Hold The Nuts, Please

An unexpected torrential downpour foisted itself upon Israel and I late yesterday afternoon. When we left the house for our jaunt to town the sun was shining brilliantly, the heat and humidity were in full force, and there was absolutely no sign of the impending doom we were to experience.

That morning, I had whipped up a batch of Bananna Nut Oat Muffins, minus the nuts. They had come out of the oven piping hot and yummy, but bringing with them the knowledge that I was out of milk and low on eggs. (Can you say, CHICKENS? Anyone??) It appeared to be the logical thing to do: swing into the grocery store, then go pick up Keeton for an afternoon at Gram's house.

As I said, when we left home, there was no indication whatsoever of the storm. Nor were there any ominous signs of tropical thunderstorms when we exited the grocery, laden with those extra items that always happen to fall into one's cart when one is running in for just one item or two.

Actually, the first sign of trouble began as I attempted to use my phone. Brand new, it was locked up tight, and wouldn't budge. I couldn't even get it to turn on and off without removing the back casement and battery. Finally winning the war against technology, the handheld communicatin device immediately began loudly informing me that I had not only missed calls, but that messages were waiting.

I dialed voice mail. To my utter horror and dismay, an old friend, sobbing on the other end of the line, distraught, detailed in muffled fashion her current predicament. Would I please return her call? Of course. As soon as I gather Keet and his belongings.

I buckled him in, and looked up. Out of nowhere the storm clouds had rolled in. Black as midnight, and flashing in the distance, I knew that by the time I crossed the halfway mark home I'd be in the middle of a downpour.

Having lived on the coast over a decade, I've gained quite a bit of skill at driving in tropical storms. Like a Nebraskan knows how to drive in a blizzard, so I in the blinding rain and wind. Almost home, we made our final turn.

We were now facing headlong into the raging forces of nature. In a blink of an eye, my passenger(s) and I watched in flabbergasted state as a long, thin, bony finger of lightening reached out towards us. The air was filled with white hot heat of energy causing the hair to stand up on the back of our necks. Then, the finger reached out, wet as if turning a page, and grabbed hold of the nearest light pole, and old fashioned, New Orleanian sort that was less than 20 feet away from us.

The noise of electrical power removing the life from ground resources caused us all to jump in absolute suprise and fear . . . I was amazed I kept the car on the road! Shattered glass went flying ~ only sparing the vehicle because the wind sailed the shards away at it's own whim.

We drove the remaining way home a bit stunned. No one wanted to get out of the car, the lightening was so vivid and flashing incessantly around us. The heat and humidity quickly sought to overtake the internal temperature of the car, and we waited . . .

Each time I thought there was repreive, the lightening would flash again, holding me prisoner in my front yard.

Finally, in a daring act of bravery (or stupidity) on my part, I decided to make a break for it. The rains were heavy, and an umbrella under my feet. I thought, and thought again ~ should I use the umbrella??

I decided yes. For the babies' sake.

The mad dash with Keeton to the front door left me soaked, regardless of the headcovering, and he no less protected.

I could feel the energy yet in the air, but decided to attempt to gather Keller in like fashion.

I didn't make it to the car with umbrella in hand.

The energy was so present in the air, and the thumderclaps so close, I impetuously let go of the umbrella, allowing the wind to grasp it in it's clenches. Tumbling away from me quickly, I considered I'd never see it again . . .

*****

Some time later, the wind and rain passed. Now dry, I pondered the whole debacle. I had been crazy to attempt the umbrella'd transport.

As I had done with the muffins hours before, I would have done well to hold the nuts, please.

:D