Tuesday and Thunderstorms

One of my son's photos. 

Last night we experienced a significant thunderstorm with intense rain and lightning. I’ve never encountered anything like it, and at one moment, it felt like the storm was right above our home. While I worry about the trees, it isn't enough to make me want to remove them. 

In my area of California, outside the mountainous areas that tend to experience dry lightning in the summer, our thunderstorms generally occur in transitional seasons, such as Spring and Fall. 

In my imagination, I envision a vivid contest between summer and autumn, each season vying fiercely for supremacy. Summer doesn't want to give up its reign, whereas Autumn knows it will prevail in the end. During this contest, the air is charged with vibrant energy as the warmer rays of summer's sun clash with the crisp, cooler air of Autumn. It's quite a dramatic struggle, with booming thunder and hail. And that is what we had last night and supposedly again tonight. 

Bottom lineup, there's just no stopping Autumn. 

I used to share this story with my boys and the little ones at daycare, sparking their curiosity about the seasons.  It made me once, consider writing a children's book on the subject, though it feels like a niche interest. I wonder if such a book exists, filled with adventures among clouds, storms, and rainbows.

My knee is feeling better, and I'm being careful with it. I've realized that I tend to take longer strides when walking casually, which isn't necessary since it causes pain. Therefore, I'm making a few modifications. If all goes well, I plan to go swimming tomorrow after my class.

I canceled my Facebook account in 2021. However, I know that most of you are still using that platform. Therefore, I believe you are all aware of the settlement. I got an email about it yesterday:

 The distribution of settlement benefits will commence in September, and payments will be sent in batches over the following 10 weeks. You will receive an additional email notice approximately 3-4 days before your settlement payment is issued. Please continue to check your email during this time period. 

I needed to verify the legitimacy of a claim I submitted after the data breach of 533 million Facebook users, which involved leaked names, phone numbers, and other personal details. Unfortunately, class action lawsuits often yield few results. My son found out the total is $30, so I'll just go out for lunch.

We'll see if I really get it. I won't hold my breath.

I'm glad I exited Facebook and let go of the need to stay connected with everyone. It felt like a waste of time. I had some withdrawal symptoms at first, but it’s been worth it.

Did anyone else get that email? 

Lastly...

 

A nagging sense of forgetfulness lingered in my mind until a OneDrive notification appeared, prompting me to view photos from this date. As the images flashed on the screen, my heart sank at the sight of my sister. It struck me that today, September 8, marks the anniversary of her passing in 2015.

The bond between sisters is special. Growing up, we shared countless moments, and losing my sister meant losing both her companionship and the keeper of my childhood memories. Her stories often contrasted with mine, offering a different perspective that I cherished. Now, with just my own recollections, those memories are fading like old photographs, blurring the important details we once cherished.

I miss my sister. Our relationship was complicated since we were complete opposites, but we loved each other and were starting to reconnect in a new way.

Donna. 

Four years now have passed. (ten years) 
No, my heart's still not whole.
Yes, pieces forever will be missing,
But your life...it changed my soul.

Catherine Lamberton. 

"Pieces Forever Missing."