I admit it. I am terrified of storms, especially storms with lightning and loud thunder! I never used to be so paranoid. It may be one of those down sides to country living.
Did you know thunder storms are louder when there are no houses around? This is true. And it sounds even more thunderous and aggressive when it roars through a valley between two mountain ranges.
We live on the top of a hill! (Sitting Ducks really) Doesn’t lightning strike at the highest point?
Well, our next door neighbor lives on a higher hill. That gives me hope, but here we sit on our respective hills – waiting.
But at the first sign of a storm I run around the house unplugging things, turning off overhead fans, closing windows, and removing rings and watches, locating candles, oil lamps and flashlights. Between flashes and thunder claps I gasp and run in and out of rooms in sheer panic. Then I head for our closet!
I spend a lot of storm time cloistered among shoes and hanging things. The noise is somewhat muffled there.
I used to blame our Golden Retriever, Peaches, for those closet stays. She probably caught the fright from her pawrent because at the first rumble of thunder she would begin to shake. Maybe it was because she saw me begin to shake. At any rate, we both always wound up in the closet to wait things out.
Helpful hint for frightened dogs:
If a storm is pending, rub the fur down with a dryer sheet.
It will reduce static electricity and at least the dog’s hair won’t stand on end.
Really.
We lost Peaches to old age and now I spend lonely vigils in the closet. Bill refuses to admit there is even a storm in progress. Oh, every now and then he will loom up and ask, “Are you o.k.?” He obviously does not understand storm terror.
Tonight is one of those nights. We are in the first severe thunder storm of the summer season. I have already heard the wind, hail and brutal thunder. And now there is torrential rain. Fortunately I have a laptop (unplugged and running on battery). This message comes to you from the closet.
If I survive….. to be continued…..
Great photo!
LikeLike
I was just going to ask why you were on the computer! 🙂 Storms can be so scary. I remember many nights as a kid sitting out the storm in the car with the fam, which was supposed to be safer. We had no lightning rods on the house. I also have vivid memories of pulling out the TV plug and the iron at the same time with a big strike, a flash coming out of the wall. It set the TV on fire. Move over, I’ll be in there with you.
LikeLike
Aw…poor thing. I seem to be more anxious during storms than I used to be. (And my hubby also isn’t bothered by them at all.) I’m sure being in the mountains with no other houses does make for a frightening time. And let me tell ya, living by the water makes for interesting storms too!!! The storm woke me around 2:30 this morning; the lightning flashes were SO bright, but the storm thankfully, never really got that close. And I’m thankful for the rain. Maybe you won’t have TOO many bad storms this summer!
LikeLike
I hope you survived! I so relate to this story, Dor. Since moving to the country, I am sure that the huge storms rolling in from the west are so much worse than when I was a city girl. Sitting on our little hill with our back exposed to the west, I really feel like a sitting duck sometimes. Last night when the thunder and lightning started, our brave little Max cried to get up in the bed with us. If misery loves company, I’m with you, girl!
LikeLike
Well, I’ve found something we don’t have in common. I love storms!! Mike and I actually love to stand out in our garage and watch storms going through. One time when the kids were little we were standing out on the deck watching some lightning way off in the distance and explaining the different types to the boys. All of a sudden a bolt of lightning hit the ground right in front of us. You should have seen the four of us run. It was hilarious!!
This was a great post Dor. You have such a way with words that I could actually feel your fear. I especially loved how you felt a little better because your neighbours are potentially more in harm’s way than you are LOL!!!
LikeLike
After living in tornado alley for many years, you would think storms would terrify me too, but I actually like them (well, except when we lose power for more than a few hours). Of course, I grew up with them. As a kid I would sit on the porch watching the lightning and torrential rain. Call me crazy, I know! Hopefully, this comment does not find you still hiding away among your hanging clothes! 😉
LikeLike
I’m scared of thunderstorms also, Dor…really scared. We’re supposed to get hit late this afternoon.
Great photo!
LikeLike
So Rozie wasn’t afraid of thunder? My cats huddle under the bed. There’s no way I’m crawling there but my closet is a completely enclosed safe place and there’s room for a wine glass.
LikeLike
Thanks for visiting my blog and I’m glad you enjoyed the photo I call “Storm Warning.” 🙂
LikeLike
Oh boy! You have already experienced one of my nightmares with that t.v. going on fire! There’s room for you in the closet – at least until we get another dog. 🙂
LikeLike
Storms over the water must be reallllly scary! Bad enough here. What I need is another dog to go in the closet with me so I can pretend to be the calm collected “Pawrent.”
LikeLike
Our front is to the west but at least in that direction there is forest and high trees for the lightning to find first. Glad to have you along Barbara – Misery really does crave company! Well at least we can commiserate via the blog-us-fear. 🙂
LikeLike
You love storms? Even though that lightning hit right in front of you? Maybe it actually hit you my friend and blanked out your memory? And Mikey’s too? Yikes. But that would explain things. Fortunately, I really like your strangeness and I thank you for your kind words about my writing. I’m also betting you are the only one who “gets it” that I am relieved my neighbors live on a higher hill. 🙂
LikeLike
O.K. Cindy – I am calling you crazy. But as I was telling the other Cindy in my favorite blggers/friends/people, I kinda like crazy people even though I fear they were hit by lightning but just don’t recall the trauma. 🙂 Clear day today with only a few reminders there was a storm.
LikeLike
Head for the closet Jill! But I hope the storm is just a gentle rain.
LikeLike
Kate – How wonderful of you to remember Rozie. I am still crying for her. She too was afraid of lightning and thunder but for most of her time here she refused to join me in the closet. Finally in her last few months she did come in and figured out it was quieter and more soothing there. I’m glad she found that little bit of peace. Next time I go in for a lonely vigil I now plan to take a wine glass! Great idea! 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, that part really made me giggle and I found myself wondering if your neighbours read your blog :).
LikeLike
Actually the neighbors may read my blog since it appears on Facebook! Ah well. This may not be the way to make friends and influence people. 🙂
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
I guess there is no middle ground here, either one ‘likes’ or fears thunderstorms. As a kid, we used to love running around in the pre-storm wind before my mother would call us in. Then we’d make tents out of blankets and the living room furniture. It was dark, safe and exciting! I do still get a ‘thrill’ from a good storm, so long as I am not out in it. There is a bit of worry about wind and downed trees, power outages, etc. I’ve been close to huge strikes, but I figure the odds are in my favor that I will continue to be safe. This was a great post and the photo is very well done. Bully for you for owning your fear, and I think Kate’s idea of taking along a glass of wine is a good one!
LikeLike
🙂 Yes, the glass of wine in the closet should do much to dispel my fears! Thanks Eliza for your encouraging words and may your storms all be gentle rains.
LikeLike
Ooo, maybe that’s why I have this crazy streak – lightning strike out on the porch? 😉 Well, I’m glad your storm has passed and you weren’t too traumatized. Just keep that closet door open cause it might be a stormy summer.
LikeLike
I remember Rozie. When she got sick, I was afraid to open each post fearing the worst. There were a few bloggers that lost their pets around the same time.
LikeLike
Awkward! LOL 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, I love a soft, gentle rain. 🙂
LikeLike
This was terrific ( root source – terrify?) I would be right there with you.
LikeLike
Join the crowd Viv! You are always welcome. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m right with you – hate storms, it’s power and strength that no human can match.
LikeLike
You are such a talented writer!
LikeLike
Yikes Cindy! I am terrible at responding to such compliments. Please keep em coming though. I love your for it. Thank you!
LikeLike