The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

That was quite a storm we had in Central Ohio over the weekend. There's a good reason I haven't blogged since then - the power and with it, internet access, has been out until just a day or two ago. There was a downpouring rain, many lightning strikes, hail which lasted between 5 and 10 minutes in duration and winds which exceeded 60 mph and in some cases 80 mph. Some roads were blocked off in the following days. Just about everywhere I go, I see branches or trees on the side of the road. It's been somewhat reminiscent of the storm which hit us after Hurricane Ike a few years ago. I read that a million people in the state were without power at some point and not everyone of them/us has power yet. Some may be without it until this coming weekend. Unfortunately, this coincided with record-breaking temperatures in what was a scorching end to June and now start to July. My thoughts go out to all those effected by this storm. Hopefully we don't see another one like it for th...

Rain In My Eyes When I awake in the morning, Whether the skies be clear or clouded, A smile comes across my face, As I hope to be a ray of sunshine to others, Helping an elderly woman with groceries, A blind man reach his destination, A friend in need, A child find his parents, Never expecting the kind gestures, Speech minimal in response, Uncertain of what to do, The lone word emanating from their mouths is thanks, Not expecting anything in return, I still cling to hope, That another voluntarily does similar for me, Reaching out without my asking, I look back for help, But find no one, All looking after themselves, As I stand alone, I walk the streets with my head sunken, The clouds plentiful and ominous, A few sprinkles are then felt, Before a pouring rain comes crashing down, I gaze up at the sky, Looking for that ray of sunshine, My eyes begin to burn from the downpour, Coalescing with the tears in my eyes.