Weather Trivia and Thankfulness

I admit that I am a weather geek.  Weather fascinates me, and like many, I am prone to grumble when the weather isn't exactly what I'm hoping for. And there have been plenty of opportunities for grumbling this spring.

A few of you have expressed surprise that we had EF3 tornadoes last Friday. The greater St. Louis area is no stranger to tornadoes ... more tornadoes have hit the St. Louis area than any other city in the US, including the third deadliest tornado in US history.  Three EF4 tornadoes have hit the St. Louis area, including one in 1981 touching down in the small city where I was living (the same small city hit on Friday by straight-line winds).

Last summer I made plenty of mention of the drought we were experiencing and its effect on the Mississippi River (the river was the 9th lowest level ever).  Contrast that to the river today, where the river is at the 8th highest level ever.  Definitely a case of feast or famine.

And all of this weather has combined to wreak havoc on our garden. While it is frustrating, I am well aware that I have plenty to be thankful for.  My family and I are safe ... our homes are standing and in no danger from floods. There are many this spring who aren't able to say that, and my heart breaks for them.