Thursday 8/08 - storm

A violent thunderstorm blew in about 1:00 in the morning. Huge wind
gusts shaking the camper nearly off its jacks, torrential rain,
earsplitting thunder and more lightning in one spot than I think I've
ever seen in my life. One bolt struck the old utility pole 50 feet
from my trailer, exploding the wood with a deafening boom.

Needless to say I was awake. I sat in the dark at the front windows,
terrified for my mule, straining to see Walter through the downpour
every time lightning illuminated the pasture.

I wasn't so concerned about TK because her pasture has lots of
windbreaks and a covered shed, should choose to use it. Walter's lot
is on a slight rise, with a lone tree in the far NW corner being the
only shelter.

Darkness, darkness. No Walter.

Suddenly I heard a boyish voice, clear as a bell:

"Mom, I'm all right."

I jerked up with a start. A few minutes later the wind ceased and rain
quieted to a few light drops. I opened the camper door. A streak of
lightning lit up the yard and there, by the gate, stood Walter. Calm
as could be.

Thursday is an 8 hour day at the office for both Linda and me. I
didn't get a ride in after work because Linda had to go buy a bunch of
stuff in preparation for leaving for a 3-day weekend retreat.
We both concurred I was way overdue for some kind of personal grooming
improvement, so while Linda went shopping at WallyWorld I got a
haircut and a bit of other girly embellishment.

I mention this only because it was pretty funny in light of what
happened Friday. More about that later.

Another severe storm was predicted for Thursday night. Before Linda
left that evening, I moved Walter into the pen. I know he only
tolerates it when TK is grazing next to the fence panels, and paces
whenever she leaves, but
I figured it was still better than the exposed pasture in a lightning storm.

I was wrong.