Tornado Warning On Christmas Eve

Coker, Alabama

Weather: low 57 degrees, high 76 degrees, cloudy, tornado warning late in the afternoon

About 1715 hours, we noticed the wind was picking up and it was starting to sprinkle. Carolyn turned the weather radio on just in time to hear that a tornado was expected to pass through this area in the next few minutes. We know that an RV is not the best shelter for safety from a tornado, so we decided to go out to Terri's house. Her house has a tornado shelter built into the basement. On the way out to the house, we drove through heavy rain and high wind. By the time we arrived at the house, the wind and rain had eased off. Since it was dark, we were unable to see what was going on with the sky. After a few minutes, the radio announced that the watch had been canceled. We waited a few more minutes to make sure it was safe, then returned to the RV. Another front is expected to pass through the area tomorrow, so we'll have the radio on to listen for any more tornado related news.

We have seen some extremes in the weather over the last 2-3 weeks. Heavy rain, high winds, tornado warnings, fog, mist, freezes, sleet, snow. About the only things left are hurricanes and dust storms.

This morning, I took my morning walk a little earlier than in recent weeks. That was in an attempt to get to the barber shop early enough to get a hair cut, and it worked. By 0800, I had finished my walk and by 0810, I was sitting in the barber's chair getting my ears lowered. By 0830, I was at the WalMart Mall, picking up the last few items needed for our Christmas Day feast. I was home by 0930 hours and eating breakfast. A lot was done in a short period of time, but I was able to avoid the busy roads and stores that the last few hours before Christmas always brings.

We were invited by Marsha and Chuck, two of our landlords, to go to their house and see their Christmas tree and other decorations. The tree was beautiful, using a lot of artificial fruits and vegetables as decorations, which is in keeping with their green thumbs. They are nice people, and we feel very fortunate to have them as neighbors and landlords.

We went through the presents we're taking to Terri and Thomas's apartment tomorrow for the Christmas celebration. It looks like everything is ready. In the morning, Carolyn will be preparing a bowl of ambrosia to take to the celebration.

This season of the year is always a special time for us. We hope everyone has a good day tomorrow.

More later, be safe.

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