Wet and Soggy in The Ozarks

Here in the wet and soggy Ozarks, we’re a little weary. If you’ve followed weather-related events of the last week, then no doubt you’ve heard of our recent storm outbreaks.

Ozarks weather has truly lived up to its unpredictability. Even for those of us in Tornado Alley, we’re more than a little battle-worn.

To our neighbors north of us in Jefferson City, we send our heartfelt prayers! To those in nearby areas who lost loved ones and were affected by the recent tornado outbreak, our thoughts and prayers are with you, as well, and we extend our deepest sympathies. 

For the past several weeks, we’ve dealt with buckets (upon buckets) of rain, storm threats, and frequent trips to our tornado shelters and safe rooms. It’s been a season of perseverance and patience as we continue to press forward and go on about daily life.

Bottom line? We’re exhausted but resilient. 

Ozarkians understand that extreme weather goes with the region we often refer to as “God’s Country,” yet, we’d also prefer not to deal with it on an almost weekly basis. (Click-to-Tweet)

In the past nineteen or so years since we built our home, we’ve had two new roofs, gutters, downspouts, garage doors, multiple new trees and shrubs, and more. Never in our wildest dreams could we envision just how much we’d actually use the safe room in our basement. We thought it might be a great place for storage.

As you know. there are trade-offs to wherever we live. Certainly, if our roots are in planted in a particular place, it takes a lot of thought and effort to consider moving. Because there are so many factors at stake—most likely, additional family in the region—that complicates relocating. And too, there are aspects to our home state we’d genuinely miss.

The Ozarks’ natural beauty, friendly folks, and laid-back lifestyle bear noting.

It’s difficult to explain the region’s vibrant heritage and nuances to those unfamiliar with the area. You need to visit a while and soak up the culture and atmosphere.

One day when my husband and I retire, we know that if we move, there are things we’ll hate to leave. Remember those trade-offs I mentioned?

Nevertheless, there’s a little place down South along the Gulf that calls our name. A place with equally friendly people and a similar-paced lifestyle as The Ozarks. A place where we’ve vacationed many times and a spot we just love.

Yes, I know there are hurricanes, but hurricanes aren’t as frequent and as unpredictable as Ozarks’ storms, and when they do come, there’s more prep time.

Getting back to the wet and soggy weather here in the Ozarks, we really could use a continuous run of sunshine, so pray for that, will you, please?

In the midst of all these storms, I’m knee deep in my work-in-progress. I’d really like to concentrate on my characters rather than worrying about what tomorrow’s weather will bring.

It’s a little like waiting for the other rain boot to drop. We know spring and summer bring the worst storms, but we still plug away knowing we have work to do.

We can’t rest on the sidelines and wait for the game to end. In the Ozarks, weather is an up and down roller coaster. We’d never accomplish anything if we waited for the next big thing to happen. (Click-to-Tweet)

So…we meander along, neighbor helping neighbor. Replanting, rebuilding, and encouraging one another. Because it’s what we do.

And sometimes we ponder the poignant correlation to weather and life, and we realize that even in hard seasons, we produce the most delicious fruit.

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We’re a little waterlogged over our way. Kick off your rain boots and join us for coffee! Bonus points if you bring pie.

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The Ozarks are a mixed bag in the weather department, but we’re grateful for the blessings. Here’s more from Tornado Alley!

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Original Image Credit: dilanranjith/Pixabay

 

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What’s unique about your geographic region?

Do you have any tips for those who are experiencing weather-related hardships?

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Thanks so much for stopping by, friend!

Praying, again, for folks affected by the recent storms and upheaval.

May you have a safe Memorial Day weekend as we honor the fallen who proudly served this great nation.

Much Love and Many Blessings,