It most likely does not surprise you to learn that I have discovered the secret to the international problem of high petrol prices the world over.
It was half way through a "Harry Potter" marathon, that Ashley and I got to "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"; the introduction of the 'Patronus Charm' has proven not only to be a turning point for Harry, but also for the universal struggle against increasing fuel prices.
So, I did a little digging around. The 'Patronus Charm' requires the use of a wand and the incantation "Expecto Patronum,"; which of course is Latin.
"Expecto" meaning 'expensive' and "Patronum" being 'Petroleum'; and so each time a Demontor is defended against, so the price of crude oil goes up by $27.57 a barrel.
Now, I know what you're thinking
"Surely it's acceptable, a small price to pay for the protection against dementors"
Perhaps, readers, perhaps...but consider that next time you're filling up your car for the equivalent amount of a mortgage payment.
** The patronus spell is actually derived from the Latin: "Patronus" meaning legal protector. It is related to "pater" (father) and Harry's patronus indeed takes the same form as that of his father's (a stag). But that isn't anywhere near as funny, and hardly provides me any material for such a satirical blog, so I'm sticking to my version
It's 3:30am, and Ashley touches my shoulder
"Can you pass me your alarm clock? The power's out, and I'll set it so we still wake up"
I have a battery alarm clock, and the power had indeed been knocked out by the storm. While we weren't exactly prepared for this, but little did we know, it was merely the tip of the iceberg.
I leaned over, and handed Ashley the alarm clock; there was then the biggest clap of thunder I have ever heard, and a sound similar to that of a frieght train.
The bedroom window then exploded.
Now Ashley, she sleeps rather cold, and therefore had the covers over her (especially lucky as she sleeps closest to the window); I on the other hand, sleep very warm, and without cover (and frankly, anything else), got a good peppering on my side.
Thankfully, no pieces were large enough, or seemingly, sharp enough, to actually do any real damage. But, I say without shame, it was the most scared I have ever been in my entire life.
Once rational thought had returned to our minds, we headed straight for the bathroom.
It was only a few minutes later, when the storm had past (or at least the worst of it). The rain was still coming down, and the lightning lit up the room like a thousand strobe lights.
I got the 'safest' clothes I could think of (thick) and put chunky boots on (I wasn't sure what I would find outside); gave one of our emergency radios to Ashley and set outside with the other, and our trusty LED flashlights (seriously, if you don't have one, get one).
Keeping in contact with Ashley was paramount, as she needed to know I was ok, I needed to know she was ok; and I didn't know whether I would find lots of glass laying around outside, or lots of bodies. Were we hit worst, or were we the lucky ones?
I made the rounds around the entire apartment complex, not much activity to speak of, but the damage to the covered parking was immediately evident
The metal roofs, peeled back like the lid of a can of tuna left the 'covered' vehicles exposed to the elements
Being that my main concern were other people rather than their cars, I didn't pay much more attention other than checking some of the vehicles to ensure no one was in them.
From the side of our apartment, you can see two of our windows. The top being our bedroom, and the lower is our dining room. You can see where the projectile has punctured the window, and continued on to slice through the blinds on the other side.
This is what the dining room looks like from the inside
I continued my way around the complex, still undisturbed by anyone else. Around the East and South sides of the complex, most of the buildings seemed undisturbed, making me think that this really was an isolated weather event (which lends support to the tornado theory over strong winds).
One thing that really caught my eye as I was walking around, is the car that now had it's own chimney!
While I'm not sure whether Ford will be considering releasing this as standard on future 'Focus' models, as this one seemed to have it's share of design faults.
It was at this point, that I was able to see several flash lights, and verified rather fast that 'our' side seemed to have been hit the worst with the flying projectiles, and most everyone else was just experiencing leaking problems.
We had our fair share in the kitchen, but the water was a less of a concern to us than the glass that had found it's way to every corner of our house.
We cleared glass from all over, but it was as Ashley was sweeping up glass from the back wall of our our kitchen, some 26 feet from the window that had blown in, that we started to grasp the force that had been responsible.
Checking on our bedroom window, you can see almost the exact point of entry
...and what is the offending projectile you're wondering, I'm sure.
This roofing felt/tile from the apartment complex 200 feet over was found not only littering the entire apartment complex, but also our entire house. Pieces as large as 10" x 12" were pushed through our windows.
As for what snapped the trees up and down our street?
Yeah, strong winds...whatever.
There continues a debate as to whether this was officially a tornado. Authorities are studying footage to establish whether the damage was linear or tornadic. I don't know if this is to satisfy public curiosity, or in attempt to explain why the tornado sirens weren't sounded...I dare say we'll soon find out.
For now, Ashley and I remain alive and safe. We're all cleaned up now, and although we continue (and dare we will for some time) to find glass on the floor, we have new glass in the windows, and it all feels like a lifetime ago.
*** These photos were all taken after everyone had been confirmed as safe, alive and well
One of the things Ashley and I resolved to a while ago, is that we simply can't take all of our stuff with us when we go. Primarily, for 'space' issues, but almost as equally important, cost concerns.
We're currently looking at about $4,000 USD (that's about £2,000 GBP in old money or €2,500 Euros in new), so keeping the shipping container light and compact is of the up most importance.
So we've set about offloading our least most desired possessions into the welcoming hands of 'Craigslist' trawlers and the even more welcoming arms of 'freecyclers'. Reception to our coveted goods have been mixed, with some emails received offering little more than an insult.
That said, one lady, drove an hour, paying exactly what we asked, for a computer chair. Whether this was a sign of her dire need of a computer chair, or our marketing skills...or perhaps just good fortune shining down upon us; she actually ended up taking another chair with her (for a bargain price I hasten to add!).
All in all, it gives one cause to take a step back and asses a house full of memories versus a building full of cheap 'stuff'. One man's junk is another man's treasure, as it were (or vice-versa as the case may be).
What value can be placed on these items? Apparently not one that is too high, or people just won't 'bite'.
Now, of course, you COULD go a buy comparable items from your local Walmart and/or Target...but THOSE weren't once owned by me!
This is apparently where I, and Joe Public, part ways in our thinking. One of us feels it increases the value, the other adamantly disagrees.
The world-famous Red Arrows have been banned from appearing at the 2012 London Olympics because they are deemed 'too British'.
Organisers of the event say that the Arrows military background might be 'offensive' to other countries taking part in the Games.
The display team have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the Department of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the display team 'too militaristically British'.
Red Arrows pilots were said to be 'outraged', as they had hoped to put on a truly world class display for the Games, something which had never been seen before.
Being axed from a British-based event for being 'too British' is an insult - the Arrows are a symbol of Britain.
The Red Arrows have been excellent ambassadors for British overseas trade, as they display their British-built Hawk aircraft all over the world.
The Arrows performed a short flypast in 2005 when the winning bid was announced, but their flypast at the Games was to have been truly spectacular.
It is to be hoped that common sense prevails, so if you disagree with this decision, please sign the petition on the link.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows2012/?ref=redArrows2012
"Your application has been approved and the visa has been
issued"
...notification from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office today. Just a quick note to everyone to let you know that Ashley's VISA has been approved, so it's official...we're definitely going.Thanks to everyone for their support, it's been a long journey (and it's not over yet!).James & Ashley
