Greetings From the Tornado/Flood/Earthquake/Loose Wild Animals State...

To say that this has been QUITE an evening in Oklahoma is an understatement. 
Since about 3pm, when I returned from my shift at the library, we have been in the midst of an ongoing weather circus of the bizarre. 

First, a very slow-moving, undecided tornadic storm that EVENTUALLY produced several tornadoes.  Thankfully none were as huge and voracious as the May 3, 1999 tornadoes that this storm was compared to, but they were bad enough.

I got the "tornado closet" set up early.  It's really just our master bedroom closet, but it's the place with the most walls around it in this house.  (No, we don't have a certified shelter.  We have too many other expenses right now for that. Someday.  When we get some things paid off...)
I clean out some of the things that normally live in the closet, and put folded blankets down on the floor to sit on.  I make sure the small electronics, their chargers, and the hand-crank emergency radio are in there.  Also flashlights, medications, and our bicycle helmets.

This time, for the last round of tornado warnings, I had my hydration bottle with a margarita mixed up in it.  (Thanks for a great suggestion, Michael Ornstein.  It made the claustrophobia LOTS easier to get over!)  We keep a VERY close eye on the television coverage and the radar scans.  Tornado warnings are given for the whole county, and quite often, the storm in question has already gone south and east of our location by the time the warnings are given.  (For which circumstance may God be praised, and may our good fortune continue!) 

During all these multiple tornado- producing storms, we received a record amount of rainfall.  This caused flooding in many areas, including many roads in Moore.  Far as I know, our neighborhood is OK, but I have wisely chosen not to leave the house.  There was also a small earthquake reported tonight.  If that wasn't enough fun, the animals at a small wildlife park west of the metro got loose in the storm.  (Lions, tigers, bobcats, and BEARS!  Oh, my!)  The animals were quickly rounded up and safely returned to their enclosures.  But still.  Wow.  All on the same night in central Oklahoma.
That's just more "fun" than one state ought to be allowed to have!

Our poor little French drain pump is working overtime.  Glad the power stayed on, or we'd have a permanent lake in the back yard!  I just hope my plants survive.  Poor babies didn't need quite so much water!  Most are well drained, but some may have an issue.  Especially some of the "drought tolerant" roses...
Good thing we gave choir rehearsal a pass tonight.  There was a tornado that crossed the highway we'd have been on at about the time we'd have been on it.  NOT a good thing! 

Through all of this, social media has been very useful, both to keep track of the weather and our friends, and to keep us from going nuts.  Being able to share jokes and information with friends is a wonderful relief in the midst of so much angst.
So, now I am going to head for bed and hope and pray that the weather shuts the hell up so we can sleep.  Thanks to all my friends for being there and for keeping us laughing!  We love you all!!
Here's hoping there are no storms tomorrow.  Tomorrow is #ThursdayNightAtTheLibrary ! I have to be there from 12:30 to 9pm!  Please, God, no more storms.  We've had enough fun for this season.