Saturday, June 07, 2008

A day of contrasts.


This morning we went on a nature walk - today A's focus was trees, ponds, and birds. We looked at trees - leaves, bark, and propagation (seeds/nuts/flowers) and he brought home some lovely found birch bark. We also sat and visited a pond, and watched tadpoles and pond snails. And of course we watched for birds so that we could look them up in our bird book when we got home. It was such a hot and humid morning, but with all the wind we were mosquito free and really enjoyed the long hike in the woods.

This afternoon, however, was filled with intense storms and tornado sirens. After looking at the radar, we ventured out to pick up a few things at a local store since it looked clear for a bit. While at the store the sirens started, so we filed in with everyone else to the stairwell. The boys sat, visited, and chatted with everyone until we were told we were clear. We raced home, watching ominous black clouds, and driving through pelting rain. We moved plants in, tried to secure the gazebo and deck stuff, and watched the radar. Sure enough, more storms, and more sirens. The boys love visiting the basement during these storms, and sat on the floor under the stairs watching on our emergency weather radio/tv to see what was happening.

Somehow, even with very strong winds, Dover is still secure. Over the past few days I have been slowly working on tying down the planter, as it was not very secure for the strong storms we've been having (I usually set the plants on the ground during storms or they fall...). I have wound yarn and twine around the plant baskets, and Dover, who was blowing all over at first, is now tied fairly securely against the metal framework of the gazebo. I also secured a towel along one side so that there is a somewhat sheltered spot from the insane winds - and the nest is still there, amazingly, although attended by a very wet bird.

Here are some of my photos of the day. This morning/This afternoon.

This morning.



This afternoon.

They say we have about 30 more hours of this weather...whew!

22 comments:

Jodi Anderson said...

It was quite the day of contrasts!!

Sharon said...

Poor Dover! I'm glad you guys have a basement.....The weather has been just crazy this spring! Take care.

Anonymous said...

Nuts! I've been in WI my whole life and never do I remember hiding out in the basement 3 times in one week!

Anonymous said...

Yeeeee, holy cow that would freak me out.

How great that you had a lovely morning though.

Amazing how quickly things can change.

Lizz said...

Wow!

So amazing our intense and changing weather patterns.

Thinking of you all and Dover.

Tammy said...

Definitely a day of contrasts.

Glad you are all safe. I am probably weird, but I think dark stormy skies look so pretty. That last photo is gorgeous!

Lisa Anne said...

I wish we had just a bit of that rain. I am glad all are safe, Dover too!

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

I love the photos.

piscesgrrl said...

I'm telling you, this spring has been some CRAAAAZY weather. Our soccer game just got cancelled today - we haven't played a game yet that hasn't been rescheduled 2 or 3 times. Speaking of crazy-*ss weather, a big ol' clap of thunder as I typed this. Time to log off!

Beautiful pics, BTW! So green! and your new header photo is lovely!

Anonymous said...

We went out this morning when it just started to rain. We could not believe the flooding on Fish Hatch. Wow.

Where did you guys go for your nature walk? It looks beautiful!

tiff said...

oh my goodness...that is a cray sorta day!

once a nesting mama always a nesting mama...you are too good to your doves...they must have sensed that of you and your family...hence why they set up in your hanging plant.

dawn klinge said...

I hope your family, and Dover stays safe. That looks a little scary, but beautiful.

Sally said...

yikes, lady! I'm glad you're safe and sound! Here, we're getting no tornados (thank goodness!), but it feels like a hot and humid August in VA!
Time to cool off with the whisping of knitting needles!

Our Home Schooler and Jen said...

what a beautiful morning

a contrast alright!!!!!!!!!!!!

stay safe

jen

denise said...

Hope all of you locals are high and dry-

Carrie - that walk was at the arboretum. Friday we went on the Gallistel Woods and Teal Pond trails. So much to see there!

woolladyfelter said...

Crazy weather - I love thunderstorms but this one looked a bit dangerous - glad your alright.

Elisheva Hannah Levin said...

Whoah!

That black sky and the stories of you hiding out under the basement stairs reminded me of my Illinois childhood. We also had our "tornado shelter" under the stairs.

Kitty Mommy said...

Ugh! I'm glad that we missed the worst of it. We didn't get back to Wisconsin until evening, but saw some very spooky looking clouds during the last hour or so of the drive!

Kat said...

We'll have to meet up at the arboretum some afternoon coming up.
Its so lovely there.

Anonymous said...

Now I'm paranoid about tornado wielding storms, after my brief encounter with a few.

I love how well you've taken care of Dover. :)

World Wide Alternative said...

Oh WOW! Xxx

momof3feistykids said...

Wow! That is amazing. And scary. By the way, your photography is beautiful.

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