Huricane Force Winds At Kilmurry
After taking a weeks vacation from blogging I'm back on-line with the news that last night Kilmurry House (and the rest of Ireland and most of the UK) had a very bad storm. Storms are normal this time of year, but 80 to 100 MPH winds are rarer. I gather parts of Wales had their worst weather in 40 years. As mentioned in previous web blogs, we've had similar weather here twice in the 1990's. At least this year the radio and TV stations stayed on top of things.
As luck would have it, the guys (husband and house-mate) have gone to Finland and missed the "fun." Which left me in bed with the cats upstairs and one of our dogs in the kitchen. I would have brought the other dog in but I can't control him on a lead; also by time I realized how bad things were going to get it was dark and the government was warning people to stay indoors. Friends who came over to feed the animals today didn't mention him having any problems, so I gather the poor dog is OK. But I would not have wanted to face last night in large run. Even if it does have a sheltered area in an old cat run. But Elk Hounds are tough dogs and I'm sure this experience will be used by my husband to continue his campaine to let both dogs sleep in the kitchen every night. Which will be fine by me, ONCE the courtyard is closed in so I can let them both out in the morning, dog learns not to "mark" the kitchen, and husband proves that dog has now learned that cats are not on the lunch menu. I think its likely he can be taught this last one; he's not a breed of dog (like terriers or wolf hounds) with an urge to chase and bring down creatures. Elk Hounds do chase, but learn to stand and guard after they do it. But it may take awhile for him to realize that these are HIS cats. Husband has incentive to teach dog this because his two favorite cats live inside the house and would be the most likely targets of any problems. Meanwhile, we have dog in some nights and not others.
Anyway, last night I would have brought his sister up with me for company, but I couldn't figure out a way arrange cats, doors, offices etc on short notice. She seemed happy enough in the kitchen, though she was soaked to the skin by the time she came in. And if you've ever seen Elk Hound fur (think double thick shag carpet with a felt under layer) you know this doesn't happen often. I made sure everyone was fed, turned off the computer when the wind started to kick up a bit. Unplugged the TV, filled the bath tub, lit candles and went to bed with a book (and cats). Things were find until about 1:30 am when I heard,
"WHAM, THWACK, BUMP, WHOOSH," the wind had been playing before it was really here now. Blasting its way against the bedroom shutters and howling like a injured animal when it hit. For just a moment, I thought a car had driven up, then I realized it was just the wind hammering the path in front of the house. Candles began to flicker as the wind whooshed down the bedroom chimney, and then the bangs, moans and thumps got even louder. Now, I'm sure that having my husband home would not really have made any difference at all in terms of my being safe; but let me tell you it is a very strange feeling being all alone in a 200 year old house during such violent weather. I say violent, because very soon the sounds of wind were also accompanied by the effects of lashing rain, hail and sleet pounding on the glass conservatory just below my bathroom. It brought back very unwelcome memories of sitting alone in a darkened apartment with my furniture all around me; as hurricane Fredrick battered my student apartment. There was a good reason these memories were coming back to haunt me, it seems the winds were pounding the same amount of force.
Its interesting that when winds reach speeds of 75 mph over the water (and going in a circle) its called a hurricane. But when its the same exact speed (or higher) going over land, its just a wind storm. Even though its blowing in directly from the Atlantic. I gather the storm is hitting Denmark at this hour and the Danes are calling it a hurricane. I wonder if that's a direct translation from the Danish? I'll have to ask my beloved (with the P.H.d in Old Scandinavian studies) when he gets home. I have no idea if the storm is hitting Finland or not. It is taking a whack at the Holland; radio Netherlands was reporting lots of downed trees, flooded roads and wind damage.
But to get back to me, on the bed, with the cats. Cats who are trying to make mommy "feel" better. They do this by each trying to force me to pet them all at the same time. This does distract me from a mantra of, "This house is 200 years old and has stayed standing that long, its probably going to stay standing a while longer..." Repeat a dozen times until it seems possible or cats force you to concentrate on, on...sounds of crashing hallway? Yikes! Maybe the roof is going? The window broken, all manner of disasters go through the Disaster Cat brain. Further inspection reveals hat a large Inkle Loom has fallen to the ground, untouched by human hands, but no, the winds have not touched it. Rather one of the cats has become tired of the pet me game and have decided to attack the small shuttle left dangling from a piece of string. Loom is not well balenced enough to stay standing during this attack. Thankfully loom is not fragile and is not damaged in any way; just broken a few of mommie's nerves. Back to bed, with book , cats and candles when, it happens:
The Power Goes OUT!
I'd been expecting this, our local electric lines are all above ground. Why, when we often get high winds in Winter (not often this high but high enough) I don't know. But I guess it makes work for ESB (the electricity board). Later I will discover that 70,000 other customers lost power about the same time. I don't know about them yet, I do know about me. I debate winding up the Bejin wind up radio and light; but decide that 2am is as good a time for bed as any other. So, I make myself turn off the light switches so I don't wake up if the power comes back and snuggle under the covers. Where I spend about three hours pretending to sleep; alternating between the listening to Nature's Rage and the "house has lasted 200 years..." mantra. Dozing off once in a while to be jerked awake by little cat paws asking if
"Mommy would still like to pet us? "
Mommy growls quietly and briefly considers bringing dog up to sleep on the bed....she's a nice dog, she won't eat the cats, but they are unlikely to sleep on the bed if she is there. Then I remember husband describing how dog kept him awake the other night when he brought him into the spare room. It seems she couldn't decide which leg made a better pillow. Not such a good idea then, besides I'd have to use the flashlight etc....better to shove cats off the bed, At least I'm used to it....
Suddenly, after what seemed like forever, the room is full of light and I have obviously been asleep for awhile. Its 9am, the sun is shining and most importantly:
THE WIND HAS STOPPED!
Its very, very quiet outside, not even the roosters are making any noise. I wonder about this and hope the chicken run is still there. But even if it were blown away, the boys wouldn't be likely to go very far. I gather everything is still fine by the way, though the place may need a few repairs. Most of the day was sunny and cold, but with weather reports of more winds to come. Glances out the window show no obvious downed trees and the conservatory is still there.
Its now dark again, and except for occasional gusts, its been pretty calm. I gather round two is supposed to be late tonight or tomorrow. Guess I'd better go let the dog into the kitchen and put an extra blanket on the bed. Blankets don't just keep you warm, they are great claw protection!
Melodi....after a dark and stormy night....
PS - everything here is fine, no damage in our village either. Major damage in Galway, Scotland, Wales and parts of Yorkshire including a ferry gone aground. Glad we didn't go to Wales this year, like we did last year at this time....