Local meteorologists were all over this one - predicting that there could be nighttime storms and that those storms could be heavy at times. As we drove over a local river yesterday, right before dusk, we could see that recent rains were pushing the river levels over the banks and that more rain would add to the spill-over. Discussions before choir rehearsal were on the order of, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. They say lotsa rain and lotsa snow but it never happens." I went to bed with my computer totally unplugged......just in case.
Capt. SO and I were sleeping peacefully, 'round midnight. This is not the "'Round Midnight" of jazz history. Not the "'Round Midnight", 1986 film about the real-life jazz legend, tenor saxophonist Dale Turner. Not the "'Round Midnight", 1944 jazz standard by pianist Thelonius Monk that is the most-recorded jazz standard written by any jazz musician. No, not that "'Round Midnight". The 'round midnight of two regular "joes" who were sleeping soundly....right before the heavens opened up, the rain came down, and hail reigned. (pun intended)
The "Hail-Mary" moment was only two to three minutes in length, but it was fierce while it lasted. The sound was rather like being pelted by the contents of dozens of those candy machines that sell the outrageously large candies known as "jawbreakers".....and for good reason. You know, the jawbreakers that every kid begs for, parents forsee the Heimlich maneuver in their future, then give in and buy them anyway. Those jawbreakers.
We were awakened with a start, not quite understanding what we were hearing but knowing that it was not a normal nocturnal noise. By the time we became aware of what was striking the roof, deck, windows, and brick, Mother Nature had thrown in other tricks from her bag, such as thunder and spectacular lightning, bringing full disclosure to her intent. Fortunately, the show was short-lived and she ended her temper tantrum with simple rainfall, which lulled our ears, eyes, and brains back to sleep.
Hail, Mary. We're glad you moved on.
Ancora imparo
