Wind and home owning

"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails." — William Arthur Ward

I really don't like wind. This, I realize now, is ironic considering where I moved — to the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. When I arrived, I heard people speak of 70 or 80 mph winds, but I sort of dismissed that. Then I encountered my first wind storm... that's no joke.

For the second time in a month, we have a blizzard warning here. Setting aside the fact that it's April and I'm used to spring... maybe a shower but certainly not a blizzard. This is the second blizzard in a row that has been light on snow and heavy on gail-force winds.

Last night I had plenty of time to fret about the wind as I listened to it slam into our house all night long. In between my 10-15 minute bouts of sleep, I wondered what the wind that wouldn't end was doing out there. Yeah, it's been a fun day.

What has been even more fun is the fact I own my home now. In the past, I worried about wind, the havoc it would wreak, and the damage it would do. But someone would fix it. Now, that someone is me.

That's what makes the gutter falling off my house, the siding pulling off the house, and the tree brushing against the roof an even bigger disappointment. Yet another reason to hate the wind...