Portland's biggest fear: weather

Tuesday was an unsettled day, weather-wise, in the Portland area. Heavy rains at times, light showers at times, lots of wind. But the news-making weather didn't happen until around 9pm. B and I watched the opening segment on the 11 o'clock news to find out the details:

Opening broadcaster: "It's been a wild day in the Portland area and we have our chief meteorologist standing by for the latest, but first, let's head out to Megan who is live, on location. Megan, what can you tell us?"

On-location reporter, on the street outside the studio: "Well Steve, you're right, it's been a crazy day. Just about two hours ago, around 9 o'clock, we witnessed a bright flash followed by two loud booms. We're not exactly sure what the booms were, but we did visit with the Colby family awhile ago who will tell us about what they heard."

(Colby family proceeds to talk about how the loud booms rattled the windows at their house.)

About this time, B and I looked at each other, speechless, and turned it off. Hmmm, bright light followed by loud booms. This town is crazy.

I also witnessed the bright light as I pulled in the driveway from work. I came in the house and said to B, "I think I just saw lightning." He said, "Yeah, maybe, I think I just heard some thunder." We did not say, "OMG! What was that? We better call the news!" If Portland experienced just one, mild, mid-west thunderstorm, I think people would freak out and probably call 911. We tend to not experience "extreme" weather in these here parts so when it does happen, look out. Chaos.