Calm after the storm

"The raving storm is rife, and where a beam
Of sunlight pierces through the misty cloud,
The spreading waters of the river gleam
Below the ruff'ling wind that roars aloud
Among the writhing saplings, lowly bow'd
With wildly fitful fury, till they seem
To sweep the ground, while trickling waters stream
Adown their green-ribb'd sides. The cattle crowd

Before the weatherbeaten hedge and man
Below some roof that rocks above his head
Seeks shelter from the heavy rolling blast:

And twitt'ring birds all shield them where they can,
Below the dripping tree or broad-eav'd shed,
Until the fury of the storm is past."

Another poem by William Barnes.

Well we survived to tell the tale! What a night! Luckily the roof stayed on and we had no obvious damage on the farm although many roads around are closed because of fallen branches or trees. The ferry port at Dover was not operating for a while but since T and his mates are not sailing until late tonight they think they still have a chance of crossing the channel at the chosen time - if they get there without a hitch. The gales are supposed to be disappearing into northern Europe at the end of the day.

Two of T's mates from Cornwall and Devon turned up for lunch before packing up the truck for the journey. We wish them a safe journey to Tignes and will be very glad to see all of them back in one piece in a week's time.