Monday, August 24, 2009

A STORM MOVES OVER THE LAKE


The first sign is the wind picking up. Tall plants in the garden start to bend, and the remnants of Tibetan flags on the porch flutter their last few prayers. On the lake, whitecaps roll over. As the tempo rises, birds chasing down insects in the grass try to keep facing front, to keep their feathers from being whipped back, then give up and fly off. The wind pushes the whitecaps ever higher until they turn into roiling waves that slam against the armor stones along the breakwall, sending huge arcs of splashover onto the lawn. A squirrel, his once-fluffy fur pasted flat against his rodent-like tail, races off for shelter. There's a brief lull when it almost seems the storm might pass, but then the rain comes in sudden heavy sheets. It pounds the waves into submission and beats a steady tattoo on the garage roof.














After the storm, more leaves and small branches lie scattered all over, everything is dripping and even a little cleaner, fresher, but still the sun refuses to come out the rest of the day.

11 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Deb, You are just SO fortunate to live on that lake--and be able to see storms from that perspective as they come in and out... SO gorgeous---whether it's raining or sunny. Lucky Gal!!!!

Have a great day.
Hugs,
Betsy

Quiet Paths said...

I wouldn't get anything done on stormy days like that; I'd just sit out there on that porch of yours and watch the lake.

Jinksy said...

That was a grey day, and no mistake...

Sylvia K said...

I love to watch storms! And what a great view you have! I'm another one who would get nothing done if I lived where you do -- it's bad enough where I live! Well, at least we have fantastic excuses!

Enjoy, Deborah!

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

Yes, I agree with the others, what a place to watch weather. Do you see many rainbows on the water?

We are getting heavy rain right now, probably left over from Bill. Yesterday, we had 3 inches. Heard on the noon news that this is officially the wettest summer on record in Portland.

bobbie said...

Lake Erie seems to be very beautiful, no matter what the weather.

Anonymous said...

That time right before the storm arrives is potent, isn't it? I've always loved the feeling of the wind in those circumstances.

Annie Jeffries said...

Joining the chorus of storm lovers. You are so blessed with that view.

Rose said...

Your description makes me feel like I am there!

Kathie Brown said...

Oh the refreshing power of a storm! I love the photo with the tree and the white caps rolling in!

Indrani said...

Reading the lines, I could feel the wind. :)