Sitting ducks? Well, that’s as apt description as any considering that Vermont has been getting absolutely soaked over the last few hours and is due for plenty more before Irene gets through with us. Of course the fact that we’re right in the storm’s path also makes the title of this post even more appropriate as Irene is to pass just to the east of us and just down from a category 1 hurricane by the time she gets here.

I have the usual worries of course, whenever storm like this comes through but unlike the past, this time I’m living rather far from the shore in a place that’s just loaded with trees. Vermont is just filled with trees you see. Lots and lots of the things. The phrase, “can’t see the forest for the trees” must have originated here no doubt about it. This includes 4 maple trees that happen to reside in our yard, two of which keep close companionship with the house. And I’ve had a talk with these fellows, you see.

I have politely asked them if they’d keep their branches to themselves during the duration of the storm and please not to fling them through my roof or walls if they would be so kind. I must pay back this kindness of course, (if the trees choose to give it) but since I don’t really know what trees want out of life they’ll just have to let me know what they want after the storm is over. However, the agreement is null and void if my roof or walls are stove in by flying leafy branch missiles or, heaven forbid, one of the things falls on my house.

So we’ve battened down the hatches, as it were, put up the storm windows, furled the canvas, set the sea anchor and the storm jib, made the ship as ready as possible and now we wait for the inevitable. Sitting ducks we are.

I wonder if I have time to get in one of those original Star Trek episodes before the storm hits?