Still here.

I did, however, believe this morning at 2A that we would be blown off the planet and out into the cosmos.  Gale force winds ripped the plastic off the hoops and managed to pull the iron rebar posts straight out of the ground - my compost bins were scattered, limbs were down, BUT, contrary to recent events, all of the Guineas were in the coop.  They must know their weather, since for the first time in days, all six were huddled on the roost inside last night. 

It was ever so much fun to do chores in the cold, torrential, horizontal rain.  As I struggled against the wind, trying to keep a firm grasp on both the feed bucket and the hay, three furry noses poked out from the shed.  That was all that emerged.  So it was breakfast in bed this morning for the woolies.  When I opened the chicken door, the chickens and Pearlies all ran out, then slammed on the brakes and ran back in.  I decided to harvest some of the Swiss chard since the cover was off, I was already soaking wet, and I wouldn't be able to get the plastic back on until tomorrow morning - it may all be dead by then.

My trip into work this morning was ... interesting.  Trees were down, limbs were down, power outages darkened traffic lights.  There were three detours - which made me happy that I had taken the time over the years to develop alternative routes.  I needed them all this morning.

I would say that the Mayan calendar went out with a bang, and the Winter Solstice started with the same.  I am glad that it was rain and not snow, but - wait!  If it had been snow, I could have stayed home!  I hope all of you in the path of the storm are safe and snug at home.