NORTHEAST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 35 TO 45 MPH WITH LOCAL DAMAGING WIND GUSTS TO 70 MPH THROUGH PASSES AND CANYONS. THE STRONGEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED THIS MORNING

I'm perched on my chair, in front of the computer, flinching every time one of the heavy gusts slams into the house. A steady high wind would be easier to endure.

The palm trees' fronds stream away from their trunks (stems?), as whole trees bow homage to the winds' fury.

The cats and the dog were up all night, pacing and nervous, vocalizing their anxiety with each sudden cacophony of noises.

I slept like a fretful baby, which means coming awake every couple of hours or so, calming the animals, checking the front and back yards for damage, downed tree limbs or power lines, or gentlemen in distress.

It's still blowing this morning and I've given up all pretense of sleep. The RT has to go to the VA tomorrow; I hope the winds have died down by then. Driving the freeways in a windstorm, especially through the passes, is quite scary, trying to hold the vehicle steady on the road.

It's always something. All I want for Christmas is a couple of boring days. Here comes the wind again....