Storms Finally Came - Unpredictably

Sunday turned out to be a day of extremes. It started out sunny but the forecast was for serious rain to hit us approximately 4:30 pm and last for up to 90 minutes. Just as well we forgot to take the steaks from the freezer - no grilling if it's raining like mad. 

The skies opened above us, four hours earlier than
predicted. We didn't get everything done that we
wanted to, but we were able to check how some of
the new drainage was working out. 

The weather was unpredictable, however, and that 4:30 was pushed back to 2:30 and then, actually happened, quite unexpectedly, at 12:30. That last half-hour that DH said he needed for the woodshed didn't happen. Fortunately we weren't doing the roof. He was working on the drainage, adding height and compacted soil to push any rain away from the foundation, to either side. He had just started his last wheelbarrow of fill when the skies opened up. 

We had at least two separate waves of rain come through
overnight too, and a third dousing while I was exercising
on my barre this morning at 4:00 am. After more than a
week of no rain, Mother Nature made up for her drought. 

I pulled everything from the patio table and stood under the eaves, nice and dry, while he made sure everything got wrapped up and the edging was put away again. I went indoors, grabbed the umbrella, and came back outside to check the waterflow down our new drainage system. Although the pipe was working very well, we will have to raise the front of the gathering pool. The water was cresting over the end rocks and moving across the soil toward the creek bank. Still, the new drainage probably took care of 80% of the water, so it just needs improvement, it's going to work just fine. DH checked the other two areas where he was working on drainage and made mental notes about what else needed attention. We've been wanting a hard rain for a couple of weeks, just to see what needed tweeking. 

After the afternoon shower, I was wet, but DH was soaked. It was
as if he had been standing in the bathroom shower wearing his
shirt and shorts. At least everything can dry off - LOL. 

Of course, by the time 4:30 pm came around and we would have been setting up the grill for steaks, the skies were beautifully clear and the breeze was light. Sometimes we just can't win with the weather apps. We ordered Chinese take-out instead, and it was quite lovely. 

Here's hoping all your storms are minimal and your days are sunny and mild. Have a wonderful Monday and I'll be back tomorrow.