December 23, 2008. Canyon Lake, Texas. Storms.

It certainly could be worse than just cold weather. The wind was so strong and gusting that the top of the hot tub blew off, even though strong straps were holding it down as well as the usual tabs to keep the top in place. First strong winds, then freezing rain, which left two inches of ice on the top of the water in the tub. Jackie and Bryan rescued the top from down by the water, and put it back in place with new straps, and they hope it will stay in place the rest of the winter season. And then the snow came down, which meant there was a delay getting out to check out the house. No damage to the house, except the furnace was not running, but when they hit the restart button, the furnace came back on and now is heating the house. "Hurricane level winds, followed by gusts over 100 miles per hour," they said. Thank heavens for good caretakers who diligently monitor the house and the hot tub and the Carriage House. When the weather is calm, trying to picture the storm is almost without imagination. I have heard the wind, but I have never been there when the snow and freezing rain comes down in force. One day we will get lucky and be in Nova Scotia during a bad storm.

At home in Bethesda, River Road is closed due to a water main break at Seven Locks Road and River Road. I can imagine the traffic mess that will cause. Of course, the break occurred during rush hour this morning, where the traffic is already congested. Fortunately, many people are away for the Holiday Season, and the schools are closed, but a lot of traffic still comes along River Road. Oh mercy, what a mess. Today I went for a walk around the neighborhood to see what has happened here since last we were here. I reported back to Ken that one new house is under construction on the water side. One ugly older house on the center of the circle opposite the water had all the furniture piled in front of the house in a state of disarray. I could not find anyone to tell me what on earth has happening to this ugly house. I hope it is coming down, but at least someone will take all the stuff from in front of the house. This is an unpleasant thing to think about, all these couches and rugs and coolers and chairs just piled outside for all the elements coming on top of the pile. I wonder what has happened? Once again, I am left to realize that I may never find out the answer.

Now we are going to eat lunch at The River Cafe. The restaurant is small and serves only lunch. For eight dollars you order their special and eat a full dinner, with soup and meat with vegetables and potatoes along with dessert. From the outside it looks awful, but the food is good and service is quick. All the local working people eat lunch there, along with us. Certainly no tourist would ever go in... unless someone was told about it. We are brave and cheap and hungry, so we go anywhere.