I haven't seen a storm like this one in 20 years. Strong wind, over 2 inches of rain today (and it's only 2:45 p.m.) and cold. The wind finds every possible crack and crevice to invade the house.

I suppose it's only a coincidence that it follows hard on the heels of a tsunami and the arrival of radioactivity from Japan's reactors.

Whatever its cause, it's bringing back childhood memories of hurricanes, with the howling wind and pounding rain.

Driving to Emerson this morning the water was so deep, it soaked my brakes, and I found myself using an old trick for the first time in a long time: accelerator and light pressure on the brakes at the same time to squeegee them dry enough to hold.

Hard to relax and read. I just went outside and pulled shelving and other stuff which is being stored outside while the rooms are painted back in farther from the edge of the patio. The rain is slanting in nearly horizontally.

The big long (expensive) boards I brought inside to dry before they warp.

Don't know how the tomatoes are faring; will check on them when the storm abates. Cats are fine, asleep on the bed. Never let it be said wind and rain disturbed their naptimes.

I wonder how long it's going to last....