By the way, out here in our little valley we had a very unusual wind storm. The wind blew at nearly 80 mph for almost ten hours, and in a very narrow band not more than twenty miles wide. The damage to thousands of trees and dozens of buildings was enormous, but there were no reported storm related injuries. Many of us endured a power blackout that lasted for two or even three days. What it gave us was a greatly renewed appreciation for the miracles of light, heat and water, and a greater sense of our own vulnerability to their loss. Thoughts to ponder bout our modern ways of life.