Storms are a part of spring in Texas. And Thursday evening, a nasty one decided to pay a visit to the ranch. Strong winds had the trees dancing in circles, bending this way and that while rain gauges remained empty because the rain came down sideways.
As we stared out the back windows of the house we watched in awe as a couple of our trees succumb to nature's fury.
We were mighty grateful this tree fell away from the house.
While this one was virtually turned into toothpicks.
Even this massive live oak couldn't stand up to the strong winds.
Word has it that it was a tornado that caused this damage and more. But the beauty of the sunset after the storm was definitely breathtaking.
With our electricity out, we ended up spending the night at our camphouse, grateful we had some place to go. Because when morning came, it was time for the cleanup to begin.
Yet while the storm may have inconvenienced us, some of our feathered friends lost their homes. A pair of cardinals have flitted back and forth across the yard for days now, working to build their nest that had been in one of the downed trees. And these Carolina wrens found themselves in the same boat. Though they decided to steer clear of the trees all together.
On a pedestal just outside our kitchen door/window is a galvanized bucket these two thought would make the perfect home. We didn't even realize what they were doing until we saw one pop out of the bucket. By then, the nest was halfway built, so there was no way we could disturb them. So the bucket will remain untouched until these two little birdies decide it's time to move on.
Have you had to weather any storms this year? Have you ever noticed how even God's smallest creatures find a way to carry on?
Three time Carol Award finalist Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children and two dogs. She passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she's not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more a mindyobenhaus.com.
Oh, gracious, Mindy! Talk about a photo being worth a thousand words!
ReplyDeleteAnd I know what you mean about the sideways rain. That was the creepiest thing for me when the tornado went over my house a few years back. The rain was rotating counter clockwise around us. I'm so glad you all are safe.
But the birds! My heart breaks for these tiny ones. Thank you for leaving the bucket for them!
Mary Cate, if I'd lost my home, I'd need a little help, too, just like those birds. ;)
DeleteWow! You certainly had a storm!
ReplyDeleteOne thing about living where we do is that we rarely have tornadoes. After growing up and living in Tornado Alley most of my life, I had gotten used to the constant watching during every severe storm. Radar has made that much easier!
Of course, now we deal with blizzards and hail. And this year, it's been flooding. The ground is saturated, so every rain storm makes the creeks rise and cover the roads.
I hope your yard soon gets back to normal!
Jan, this storm took us a little by surprise. Not the storm itself, but the intensity of it. There was a severe thunderstorm warning, but that's it. It was definitely an adventure. Especially with a 17 month old in the house.
DeleteMindy, that must've been so scary! I can't believe that huge live oak split! And that trailer...wow.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're okay! And thankful you're kind enough to let the birds keep their new home. :)
Missy, I was really surprised that oak split, too. Of course, with those live oaks, it's likely to stay that way and continue to thrive. Gotta love those old trees.
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