Doodle, Thunder Storm and Pecan Tree

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Last night a long line of thunder storms set off by an approaching cold front passed over us. As they were approaching Haley started getting upset so I got the Canine Calm and applied it to his beard, ears and chest. This works good until the thunder is real close and he will just lay down beside me. The thunder got real close and Haley tried to climb in my lap (all 60+ pounds of him). He wouldn't stay still so I asked DH if he would sit on the floor with Haley. That didn't work. I got a cushion and sat on the floor and let Haley sort of lay across me. He just needed his "mommy". He calmed right down and would only lift his head when it thundered. Then we had a very loud clap of thunder. It sounded like it was right there with us. The light bulb in the ceiling lamp above us went out. DH went outside to make sure it hadn't hit the house (we do have lightening rods on all four chimneys and across the roof.) He came back to report that the 200+ year old pecan tree in the back yard thirty feet from the house had taken the hit! After the storms passed DH took Haley out to do his business which took them to the opposite side of the tree from the house. He found the tree on fire from the lightening strike; got the garden hose and poured water on the fire. He had to do this a couple of time. Between hosing the tree down and the rain that came back the fire was extinguished. (The fire was in a dead part of the tree.) We are now waiting to see what happens to the tree.

The wavy line in the grass coming out from the tree is where the lightening followed the root and came out of the ground. There is a hole at the end of the line.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Scary indeed. Chewie doesn't like thunder storms either.
Few years ago, lightning stuck a tall tree on our street. It split the whole tree which then fell and took out 3 concrete power line posts. We were without power for 8 hours.
Hope your beautiful tree survives.

[Pat and Traveler]

Yikes!  That was too close for comfort!  Glad you're all okay.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Scary business. I hope the tree survives too. And Donna is right about sheltering under a tree.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Pretty tree, I hope it stays alive. Sounds like a scary storm, no wonder Haley sought the comfort of his mom... :-)

[Donna K & Quincy]

Wow, I'm glad you are all safe and that Haley did well in momma's lap. I guess this is a good illustration of why not to take shelter under a tree in a thunderstorm. I hope your tree survives, it is a beautiful tree.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Wow Anne I think I would have wanted to crawl on your lap too! Haley did so well!!!  Glad you all weathered the storm okay and I hope your tree survives, it really is beautiful!