I can feel myself getting hypnotized by the wind blowing the trees in the woods behind the house. I’ve heard a couple of loud cracks, seen a decent sized branch come down, and saw the top 10 feet or so of one of the smaller (meaning slightly less than gigantic) pine trees snap off.

The trees closest to the back yard are mostly just swaying, but the bigger gusts are making the taller trees further away really dance.

I’ve been keeping an eye on Methuen Mayor Manzi’s Facebook page and the comments are beginning to tell stories of trees falling onto roads and power lines and in one case a house, and I can hear sirens almost constantly.

It’s starting to get interesting. Let’s hope this is as serious as it gets.

It’s not bad yet, but it’s getting windy.

The storm isn’t here yet, but the pouring rain is.

Sunday morning. Irene Day, 2011.

All quiet on the tropical storm front. I hear a little gusty wind outside, but the storm itself is still 2-3 hours away. The Mayor’s Facebook page says that there are already reports of downed trees. Fortunately none on or near our property. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Yes, there is a good chance I might semi-live blog the storm. What a nerd.

Hang in there, Mr Tree. Make it through this, baby.

Available right now from Some-Red-Haired-Guy Records (inc),

The latest hit single from Some Red Haired Guy,

Hurricanes Blow!

Including the instant (anti) classics:
Hurricane Irene Blues
and
Storm Comin’ Waltz

Get yours now!

(hehe, again… somebody stop me)

I wrote another song! Somebody stop me!

This one is an ode to Hurricane Irene. I guess.

Today is a big day for my step daughter.

She’s getting braces put on today. She probably has them on already. The appointment was earlier this morning. I don’t know how long it takes to wire up a set, but I am guessing they are either done or will be in short order. Hopefully it’s not too painful.

Everyone wish my step-daughter a Happy Braces Day!

Weather forecasts never mess with me. It’s a 50/50 chance that any forecast is going to be 100% wrong, so why worry? If I have plans that could be affected by the weather my usual answer to requests that the plans be changed based on a forecast is wait until the day comes and look out the window. If you still want to change the plans then change the plans then.

But the damn Irene forecast… it’s getting to me. I’m buying into the hype. I’m already planning out how the four of us can sleep in the cellar on Sunday. I’m constantly mentally inventorying things that might be needed this weekend (the only thing I don’t know if we already have or not is masking tape to tape up the windows).

I keep asking myself, why is this one bothering me so much?

The answer is simple. That damn tree.

We have a tree in the front yard that needs to come down. At least 50% of the branches are dead. We had an arborist (sp?) look at it and he agreed it needs to go. He told us he’d get some one over to get rid of it but he’d need about 10 days to set it up. That was a month ago. We’ve called other tree removal companies and they ignore us. Meanwhile, Irene is blowing into the region on Sunday and the damn tree still stands.

Just hold on a bit longer, Mr. Tree. Keep on standing tall and strong and please don’t fall down.

Thanks, Mr. Tree.