Storm Claudia.

First thing this morning the rain had eased and I was able to sit in the open doorway with my coffee (no tea on Fridays) and watch what was happening outside. Which wasn't a lot as the easterly wind had blown the sea flat.

But later, during my riding lesson the wind and rain both picked up intensifying during the day until right now the wind is howling and heavy rain is falling. 

Coming home from town part of my route takes me around the back of a steep wooded hill. I drove a little slower than usual as out of the corner of my eye I could see many of the trees swaying ominously which wasn't a good sign. Then I turned a corner to be faced with a whole tree laying in the road. I was able to drive around it (on the wrong side of the road) but was glad when I made it out of the woods. 

The rest of the way home held fewer chances of danger, no potholes or sections that flood and almost no trees on either side just tall thick hedges. I did keep my eyes on the telegraph poles which seemed to be standing up to the wind though the wires between them were billowing out. Earlier in the year after Storm Darragh two of the poles developed a distinct lean. I used to slow right down, check them out and then drive quickly past. I was even more cautious after seeing one of the poles swaying gently. Those poles have since been replaced.

At the stable I had Pacman to ride (I double checked as he was looking a bit different after being clipped by Pony Club and Chloe). He was a bit more forward going than when I've ridden him before and I had to leave my schooling whip in a corner as it wasn't helping. I also think he had the 'wind under his tail' as things began to rattle and creak outside. Today we worked on turn on the forehand and talked about other fancy stuff. It was too wet afterwards and one person wasn't there for us to discuss the jumping lessons so that will have to wait for another week.

Afterwards I did my usual shopping and despite the rain walked to the main shopping street. Mainly because I needed to collect a larger print of one of our holiday photos to put on the wall. But after I'd put it in a frame I realised the colour was 'off'. Compared to the small print which has the colours we remember the large print is way to green. I'll have to take it back next week and ask them to re-do it.

Usually when I get home on a Friday I get my clothes in the washing machine and then collapse in front of the tv with tea and painkillers. But this week I decided to get a few things done first. One tiny floor to wash, apples (from one of the choir members) to prepare and cook and some ironing. Once that was done I was ready for my tea. Supper tonight is salmon en croute with a white wine sauce from the reduced shelf along with baby potatoes and vegetables.