Storms

Wow. I can't remember the last time I saw and heard a storm like the one we had this afternoon.

Growing up in SA's East Rand, where the days were incredibly hot and dry, until around four or five in the afternoon when these huge thunderclouds would drift across, which signalled yet another violent thunder storm, before soaking th earth in rich sharp bursts, then the clouds would disappear. These storms were amazing to watch - standing out in the back yard, feeling the sheer force of nature whipping around you, much to my mother's horror. It was incredibly powerful stuff.

Pretty much like today, actually, except for the blazingly hot skies. It has been bizarre - three separate storms, the one more powerful and noisy than the other, to the extent where we could hear the little girl next door burst out in tears as a thunderclap so loud slapped itself seemingly down, outside in the back garden. It shook the houses around us, deafening us - poor Sparrow thought it was Odin coming for his bone.

Things have quietened down, for now. Just a steady long soft drizzle outside. Home made potato and leek soup with cripsy fresh breadrolls fed us whilst the thunder and lightening broiled. We wished for even colder weather, an excuse for rich stews, loads of candles and the crisp morning air so cold it hurt to breathe it.

We are definitely Autumn and Winter children.