I hope everyone had a good weekend. The family was here, and I've got a few pics to show you. There are those who don't like the camera, so I'm not posting those this time, but the grandkids, that's another story. Oh my goodness. Everyone arrived Friday evening between rain showers, but it rained all day Saturday, preventing any outdoor play time or hay rides. Although the kids were able to play on the front porch a bit of the time, it was mostly Grandma's gymnasium with the running circle and other attractions, that kept the kids from going stark raving mad. It might have had the opposite effect on the grownups. :-)
Yes, I came upon the kids trying to give themselves concussions by riding (being pulled FAST) lawn furniture cushions down the steps to the living room. I finally had to put a stop to it, but they got several rounds in before I caught them. I can see that it's great fun, until somebody has to be rushed to the emergency room. I know, Grandma is SUCH A KILLJOY!
Upper right: Grandpa and a few kids taking a breather a.k.a. 'recharging.'
Anyway, it was lots of fun to have the family home. I always love it.
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I realized that I hadn't shown my Blogger pals the aftermath of the tornado that ripped through (3 miles from our home) Barron County last Tuesday. Here are a few pics to show you some of the storm damage. One life lost and so many homes demolished by this terrible storm. Along Highway O and Highway SS, the tornado snapped off 25 power poles. I didn't get a photo of the destroyed turkey barns and confused, wandering (or dead) turkeys. And the odd thing about a tornado is that either side of the path there's no damage. So one place will be obliterated and the other, just yards away, will be left intact.
Life can change in an instant.
I took this photo in January.
This was before the barn was instantly turned into a pile of kindling on Tuesday.
(see previous pic)
just 100 yards from where our son and his family live.
Their home was undamaged, but 40+ homes were destroyed.
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I think all the petals will be gone before we get another sunny day.
Such a minor concern.
A storm like the one that came through last week really helps put things into perspective.
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Linking to MOSAIC MONDAY
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34 comments:
Judy, that tornado damage is terrible. I am so happy that your family is safe and that you had such a happy time. Life changed in an instant for those people. xo Laura
So glad you saved the kiddos from concussions Judy. If I did not know better I would think those tornado pictures were from Alabama. Unfortunately I have seen many similar sites.
OMGOSH, Judy! I did not realize you were that close to that destruction in Barron Co. How horrible. We were watching the news here and could not believe the damage.
On a happier note, I am so glad the kids/grands were there to visit over the weekend. It is what keeps us going, isn't it? The love of family...no matter what else goes on around us it is the family that keeps us grounded.
Have a wonderful new week. xo Diana
I am so sorry about all the damage done by the tornado. Grateful you weren't hurt by it.
Your grandchildren are delightful! What fun coming down those stairs!!
Wishing you a new week full of joy and blessings!
So sad to see the destruction and to know a life was lost. It certainly gives one pause. And I did not know that such weather ever troubled your corner. Harsh winters and harsh springs, too? Does not seem fair.
Glad that you were entertained by the troops over the weekend!
You have such beautiful grandkids, Judy. Boy, that tornado really did some damage. Your last photos are gorgeous, as always. Have a wonderful week, Judy.
Oh, my goodness! Such fun photos of your grands! LOVE the recharging one! And, it is sad to have to be the KILLJOY, but I tell them, "It's all fun and games until the crying starts." LOL! Yes, the ER visits must be avoided at the cost of being no fun. ;)
There have been fierce tornadoes all across the country this spring. We had one 35 miles west of us that took lives, too. They leave a trail of incredible destruction. I'm glad you and yours were not in the path.
Beautiful spring photos!! blessings ~ tanna
What devastation. Did you have to go to a storm cellar? was there any warning?
Oh those grandkids can wear us out:) That storm sure made a mess of things! SO sad, that beautiful barn:( Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!
Judy, destruction of a tornado is awful. Some years back we had one rip through a family members home and they were about 2 houses down from us. So very frightening. Glad your family is okay. Oh the joys of grandkids. They are so much fun. But I will share a little secret with you...I am so glad that I had my children young! DANG...I don't have the energy I used to have. LOL! Love the pictures as always. You have the pretties things blooming. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Hello, the tornado damage is awful. I am you and and your family were Ok. Your grandkids are all adorable, love the shot with their granddad. Beautiful flowers and blossoms! Happy Monday, enjoy your new week ahead!
Hi Judy, the tornado certainly wreaked havoc in that community, the devastation is heart breaking, I'm so glad that your family were spared. The grandchildren are a different type of tornado altogether and look to have worn your husband out completely, poor Grandad!
Happy Mosaic Monday.
Maggie.
I hate tornadoes. So glad you and your son's home was spared. Dreadful storms. I giggled at the images of the grands -- recharging indeed! So many gorgeous blooms -- wonderful color. Happy Monday!
Oh my. What devastation! So thankful that your son and his family were spared! Such things illustrate just how little control we have over anything.
Good times at your house over the weekend . . . even if the rain did keep everyone indoors. Your grandkids' (thwarted) attempts at entertainment remind me of the time that I found my son and his friend at the top of our uncarpeted, wooden steps on a cardboard "sled" preparing to ride down. (Let me add that there was a mere couple of feet between the bottom step and the facing wall.) They couldn't understand why I objected to their plan for great fun. :O
all that damage makes me want to cry. I would have cried with all those kids stuck inside.
Grandchildren are the best but I find myself worn out after a day with them. Several years ago we had a tornado go over our house. We were lucky, while it broke off some trees and scattered porch furniture all over the yard it didn't damage the house or workshop. Some folks several miles away weren't so lucky. Homes were destroyed but no one was killed. It happened in the middle of the night. The horrible sound woke us but we weren't aware of what actually happened until the morning. So glad you and family are safe.
