close call

behind our house there is a large field. it's techincally a utility easement, but its widest part is adjacent to our back yard - with a soccer field, creek, sledding hill and park, and a small wooded area (for small woodland creatures, naturally). This evening an enormous storm blew in. it started as tiny rumblings of thunder, and we looked out every window of the house trying to figure out which way it was coming from... until we realized it directly above us. before long the lightning was crackling and the thunder was bashing through your eardrums. i managed to run out to bring the flag in just as gusts of rain were blowing in from the west. it was awesome to be able to see the rain before it was actually raining.

We all watched the storm from the upstairs bedroom window- facing south across the field. and then *BLAST* - lightning struck next to the houses at the other end of the field. maybe less than a quarter mile. i knew it had hit because the extreme white bolt sparked pink and blue at contact. "holy shit!!!" we exclaimed. that was close. the thunder was deafening. we kept watching the storm, alternating from south to north windows.

maybe ten minutes later- i looked south again - "THERE'S A FIRE!" i yelled. my parents ran to the window and then to the phone to call 911. when i saw it the fire was about my height. by the time the fire department got there (only 2 or three minutes after i had seen it (they had already gotten a call)) it was 30 feet high, engulfing a tree, bushes, and licking up against the two houses on either side of it. it appears there was a shed or detached garage that was engulfed as well. and just like that there were sprays of water everywhere.... and the fire was out. but we watched with binoculars as the firefighters piled up debris and pulled melted siding off the houses.... ne're a dull moment.... and don't underestimate the power of mother nature....