STORMY WEATHER

What a night! I was awakened at about two in the morning by what sounded like a train racing past my bedroom window. The cat Twiggy was clawing at my bedroom door and the moment I opened it she shot under the bed and did not come out until morning.

A storm had blown up and was tearing at the trees and redistributing all the dustbin lids in the parish! As I made myself a coffee a terrific crash sent me to the window which I foolishly opened, I was unprepared for the strength of the wind or the volume of sound and \i was lucky to retain my grip on the window which I closed again at once.

Out in the lane people with flash lights were examining something in the road and their voices carried across the lawn as they shouted over the still rising wind. Concerned .I donned my dressing gown and went down stairs to see what was the matter and to check on the fire in the library. My son's cat moth was sleeping undisturbed on the hearth rug, the fire was blazing,the bright flames lighting the room and in the chimney the wind roared like an angry dragon.

I decided to keep an eye on things for a little while and settled down in a comfy armchair until an loud rattling coming from the drawing room caused me to struggle to my feet and investigate.

The noise was coming from the flue which rattled and shook alarmingly. We are waiting for the flue to be repaired as the collar was slightly loss,last nights wind hsd torn the remaing seal away and I was relieved that there was no fire in the stove. Assured tha all was as safe as I could make it I hobbled back to bed and thankfully fell asleep at once.

The consequence of my disturbed night was a late start to the morning when I wa awakened by the Postman hammering on the front door and ringing the doorbell for good measure,(the next time I tell you have quiet the countryside here is kick me someone!)

Feeling rusty I made a batch of piklets for breakfast, and we discussed the nights events as we ate. What ever had been going on in the lane during the storm had left no evidence,but I heard later that a neighbours hen house had blown away at the hight of the gale,I expect that the flashlight wavers were rounding up the refugees!

I visited the shop during the afternoon for supplies,here and there were evidences of the nights blow,in a hedge behind the church a few small articles of clothing fluttered in the wind and a disconsolate chicken pecked half heartedly at a paper bag.

I spent the afternoon baking cookies, my cleaner is coming tomorrow and she sometimes brings her children,she is a good friend and I like to have something special for her coffee breaks,I hate to think what I should do without her help.

Now it is dark again,we have feasted on macaroni cheese and partaken of the toffee cookie I made earlier. At the moment all is calm outside and long my it remain so. I am off to take a shower and then ,my cosy bed, much neglected last night awaits and I shall not keep it waiting long.