The storm approaches

(Pumpkin decorations added in Picmonkey.)

The so-called Frankenstorm, Hurricane Sandy, is on its way.  We’ve already had quite a bit of rain from the cold front moving through, although it’s hard to tell now where the rain is originating.  It’s currently moving north and west (or coming from the south and east), along with occasional gusty winds.  Perhaps some of Sandy’s outer bands are already here.

Botzum Depot. (Towpath Trail)

We have been battening down the hatches today.  Anything small enough to be carried away by the wind, and that needs to be brought in, has been brought in.  Hopefully our shed won’t take a pounding like it did back in April.  I don’t know how many times we can keep rebuilding it, and we’re really enjoying the greenhouse aspects of it.  We still have lettuces growing in there.  It’s wonderful to have freshly picked mixed greens when I’m in the mood for a salad.

Haunted marsh. (The Beaver Marsh. Towpath Trail.)

M turned over the boats.  We once had a windstorm that picked up the rowboat and deposited it in the neighbor’s yard.  Plucked it right out of the pond as if it weighed little more than a feather.  Although it might be exciting to see that happen again, it’s probably best if it doesn’t.  The high wind watch has been changed to a high wind warning.  Things are expected to start rocking and rolling around noon tomorrow and continue until around 4pm on Tuesday.  Winds are expected to be 30 to 40 mph with gusts 55 to 60 mph.

The Crooked (Cuyahoga) River

Tomorrow I’ll start getting ready for the potential power outage.  Water is my main concern.  Everything else sort of takes care of itself for a while.  We already filled up a 5 gallon carboy (usually used for homebrewing) with water.  I’ll fill the disco tub (bathtub) tomorrow.  Besides water for drinking, cooking, and washing (or brushing our teeth), we need it for flushing the loo when the power goes out.  We can bring up a few buckets of pond water for that task.  Better to be prepared and not need it, then need it and not be prepared.

Watch what you eat. (Szalay’s Farm)

I took a long walk in the rain this afternoon.  I’ve found that it’s really not so bad, no matter what the weather, as long as I’m dressed for it.  Today required layers of warm clothing under rain gear.  And muck boots, of course.  All this rain has once again turned the Bogs boggy.

Peninsula depot.

It was very breezy, and the rain was pretty much a steady downpour.  At one point I found a place to stand and listen to the rain.  It reminded me of rain sticks, as if there were several of them being played at once.  A rhythmic feast for the ears.

The remaining leaves look like little faery lights in the trees.

Let’s leave the haunted bike ride for a little while so I can show you what it looks like around here today.  The trees are mostly bare.  Even the willows, which had been holding on, seem to be giving up.  If the winds are as bad as they’re predicting tomorrow, I doubt the few remaining leaves will be able to hang on.

Looking up through the branches of the locust tree.

That’s about it from the Bogs on this rainy Sunday.  Thank you for stopping by.  We’ve had a fire going in the fireplace all afternoon so it’s comfy and toasty.  It’s a good day to curl up with a book or watch a movie or listen to music.  (Well, okay, some of you guys might prefer football.)  Maybe I’ll get out my knitting and see if I remember how to do it.

Today’s view of the pond and the gray day.

I’m in the mood for some hot chocolate.  How about you?

The color of the sounds of rain on the pond.

Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

~ Susan Ertz

Looking out the window

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