Kitty Toll just let me know they lost a stand-up paddle board and paddle in the storm last night. If you see either or both of these items, let them know. Their number at camp on the big island is 563-2627; at home it is 684-3671. 

That was a mega storm last night. Almost uninterrupted lightning flashes, and some very close bang as if it hit something nearby. I am particularly nervous in thunder storms. When I was growing up on the farm on Cabot Plain, we were altogether too close to the heavens during summer storms. It always seemed as if something on the farm would get hit - electric fence controllers were damaged, lightning would come in on the old wall type telephone and jingle the bell - nobody in their right mind would be on the telephone during a thunder storm. There were several incidences of lightning coming in on the iron water pipes and blowing out light fixtures. We had a big old transformer on a pole in the yard at the farm, and that was set on fire several times. There were a couple of times when small fires were started at the farmhouse from electricity traveling through the water pipes. When there was a storm, everyone congregated in the front living room. No water pipes there, and a nearby door in case of a direct hit. We were instructed as kids to stay out of the bathroom and kitchen and keep away from chimneys and windows. If we were outside, we were told to get under cover as soon as possible, or if we were in the woods or fields, stay away from power lines, trees and fences, and don't be the tallest object scooting across the hilltop. A couple of times my cousins and I had to wait out a storm lying in a depression in a pasture because we were caught too far from home when bringing in the cows. It was usually hard to even find the blooming cows when there was a storm brewing. They would head for the deepest part of the woods every time. So that's where I learned to respect and fear thunder storms. 

I measured 1.21 in. of rain in my gauge this morning. A good soaking, for sure. We are keeping the house closed and all fans are operating, so we are pretty comfortable as long as we stay inside.
Bob just stopped in for a few minutes to say hi. He was in Newport yesterday playing with the Hitmen. They will be back there on the Fourth of July and again on the 6th. I guess Newport really likes them! Then later in the month they will be at Island Pond. Bob said they had a good crowd and enjoyed playing. This is all part of Newport's centennial celebration. They played in a gazebo on the waterfront yesterday afternoon and Bob said a lot of the audience was out on the water on pontoon boats, etc., and everyone had a good time.