Pat
Such horrible devastation. You are right about life changing in an instant. Love the photos of the grands!! Had to chuckle at Grandma being the 'bad guy'....
Slowly getting back into blogland. That storm must have been terrifying! So much damage. I heard they guess about $10 million in damages through that whole area. My heart goes out to all affected - and sending prayers!
You're so right how something like that puts everything in perspective. So glad you folks were okay.
Blessings on your week my dear Judy! xoxo
I think tornados are the most frightening of all storms. At least with hurricanes we have time to get out of the way. My favorite picture is the one of the kids recharging with grandpa. How sweet! We had stairs when I was growing up and sliding down on pillows was one of my favorite things to do. Of course, we could only do it when Mother was not home. :)
Beautiful flowers..what a fun time with the kids..So sorry for the affected by the Tornado..Excellent pictures of the damage..Glad you and your family were OK..Enjoy your week..
What a contrast--the serenity of the beautiful flowers and the family fun at your house, with the dark post tornado photos and the destruction. I feel badly for those who had destruction, but am thankful your kids are OK.
Such a contrast of photographs.
Lovely to see the blooms and the grand-kids.
Not nice to see the destruction caused by the tornado.
Glad you are all ok.
All the best Jan
I know only too well the devastation of a tornado as we had a bad one in 1985. Where we live now they usually hit north of us but we get the high winds that rip shingles off roofs. So glad you had a photo of the barn that was destroyed for if it is rebuilt, likely won't look the same.
It's a disaster that affects humans and wildlife immensely and animals/birds that are used to the safe haven of a building, I feel sorry for.
Glad your family was safe.
Wow! What horrible devastion from the tornado! How scary! And so sad to hear a life was lost! So glad you and yours were OK though. Your grandkids are so cute and that game on the stairs is soo what my grandkids would do, lol. I do hate being the "kill joy" too, but somebody has to be right? lol Your pictures are as gorgeous as ever of course. That tree! The pink one...oh my goodness...soo pretty!
I wanted to tell you that I have watched all 7 of the epidsodes of Anne of Green Gables. I started off thinking exactly the same way you did. Seeing others play the roles of Anne, and Marilla and Mathew was just too distracting. But then...as I got into the series and saw how they changed things up it was OK. I can say I was thoroughly entertained, but it did seem like they went a little "deep" and have shown a side of suffering and what it must have been like for her before she came to Green Gables that I am not sure was necessary. Though on the other hand it was good. But definitely different. Overall? I'd give it a good 8 out of 10! Gut while I let my younger grand daughters watch the original series, I would think twice about letting them view this one until they are a little older. Is there going to be more? Almost seems like there'd have to be...they definitely left you hanging, lol
Enjoy your week!
So true . . things can change in an instant . . .
Such destruction . . . sad to see old barns dropped to the ground.
Sounds like you had a full house with many grands.
Bet they had fun with the rolling cushions but oh my . . ,
Children are fearless in those moments.
Reminds me of when the four grands would be here at the same time and they
would play their slide down the stair steps game on their rumps . . .
Giggles and laughter magnified . . .
Was a fun site . . .
What a terrible tragedy. I grew up in Ohio and it seemed like we were right in the path of many tornadoes and do recall several times having to retreat to the cellar. Your post certainly displays some of the horrors of those storms....unbelievable before and after shots of that beautiful barn. I guess one can always say "it surely could have been worse". Your time with the grands over the weekend sounded like a fun time. My kids used to slide down steps all rolled up in a sleeping bag...LOL!
Tornado strength is terrifying. So much damage and no way to prevent it.
Loved seeing your blossoming garden and happy grands.
Joy
Oh my goodness---such damage and happiness your son and fam are ok but sadness for the other people not so lucky. Your flowers are beautiful.
MB
Such a contrast amongst your photos of nature at her best and very worst. I am so sorry for the damage and loss of life. On a happier note what a fun, if exhausting weekend you have just had!
Wren x
Oh Judy, the tornado damage was horrible, heartbreaking. Your pictures sure made the devastation more real to me (I don't watch the news on TV nowadays). Anyway, It's the fact that it can happen so suddenly that makes it so frightening to think about. Kind of just like life though when you think hard enough about it. So meanwhile , or instead, it is great to enjoy, and be thankful for, adorable grandchildren and beautiful Spring flowers .... especially lilacs! I remember lilacs, which I almost never see any more.
Speaking of your adorable grand kids though, I have a strong urge to try that staircase sliding trick (so it's a good thing that I live in a one story cottage )).)
There is so much to comment on......a bunch of wow moments as I sit here. Maybe I should just say I like lilacs and I'm glad you are all ok.💕
So sorry to hear about the tornado and lost life. A stunning contrast with the life in your other photos - I especially liked the one with the lilac in the foreground and the hostas in the background.
I hadn't heard about the tornado - what devastation these storms can wreak in such a short while.
All the pink and purple flowering in your corner of the world are so pretty and such a contrast to the tragedy not very far away.
Glad you are okay, and that you had a great weekend with the family.
Oh my, that tornado must have been a scare, Judy. You got some great pictures of the after math. I'm so glad your son was ok, and that his house wasn't damaged. You are blessed with those grandchildren of yours. It looks like they had a fun time, and I chuckled when I saw them sliding down the stairs with the cushions. It's something my kids would have done. Kids and their imagination. So glad you got a chance to spend some great moments with all of them. Enjoy these last days of May, Judy.
~Sheri
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