Was Edward Scissorhands at my house?

When I lived in Charlotte, I used to poke fun at "Storm Team 9."  At the first sign of dark clouds, the "Storm Team" was out in force.  When a house down the street from our caught fire from lightning, I stopped laughing. 

Yesterday in Phoenix, we needed a little storm team action.  We got three storm bursts during the day, each with hail larger than before.

The last storm happened at 4:55, while I was standing in the UPS store trying to ship a package before the deadline.  People in the parking lot were pointing to the sky and minutes later, it erupted.  Golf-ball size hail bounced on the street and cars.  A tree fell on a van in front of the store. 

It was quick and powerful, and my daughter Ruth and I watched from the safety of the store.  Driving home was dangerous as tree limbs littered the streets.  As I drove into my neighborhood I started feeling dread.  Hail lined the street like snow banks.  Well, at least 1/2" high snow banks.  

This should be clear and blue!

As I pulled up, 15-year-old Cathrine ran out to tell me that the windows had shattered.  Walking in the door, I got a lecture from my 17-year-old for forgetting my cell phone.  He was worried about me.  (hmmm ... not so fun when the shoe is on the other foot).

Shredded is the only word to describe the damage.  Broken glass.  A pool that looks like a pond.  A million leaves and branches everywhere.  It's like someone came with a thousand scissors, and absolutely no topiary experience!

So, a little weather excitement in the desert.  Now it's calls to my homeowner's insurance and clean up time. 

I wonder if there's any bread and milk left in the stores.  Maybe I need to head down and stock up.  Isn't that what you are supposed to do?

In His Love,

Glynnis