Shit!

The weather radar map predictions said this was going down the next valley. The storm system marching into the foothills was something we put emergency plans together for to keep us safe. But as usual the meteorological service screwed up again. The storm chasers on X were a far better choice.

Lightning struck one of the Ponderosa pines in the windbreak east of the house, and the trunk cracked as I watched. This wasn't going to be your usual thunderstorm. Four more were lined up behind this one. The Douglas firs behind them were swaying, their supple upper branches bending to almost to horizontal.

Mental note: Tune up the chainsaws first. They were dull when we went out to cut Christmas trees. There's no doubt we'll get more than enough firewood from downed tree limbs. The birch and aspen groves higher up the hills would need a thorough inspection.

Our dude ranch business brought in day trips only now that we were heading into autumn. Derechos this late in the season were anomaly. Not that the weather this year has been anything but bi-polar.

Lightning formed lacework between sky and earth. Booming thunder was nigh on continuous, and the primal thrill of it made me wish I was out in my Jeep chasing the leading edge of this front. My brother drew the straw today.

I pulled my raingear on. I knew the rules said shelter in place, but the horses were likely going crazy, and my stable hands can always use help. The radio crackled on the kitchen counter. Storm watchers calling each other. They didn't count on the cell network to warn us.

The rest of the storms looked like they were curving north. I guess four out of five right was eighty percent. They just missed one, and I took a deep breath as I steeled myself to face the wind and sideways rain. The porch was drenched.

"Kaylee!"

What the fuck! I can't answer the radio now. Why weren't they using call signs?

I turned around and picked up the mic.

"What!" If they weren't using proper protocols, neither would I.

"Stay in the lodge. We're good in here. The Stetson twins are here."

Jake and Slim's girlfriends. Always wore their cowboy hats. Like glued to their heads. One wore white and the other black. Two of the best horsewomen other than me in ranch country.

"Nice timing. I was on the porch."

"Sit back. Your brother is feeding us info on the other frequency."

I placed the mic back on its hook and went to peer out the window.

Hail started. Unless you've been through it, you can't understand the sound. Freight trains were silent by comparison.

There wouldn't be a leaf left on any of the deciduous trees. Likely Mother Nature would prune a few of the evergreens too. Thank God this wasn't a dry storm. At least the forest fire threat was close to zero.

Nothing to do but sit and wait. Twiddling my thumbs wasn't my way. There had to be something I could do.

The attic? Yeah. Time to see what was stored up there. I wanted to convert the storage area into my own private master suite.

Whistling Oh My Darling, I went up the pull down ladder like stairs. God it's stuffy up here.