Ahhhh, hurricane season.  It’s that time of year when Mother Nature does the ‘Cops’ show a favour and pressure-washes that show’s largest soundstage (also known as the state of Florida).  You can always tell when the winds are getting near since the clouds are headed east to west up here in Atlanta.

I understand why Florida is appealing to some (seniors, rich people protecting their homes from seizure, insects the size of cucumbers…) but I could never live in an area where there’s a darn good chance of your home getting bowled over by 120 mph winds several times a year.  The same logic can be applied to tornado country in Oklahoma, although at least Florida has a shoreline.  Plus you just don't know when a tornado's gonna hit.

Lots of people complain about snow but let’s compare a blizzard to a hurricane.  A snowstorm leaves a beautiful blanket of whiteness on everything while a hurricane tosses around trees like they were lawn jarts.  A snowstorm is a great reason to cuddle around the fire and look outside at the beautiful transformation taking place.  During a hurricane you’re huddled inside the strongest structural part of your house in hopes that the walls don’t collapse.  The aftermath of a snowstorm is that kids get to sled and ski and make snowmen and snow angels.  The aftermath of a hurricane for kids is to help dad pick up the loose branches and fallen roof shingles.

I’ll take Mother Nature’s frozen fury any day over the wrath of a hurricane.

*****

Afternoon update - As I was walking outside into rather windy weather, I noticed a robin standing on the concrete who, while its feet were firmly planted, had his tail whipped back and forth by the wind.  Kind of a neat visual.