Inland Hurricane 2009

So, on Friday, May 8, Southern Illinois was hit by what is being called an 'inland hurricane.' About 50 solid minutes of a wall of wind clocked at btwn 105 and 125 mph. Almost the entire region lost power. Our electricity was restored after a full five days. Our house was spared, minus some siding, shingles, and a flooded basement (due to sump pump power outage), but all the animals are safe, including we two-leggeds. Here are photos of the aftermath at our house.


Three foot diameter oak tree uprooted, a great loss, changing our skyline dramatically.




Root ball of catalpa tree that fell on the fence



Two large cedar trees and a plum tree full of fruit, all down.


Our Christmas tree--bought it tiny when Raynah was two. I hadn't cried during the storm, or after, until I saw this tree down.


Branches from the silver maple fell on the sweet gum and just missed our house.


A broader view







In the front yard


Another view of front yard



But the chicks are just fine


and it's business as usual for the goats.


So far, during every major storm, a new baby goat has been born. Raynah named our newest kid, Oreo.


Pearl and Oreo are doing great.