July 20, 2009 - approximately 10:30 pm. Loosely described as a hailstorm, but most likely a microburst (next best thing to a tornado . . .) that hit my area quite unexpectedly. I love violent weather - I find it completely fascinating. I stood in my garage doorway, watching the hail twist and turn and blow 1" stones about like feathers until I realized it HURT! The good news - my house remained snug, no broken windows, no loss of power; the bad news - my gardens have been gorgeous this spring and summer because of the moisture and lower temps we've had - all ripped away in a matter of moments. Perennial plants have incredible recouperative powers - they will return. And those that don't just give me the opportunity to try something new in my gardens!

I'd never claim these to be photographs - just some visuals of cold, white, hard stuff in July!