Cyclepath by Bairds Maltings, Inverness. A seemingly quiet view with a light dusting of snow. Unlike the rest of day...

Slowly came to after five this morning, when I realised that constant noise wasn't in my dream, but was something real. The wind through the trees outside was increasing to the louder stages. There was no chance to go back to sleep. That wind seemed to peak, or hit the first peak, at 5:43. All sorts of ominous creaking, groaning, howling, rattling, rumbling and other worrying noises from the house itself, and without. Lashing rain, almost like the windows were having small stones continuously thrown at them. The whole room was suddenly extremely brightly light, abruptly followed by the associated clap of thunder. (Expletives) Whatever it hit, wasn't very far away.

Wasn't feeling too safe in this house before that explosion. Wouldn't have felt too safe in any house. And couldn't help but wonder what those poor souls in the Philippines went through with something far, far stronger than this.

Power went off just before six. No flicker, just instantly off. Started mentally listing whats likely to have happened outside. That wobbly back fence I should have replaced in the Summer, that'll be first to go...

Got up early, and located some torches. Recent cycle lights/torches that I swithered if I'd really need, all became most useful. That wind-up radio bought about ten years ago, once found, worked, and worked well. Much to my amazement. It's not often that I tune to the local radio station (MFR) in the morning. I only do so to hear what's happening on the roads, and with the weather locally. Their morning presenters drive me nuts.

After seven, when it was starting to brighten outside, I ventured out with a torch. Neighbour's chimney pot was smashed on their path. Landing just between their two cars, without touching either. The whirly thing that spins atop my chimney was going like the clappers. I've always been wary of parking anywhere within falling range of it.

Back fence was all wobbling, two of the (woven) panels blew flat shortly after, as the post between them snapped. Three compost bin lids blown off. Located two, and put them away from the wind, in the garage. One (empty) wheelie bin blown over - left it there for now. House all seemed intact - inside and out. Tried several times to see if my neighbours were okay, but suspect they couldn't hear my gentle knocking over the other noises.

Headed off for work late, but in daylight for a change. Early in the journey the road goes down a steep hill to the main road. No problems, thankfully, as that could have been very nasty with what happened later. Going around a bend out of the village a van starts pulling out from the left - emergency stop mode. The van driver did the same, fortunately. There was an initial bite from my brakes, then pedal lost any kind of feel as it moved easily towards the floor. I was confused, but drove on. That didn't feel like ABS kicking in, so what happened? Thoughts rapidly turned to avoiding debris all over the road.

Reached the A9 gentle braking required - no problem. Drive on. Later, coming down the ramp from the Kessock Bridge towards a line of stationary traffic was when I realised, "my brakes have failed..." (more expletives). Any reasonable pressure on the pedal and there was next to nothing. Slow down with the gears, and make ready to use the handbrake if necessary - it wasn't). It was less than a mile to work, with a couple of roundabouts and sets of traffic lights. All were negotiated v-e-r-y carefully, with plenty space between the car and others. Bypass work - straight to garage.

The local garage that I've been using for years, has only just changed hands, with the retiral of my trusty mechanic. Met the new folk two days ago, and they seem nice people. As I departed I'd said, "probably see you in the Spring, when the MOT's due." Ha! little did I realise...

Lots of heavy horizontal snow showers through the day. Also heard the river was trickling over the edges at lunchtime. I didn't brave it out there.

Garage had loads of work on, and didn't have a chance to look at the car. I walked seven miles home tonight. In my wellies. Passed a team of Hydro board (SSE) folk that were working on a line damaged by a falling tree. The village had a very few lights on, but was obviously mostly still without power. Big surprise was that our street was back on. So various plans made during the walk, for lighting the fire, and preparing for tomorrow's predicted (all day) sub-zero temperatures, were not required. Well I hope not...

Bus tomorrow morning.



[If you've read all of this ramble then you're due congratulations, and apologies for the lack of editing...]