Thursday, September 24

End of the World... or Just another Dust Storm..

When I awoke, early on Wednesday morning, I could see a blood red light in the gap of our bedroom drapes.
As I rolled over, I thought it was odd...
I decided it was either the End of The World... or another violent Bushfire Sunrise!
As you do, in this country of extremes.

However, when I rose at 5.50am, & noted the odd blanket of cloud, I knew what it was. I knew it was a dust storm. We had experienced one, of a much lesser degree, back in 1983, when we first resumed residence in this (now) beloved country.


I took this view from our front room windows, around 6 .15am.

I had already taken this view of the same area, at approximately 6am. I am not sure why the light appeared so different in each photo, but visibility fluctuated as the day wore on.

Eventually it all appeared clear by around 4pm. We were warned it was not really all clear!
Warnings for today.
All appeared clear,but we are warned there is 'talcum-like' sediment remaining in the air.
******************
"I Love you Too!!"
Here is my Grand Nephew.

And here he is, with his doting Grandfather! He takes him for rides in his truck, up & down their driveway!!


Here is N with his lovely Daddy!
What a huge Grin!!



I suppose I have to go to bed??


But Daddy, this is too much fun??


**********************
This is true 'free treat' territory...


Alas, it was no more, after the dust storm.
Nothing remained untouched.
It was amazing how the dust storm destroyed some things.
The neighbour's beautifully blooming Azaleas were laden with wonderful blossom.
They are the Bridesmaids to the coming marriage of the Summer!
The Bride, perhaps, the Double May, or the White Azalea, looking every bit, the '50's Bride!!
What short lived glory, once the Dust arrived. It left it's red calling card all over everything.
We will spend months cleaning, the red of the interior top soil, from our cosy lives, here in the city.
I spare a thought for the Farmers of the Outback whose dreams may be dashed, & ruined with the loss of the topsoil. The Loss of the crops to come...

The red dirt from the interior of New South Wales, came to settle on our Eastern Coastal space.
How do the small bugs & beasties know where to settle? How do they know how to find the tender, young rocket? I am selfish, & do not wish to share with them...

Red Dirt Girl, Emmy Lou Harris.

21 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

Thank you for another thought provoking post. We had of course heard about the dust storm but until I read your post it was just another news item to me! It got me thinking - I do sometimes you know! - how in this new community that I have blundered into in Blogland it doesn't matter who we are, how old we are, what our political affiliations are or our religion or anything else we can all get on together, offer each other insights into what might otherwise be just another news item, offer support to each other etc and how would it be if we could do this with people all over the world and not just the English speaking ones and how that might - just might but no I am probably being naiive - go some way towards making the world a better more peaceful place. What do you think?


How's the dog today?

Love your little grandson - he's really cute.

Jane x

Marigold Jam said...

Oops grand nephew not grandson!

Thimbleanna said...

Wow, those dust storms are amazing. I just can't imagine -- I hope you didn't lose too many plants. Your little grandnephew is adorable -- what fun to be around such a little cutie!

Anonymous said...

What a precious little one, he is sooooo cute. I've never witnessed a dust storm, they are amazing and scary as well.

Catalyst said...

We saw some video of the dust storm encompassing Sydney on the evening news last night. We used to get those when we lived in Phoenix, too.

ancient one said...

I've seen a dust storm but never with red dirt. I was wondering when I saw news reports yesterday, if you were affected with it. Guess I just got my answer. Your grand nephew is so cute. I just love all his curls. Hope your day is good!!

VioletSky said...

I've never seen a dust storm - red or otherwise - so thanks for this personal account. It certainly doesn't sound or look pleasant. I guess you will be dusting for weeks after this.

Selina Kingston said...

Watch yourself with all that dust around,Meggie. I have slight asthma which always catches me when I least expect it so that red cloud made me feel quite breathless when I saw it on the news. Take care of yourself x

molly said...

We get some extreme weather here in Florida, but no dust storms like you are having. Must make it difficult for those with respiratory problems, not to mention the destruction of your beautiful flowers! Hope it clears up soon....

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Red dust, how awful. I am glad you were indoors and out of danger. We have lots of wind here and with the gravel in the park there is always a layer of white dust in everything. I suppose I can be grateful that it isn't red. Hope the rest of your week is much better. That baby boy is adorable!

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Red dust, how awful. I am glad you were indoors and out of danger. We have lots of wind here and with the gravel in the park there is always a layer of white dust in everything. I suppose I can be grateful that it isn't red. Hope the rest of your week is much better. That baby boy is adorable!

Granny J said...

When I was little, we lived in Phoenix and I recall my mother rushing to close all the windows as a dust storm rushed in. She didn't enjoy housework -- and a dust storm is certainly a creator of plenty of house cleaning. Especially if it is as red as your storm.

Rosie said...

sounds like the storm has blown away the dog...

Pam said...

Hmm, very dusty indeed. Hope you're feeling cheerier all the same.

julieQ said...

Hmmm, this will take a will to clean up when it all settles! The pictures are oddly glowly and strange.

quiltmom anna said...

Wow Meggie, what a storm- It must be difficult to go out in it.
Those people with respiratory problems must find it particularly challenging.
Your great nephew is so cute- love all his beautiful curls.
I can see one very proud grandpa too.

Hope all is well with you and yours and that you didn't end up with too much red dust indoors.
Warmest regards,
Anna

The Sagittarian said...

Those photos were wuite something, my Uncle lives in Bli Bli (Qlds) and he sent me similar pix taken from his balcony! Amazing the ones on TV we saw off Sydney, I could only imagine what a mess there would be to clean up!! Hope you've let the dog out the front gate, Meggie. xx

Tanya said...

Those are amazing pictures of the dust storm. It really does look like something is ending! I guess it would keep most people indoors. Maybe good for a quilting day?

Marja said...

That must have been quite an experience Meggie The cleaning up is not much fun. They said the dust would come over to NZ but it must have dissappeared above the ocean. Your grandson is so adorable Give him a big hug from me

Anonymous said...

I've read about your dust storm. How unpleasant. Some of the photos they've run in the press have been amazing.

Oh, and your grand-nephew is utterly charming.

prashant said...

I just can't imagine -- I hope you didn't lose too many plants. Your little grandnephew is adorable -- what fun to be around such a little cutie!
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