It was a dark and stormy night...

A huge storm is roaring through here over the next couple of days, with high winds and heavy rain. When we lived on the farm, this would trigger a lot of activity. We would put down extra hay for the sheep and shut them in the barn. Fuel up the generator and bring extra firewood to the house. Put fuel in the oil lamps. Secure the greenhouse and stow the patio furniture. Here, not so much.

The power rarely goes out in this area. We have underground services, so falling trees aren't the threat they pose elsewhere. We aren't on a well, so when the power does go out we still have water. Our house is very energy efficient and will stay warm from the gas fireplace. No livestock to worry about. The boat has been checked, loose objects secured, and we're done.

This does not diminish the excitement of a storm. We are avid weather watchers and will gladly watch documentaries about the weather, discuss weather, research weather and email each other links to weather maps. It matters to us. It is easy to complain about the weather; it's too hot, too cold, too this, too that, but knowing how weather works in our part of the world helps us plan.

As boaters, marine forecasts are invaluable. Planning trips to the mainland involves looking at forecasts that may affect ferry travel. Knowing whether I have a window of time to garden between downpours helps me plan my time. But above all, it is the childlike wonder at the strength of Mother Nature that keeps me glued to the forecasts and staring at the sky. Stay warm and dry, my friends.