What a Storm!

Anyone who has spent much time in the mountains knows that the weather can change in just a few minutes; therefore, the change this afternoon from sunshine to clouds and rain was no surprise. It was the sudden onset of HAIL that got my attention. We've witnessed hail here several times this spring and summer, but this just came faster and louder. I thought, "Will the windows hold?"

WINDOWS!! I had opened windows at mid-morning when it got pretty warm upstairs. Hubby had already taken care of one of the bedrooms, but was fighting the hail and rain in the other. The hail was piled up between the roll-out window and the screen; he couldn't get the screen out nor the window closed; everything was getting wet. We managed to prevent more soaking by putting up a bath towel over the screen. Well, I wouldn't have needed to water my flowers this morning had I known for sure it was going to rain.

FLOWERS!! Oh, no! I should have put my potted flowers under cover on the patio! They were taking a beating. With hail this size, I didn't care to venture out to grab them; of course, the damage was already done. I hope they will recover over time.

Taken just this morning after I watered them all. Notice the sweet potato vine back by the chair--how has grown to the ground. And the marigolds, purple petunias in the middle; finally the pink and yellow petunias nearest the camera.

Taken after the hail storm. : ( The sweet potato vine is ripped to shreds as are the marigolds and petunias! The only one unharmed is the hanging basket to the right of the door. So much work has been destroyed in such a few minutes. And wouldn't you know this would happen today and company arrives tomorrow!?

Sweet potato vine

Marigolds, purple petunias

Pink and yellow petunias