Rain, ghost and a surprise.

We learned from our neighbors that when we left on our recent travels, we must have taken all the nice weather with us, and forgot to bring it back. Seems the skies over Missouri were so disappointed to see us go that they have been in a constant state of weeping. The rain has not gotten any better since our return either. In fact our favorite weather man announced today that of the 31 days in October we only had twelve without rain. Most of this week we have been having what many would call gully washers.

This past Wednesday the rain let up for a few hours and we grabbed the dry spell to run errands. I noticed that what is usually just a dry creek running behind some houses near us was to the point of overflowing. I also captured the football team at the high school having to resort to practicing on the parking lot because of puddles on the football field. But, I also managed to get some shots of the great fall colors in town Besides rain the wind has been gusting so much that here were leaves everywhere.

While sitting in the car waiting for the Old Salt to return from the Chinese Carry-out with dinner I amused myself by trying to photograph a drop of water dripping from the light fixture beside the car. It took about twelve shots but I finally got it.

When we returned home the fog had set in and all I could see of the neighbors Halloween decorations was this friendly ghost coming out of the mist.

Normally, we do not get many trick or treater's because of all the church and civic groups that host fantastic parties with hay rides, games and lots of free food. But, the rain did let up for the evening and we got more then I expected. Thankfully, I was prepared with large pop corn balls for all. But, I did notice that we got more family groups. Parents seem to be dressing up to escort their young ones around the neighborhood. As these shots show.

Halloween had never been one of my favorite holidays but, it signals the beginning of all the work, activities and great times that come with the holidays through the end of the year. So time to pack away the pumpkins and start sorting and untangling the boxes of Christmas lights. I just hope the weather will break and give us some warm dry days to get them up.

Now, I have some news to share. The Old Salt and I have purchased a condo and will be moving soon. We have then got to stage our current house and get it on the market. Between all that work is the upcoming holidays so I expect to be too busy to have much time for blogging. I find blogging to be very relaxing so I am sure I will not stop altogether. But, do not worry if I am absent more then usual. It will just be a sign that I am busy with moving, home repairs and the needed holiday preparations. After all, I will have two houses to decorate this year.

We know our timing is bad for selling property right now. But, we got too good a deal to pass up buying our dream house. So please pray for a quick sale of our current house. We certainly do not want to have to pay two mortgages for more then a few months if we can help it. And also pray that this old couple can maintain the energy and stamina the work will require.

Twenty Percent Chance --- My foot.

If you have read my older post, then you know, that the Old Salt spent forty years living in southern California. Moving to the Midwest was a great change for him in many ways, but none more so than the weather. Today is one of those days that have him watching the skies with his weather band radio strapped to his hip.

According to that radio we have a twenty percent chance of rain today. But, as I begin this missive the sky is black as night, and the sounds coming from the heavens are worse than standing in the middle of Lucky Strike Lanes during men’s league night. Occasionally a lightening flash will join the thunderclap and the entire house will momentarily be center stage at a 70’s Kiss concert.

While having lunch a short time ago, I spent about ten minutes watching water rushing over our gutters and falling down our sloping driveway into the mini river making its way to the storm drain down the block. I watched the rows of giant raindrops bouncing in the street like rockettes doing a can-can number.

Our cats, Velvet and Boo, came rushing back through their door to the safety of the office sofa, just as the wind sent the deck umbrella flying onto its side, taking the table with it in a thunderous crash.

So much for the twenty percent chance of rain today, I can feel my hubby’s heightened senses telling me he would feel better if we moved to the basement family room where we could quickly be locked into the safety of the windowless bathroom should this become the first tornado of the season.

Photo Hunters---- Protect(ion)

The theme for this Saturday edition of Photo Hunters is Protect or Protection.

Perhaps the best way to PROTECT yourself while getting PROTECTION from the rain is to carry a large umbrella.



Then again, maybe not.

I snapped these photos one day when the Old Salt was caught in the rain. He was unaware at first that I was photographing him. Then he began to dance in the rain ah la Gene Kelly just for me. Ahh, isn't love grand.

To join in the fun or just enjoy all of this weeks shots visithttp://tnchick.com/