on edge. Will we lose power? Will the pipes freeze? How long will the road to our house stay icy?

As of Friday noon, we have power and the water is still running. John has left his truck at the lower place, and the Kubota utility vehicle, with chains, can make it to our house. We have plenty of food and wood, should the power go out. 

This, too, shall pass.

 

A Bit of Snow

Tuesday--Not much of a snow but it's cold-- temp in the low twenties and dropping. John headed out to take stuff for the dumpsters and recycling and found our road quite icy. He slid to the lower place and decided not to go farther. So he left the truck down there and walked up.

But the critters are fed; the water is dripping (to keep the pipes from freezing;) we have wood and fuel oil; and are reasonably warm inside.

County schools are closed.

It's always an uneasy time with cold weather--waiting for the water to freeze and/or the power to go off. But we've dealt with these things many times (oh, that blizzard of '93, aka The Storm of the Century.) This is just a little snow. And the sun actually came out around four!

 

In the Bleak Midwinter

On Thursday afternoon we could see it coming--the projected rain and cold front due to hit around 4 am Friday morning.

John was busy with preventive measure--heaters in green house and basement, water stored in jugs, extra hay and sweet feed for cattle, the list goes on and on. 

As of Friday morning, we still had water and power, though Justin and Claui's water had frozen.  At midday the temperature was around 9 degrees F and it's going to be colder. UPDATE: As of this morning (Saturday), it's 1 degree F. But our water is still running. And we have power.

Reluctantly, we advised Ethan and Aileen of the situation and suggested they postpone traveling to NC till later. If we lose power and/or water, it wouldn't be comfortable for them. So we'll have a second celebration with them later.

Meanwhile, my thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, facing the winter as Putin attempts to destroy their infrastructure. How can anyone support this evil man? The reprehensible GOP congress members who refuse to support Ukraine are, instead, choosing Putin. I simply don't understand.

 

Contrasts

The rain brought gorgeous cool weather--put on an extra shirt weather, get out a blanket weather--of the sort that used to have Floridians who could afford it flocking to the mountains in pre-a/c days. It was glorious.

And after Sunday's day long rain and overcast skies, when the sun eventually appeared, arrowing through the trees, it seemed like a revelation. Green was somehow greener, the sky bluer, and the mountains of cumulus clouds whiter. 

That's another reason for not having a/c--as long as the hot days don't go on too long, they make us appreciate the cool days all the more.

Contrast is one of the reasons we left Florida--four distinct seasons seemed like a good idea. I hear that Hawaii is in the 70s year-round-- which is admittedly a perfect temperature--but I kinda think it would become boring.

I know, I know--I sound like someone who might hit her head against a wall because of how good it would feel to stop. But still . . .I love the contrasts. 

 

Heat Wave and Blessed Relief

After a scorching Monday, we were braced for more of the same. Imagine our delight when a morning storm blew in, with welcome rain and overcast skies for the morning.

The watering I'd planned to do could be postponed for another day and we could enjoy being outside, watching for glimpses of the goldfish.

They are shy little boogers and Josie had my phone much of the time, so I got no pictures of them. But we spotted at least six of the dozen John added to the pool.

But, oh! the joy and relief of rain!

 

Hail, Yes!

A sudden hailstorm blew in and for a while, thanks to our metal roof, it was a great deal like being inside a popcorn popper.

 When it was all over, there was a welcome inch and seven-tenths in the rain gauge and the air was much cooler.

 Jenny is not a fan of rainy weather and especially not a fan of hail.

Hoping it didn't damage any gardens. Back when we grew tobacco, hail was a worry as a bad storm could destroy an entire just-planted crop.

 I don't know if there's any baccer grown in the county nowadays. It's a terrible, labor and chemical intensive crop that contributes to addiction and causes cancer--good riddance. 

But it was wonderful to have participated in the deep-rooted culture of our new home.  I wouldn't have missed the experience.

 

And Then . . .

The weather service had it right: snow/rain/sleet interspersed with brief periods of sunshine all day Saturday.

It didn't drop to freezing so I'm hopeful that the new leaves and blossoms won't have been crisped.

A few days ago was shirt sleeve weather and next week should see temps rising again. 

April is the cruelest  month.

Update Sunday morning: And then . . .

                                                                                      

 

Waiting for Rain . . .

After several months of no rain, we were promised relief.

A cloudy morning made us hopeful.

By mid afternoon, the radar showed rain upon us.

I could see it across the river.

In a teasing twist, we saw a rainbow before the rain.

Surely those dark clouds will let loose upon us . . .

And here it comes!

Not nearly enough--but enough to wet things down.

And the forecast for today is even better.

Weather or Not

Our weather has been all over the place. Yesterday was beautiful -- but chilly. A few days ago it was almost in the 80s. And the day before that, there was snow.

The tree peonies are blooming . . .

A lone bloodroot . . .

The River Birch is a brilliant chartreuse while a green haze is settling on the mountains -- a nice change from Winter's gray and brown.

Yellow trilliums and their lovely mottled foliage.

Some days we need the sun block . . .

Other days . . . not so much.