While the techs install new running boards to replace the OEM units which failed when SAMBO stepped on the drivers side a couple weeks ago tomorrow. Later that day, I opened my left leg from ankle to knee when another piece broke off as I got out of the truck.

Amid tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings this afternoon, SWMBO and I battened down the hatches and held on as the closest shelter is six miles away. The line wall hit us broadside with heavy, 60+MPH winds, dime sized hail and gusts of rain reminiscent of a high pressure car wash. The pressure differential was sufficient to overcome the gears for the ceiling vent fan covers, causing them to flap like so many Republicans in Ohio. The fifth wheel rocked side to side like Hillary waffling on immigration reform.

Then it was over. Oh, heavy rain continued with gusts in the 30 to 40 MPH range for another hour, but for all intents and purposes, the fat lady had taken her bows and left the stage to her understudy. I went and lay down for a nap. An hour or so later there was a loud pounding on the door ... Neighbors up the road had hiked in when they noticed the road in was completely blocked by downed trees! After assuring them we were fine and did not need to go out tonight, they left to get a chainsaw and tractor to yard the half dozen oak and ash trees blocking our drive in three places. I went out and helped for a few hours hauling severed limbs out of the road. Sadly, I'm about as useful as tits on a bull, hauling one limb to others' five, stopping to get enough oxygen to do more than stand to the side wheezing my one lung up.

After all was said and done, my neighbors came through 150% in our time of need, for which I am extremely grateful. We can get out; ambulances and fire trucks can get in and I only have a week's worth of clean-up ahead of me.

And So It Goes.

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