Severe Storms

I went to church to play piano but I was distracted by the weather. I couldn't take my eyes of the radar. Turns out a tornado touched down in Moore (again.) church was cancelled and I waited it out until it was safe. This is a good time of year to leave Oklahoma. If you're interested, these are tornado clouds from 2013 (shudder.)

That would be the tornado that was headed straight for downtown (which everyone said is weird and actually killed tornado chasers. Yeah I remember weird things like that.) Today, I took no photos. I was holed up away from windows, terrified. 

This is from one of my coworkers Facebook accounts. Do any of my blogger friends live in Oklahoma? Or anywhere else with regular tornado sightings? 

Make A Difference Monday

A big storm was coming and we knew it. Most big storms go around us and we didn't think it was a big deal. A movie was our big plans for the night. We walk over from our downtown apartment and find our friends sitting in the park. The last tornado was a mile south of their home and they weren't taking any chances. After visiting, we continued on  and went to a restaurant for a light dinner. The tv was blasted and we watched the weather carefully. It was 20 miles west of us. That's not a problem. These storms always go around downtown. 

We made it to the theater and got settled in for the movie. After the previews, the movie started but stopped before the credits were over. Management came in to explain the situation. The movie continues for about 10 or 15 minutes and then stops with no explanation. We find out that it's possibly headed our way. We wait in the halls of the theater. Waiting. Within 10 minutes, it's howling outside. It looked like a hurricane in TV, since I've never seen one in real life. After the fact we learned the tornado went south, as usual but it was so powerful. Tons of wind and rain and lightening and thunder. The movie was 6:30 and we left the theater at 8:50. There was a small window between tornadoes, seriously?, and we might make it home. It was lightly raining and we were booking it. Walking/running through puddles the size of small ponds. Once home, we had partial power and the storms came back up with a vengeance. That was my close call. I didn't want to leave the safety of the theater but I didn't want to stay there all night.

It was a crazy walk home! I don't have a lot of money to give back but I try to volunteer when the opportunity arises. Below are some organizations I'm connected with tightly and loosely. Give money if you can or give time. What you have will help someone. COPA Cares

Salvation Army

American Red Cross

Peoples Church

Journey Church

Life Church

 

 

 

Serious Sunday

Dear friends,

You may have heard Oklahoma City is in a rough tornado season. The May 20th storm wiped homes off the map. May 31 a tornado came through El Reno and Yukon. At the time, we thought it was headed straight for downtown. I've called downtown OKC home for the last 2 years and have never been hit by a tornado. In fact there is no record of a tornado hitting downtown. Thankfully, the tornado turned south. As it was going south, we received inches of rain, strong winds, and hail. This rain flooded the basement of The Montgomery, my apartment complex. As workers were pumping the water out, they made a grave mistake. The water was pumped to where an old transformer sits, which blew from the unwelcome water. The Montgomery lost all power and the local power company ordered all residents to leave. We had no warning and no time to grab 3 days worth of clothes. I spent my time trying to get the kitties, which turned out to be fruitless. Then I changed tactics. I put out all the food and 5 massive bowls of water. Throwing clothes into a bag and hoping for the best. We left our kitties behind. They are resilient but I can't stop thinking of them. I don't know when our home will open up but it won't be soon enough. Many homes lost power and the local power company is focusing first on hospitals, police, and fire. We're second tier. Tomorrow, I'll share my experience in the tornado that did not hit downtown and ways you can help those in need. Please pray for Chomps and Kirby.

Chomps at The Montgomery.

Kirby at The Montgomery. 

Make A Difference Monday

The COPA Reefers band had two gigs this weekend. I play keyboards for the band. Depending on the song I'll use steel drums, strings, and a rock organ. I do use the regular piano sound but the steel drums seem to be more popular. In a sense this makes me a percussionist, an assessment that I'm ok with. I did play auxiliary percussion in high school. My history with music is long and varied. Such a blessing! At times, I'm surprised at my muscle memory and memory of chords. The years of rote memorization and practicing has paid off. I never would have expected that.

In other news, we raised $200.00 in tips to donate to COPA Cares, the local parrothead 501 c 3 non profit, which will help club members who were devastated by the tornado. 

Other news, severe weather is predicted for Wednesday. I'm starting to panic now because I don't know if that will be a tornado or not. It could be a tornado. Eek! Please stay tuned for travel Tuesday!

Silly Saturday

A comparison:

Tornadoes versus earthquakes

Personally, I have found these two powerful forces to be very disturbing. Watching walls and floors shake in unnatural ways defies all logic. Witnessing the destruction of entire towns is mind blowing. Having lived in places where these natural acts occur regularly, I can attest to which is preferable. Folks who live in tornado alley should count their blessings. There's a days notice beforehand. Tornadoes are easily visible on radar and weather professionals will tell you when to get to safety with 20 minutes to spare. I have lived here for nearly 2 years and I'm constantly quizzing the natives. Tornadoes are no big deal to them. I am regularly terrified but I am not a native. I don't consider tornado alley my home but merely a pit stop in life. Earthquakes are as terrifying and can be as destructive. There is no warning. Boom! Your feet can't trust the ground and there is no where to hide. There's no earthquake shelter to take cover. That is impossible. While I will pay due respects to tornadoes and their destruction, there is a way to hide and protect yourself. Tornadoes are better. If you live in a place that has tornadoes but no warning system, such as a siren, you are in grave danger. My recommendation is to move or get a weather radio. In fact, I need a weather radio to ease my fears. Tornado season will be here in no time.

Please stay tuned for make a difference Monday, where I will share an inspiring quote.

Interesting weekend

This past weekend was interesting because there was the threat of destructive weather. Fortunately, the weather stayed away from me. I know Norman had damage but that wasn't close to here. I am very thankful for where I live. It is close to work and far from where tornadoes typically go. I am praying for this years tornado season to be quiet and everyone stays safe. Thank you Lord for protecting me. 

Destructive Tuesday

There were many tornadoes that came through Oklahoma today. There’s so much damage. I’ve learned a lot today about how to be prepared. Its time to go shopping! I’ll be buying another flashlight (who knows where the others are), a weather radio, and I know the Cox Center is the safest place in downtown Oklahoma City. I can pack some beers, game, and camping chairs to wait out the storm there. Hiding in my garage is ok too if there’s not enough time to get to Cox Center. What do you do to get prepared?