Storms

In the middle of last night we had a thunderstorm.  It eerily arrived at 2:00 a.m. as though to catch us off guard after a nearly perfect, calm evening.  The loud thunder and rain on the roof woke me kept me from sleep for quite a while.  It was an odd feeling I had.  I was anxious because we've had several tornadoes in the area this summer.  Yet I was grateful at the same time.

I had driven home from yet another trip to North Dakota last night.  On the northern horizon was evidence of a huge fire.  A line of smoke stretched as far as I could see.  I said a silent prayer as I drove through the haze.  This is harvest time here in North Central Montana.  This one month provides the one paycheck the farmers get for the entire year.  A prairie fire is a nightmare.  Miles and miles of wheat on other crops stretch up into Canada.  This is part of our country is feeding the world and I'm grateful for it. In the middle of the night I was hoping the rain on my roof was helping put out the fire. 


This morning I was able to sneak away for a long walk down a gravel road.  The strong wind from the west was actually chilly!  But the skies were clear and free from smoke.  The prairie smells almost spicy after a rain.  Rich aromas that you wouldn't be able to imagine unless you've been here.

The dry prairie and I both needed last nights storm....